|Huge Leaks after changing Mask Seal Airfit F10

[clemon03]

Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction here.

I an using an F&P ICON+ CPAP with an Airfit F10 full face mask. I was having trouble with high leak rates so I bought a new seal and shaved off the beard. First time using the new setup last night and could NOT stop the leaks! Things would be fine for a few minutes then the seal would lift somewhere and shoot air at my face. Adjust, settle in and a new leak. Adjust straps, settle in, new leaks! Eventually took the mask off and slept without the CPAP for the rest of the night.

I'm not new to CPAP, but I just can't figure out what is going on here. Any help greatly appreciated.

[Pugsy]

What pressure are you using when you fit the mask at the beginning of the night?
What is your therapy pressure?
If you are fitting it at a lower pressure and then the pressure goes up then its possible that you just need to fit at the higher pressure.

We need more information than what you have provided to be able to offer any ideas as to how to fix your problem.

[chunkyfrog]

Your beard was a sort of mask liner.
You can make mask liners out of an old t-shirt or order one from Padacheek.

[Okie bipap]

After shaving the beard off the shape of your face changes slightly, depending on how long and thick your beard was. You probably need to go back through the fitting videos for that mask, and make your adjustments as though you have never used it before.

[clemon03]

My pressure is a static 9 - no ramp up. I'm now wondering if the headgear is stretched out. I've swapped it for another. Will see if that helps. It can't be any worse than last night!

[clemon03]

Your beard was a sort of mask liner.
You can make mask liners out of an old t-shirt or order one from Padacheek.

Help me out on this one. What is the point of a mask liner? Isn't the silicon mask cushion designed to seal against your skin? How does adding a layer of fabric between you and the mask help with the seal?

[chunkyfrog]

Mask liners form a soft, porous barrier between the silicone and your face.
They quiet leaks and feel softer against the skin.
Silicone on skin can feel hot or clammy, and may trap sweat and irritants.
They are an option for comfort.

[chima2g]

The Airfit F10 looks nicer than most masks because of the lack of a forehead strap but it's terrible with leaks because of it. You can see they meant well eliminating the forehead strap. Lord knows my sleep mask could do without it, but it's also a big reason for leaks and hence why I put it permanently in a draw after only a week of use and £100 down the drain.

I moved from that to the Mirage Quattro at the lanky lefty's recommendation and it has been excellent against leaks (up until the last few months but DIY mask liners quickly sorted this).

There are probably better masks than the Mirage Quattro now. Check out TheLankyLefty27's reviews on Youtube as he comments from his own trials as well as what he's seen from patients.

A good mask liner will stop you feeling leaks. A great one will stop leaks altogether but I'd be surprised if you get away with just using mask liners to sufficiently improve that mask. I'd move on to another if I were you.