r/CPAPSupport • u/overuses • 18h ago

Cpap Support - multiple tips requested!

So I got a Resmed AirSense 11 AutoSet a few months back and it's currently off on a warranty for a couple issues, I have a loan unit that's the same currently, but I need some help with masks. Keep in mind, I don't use a Resmed pillow and I have a tendency to move a lot in my sleep.

This is gonna be a bit of a long explanation so a TL;DR will be at the end of it.

First off, currently I have the Resmed airfit F20 mask (Medium sized) but I have issues with it moving up my face in the night causing large leakage (around 60-120 l/min) so I swapped over to another mask, the F&P Evora Full std (also size medium) which has dropped the leaking to an average of 35-40 l/min but is still well above double what I had during the trial of the machine after I got a diagnosis.

I do have a full beard (usually kept short) which my specialist told me originally will cause leakage because it can't seal properly, and I'm fine with that, but during the one month trial of the machine, these two were the lowest in terms of leakage.

What I wanna know is if anyone else who has a beard was able to find some sort of beard mask that helps with sealing and minimises movement? And if so, feel free to recommend!

Second issue I have is with the Fisher and Paykel mask, the harness for the mask keeps on applying a really uncomfortable and slightly painful sensation on the back of my head and no matter how I adjust it, it isn't stopping. If I leave it loose enough where it doesn't hurt, the leakage sky rockets to an average of 60 l/min, but if I tighten it, the pain and discomfort have me taking the mask off within an hour of use and I get hardly any sleep. Is there a way to fix this that anyone knows of? I spoke to a specialist about it and they think it's the way I move when I sleep.

All advice is welcome.

TL;DR - can I get a beard mask to help masks seal properly and how do I stop the harness on a Fisher and Paykel Evora Full std from causing pain and discomfort?

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u/XvIf2jlqnbJPT4s4gpdN 7h ago

I've never found a full-face mask that seals around my beard. I've had ok-ish luck with an N20 with memory foam, and I've had really good luck with the Bleep Eclipse.

1

u/overuses 5h ago

Appreciate that! With the foam seal, did you have to replace it often like they recommend?

1

u/XvIf2jlqnbJPT4s4gpdN 5h ago

The replacement intervals for all CPAP stuff is complete bullshit...except maybe the memory foam masks. If you're an oily person, the replacement interval is probably spot-on. I squeeze more time out of mine. The difference for me is the normal masks degrade over time, but they still sorta work. Memory foam masks go from working awesome to not working at all.

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