Repair of RESMED AirFit F10 silicone cushion possible?

[GlobalSurf22]

Hello All, new to this forum. Thanks to all who contribute!

Wondering if anyone else has the problem (twice for me) whereby the silicone seal around the hard plastic cushion leaks on both sides? It appears as if RESMED uses glue or adhesive during manufacturing to bind the flex silicone to the hard plastic. I use medium to high pressure and so air leaks out from the sides of the mask. Only way to stop the air is by OVER tightening the headgear to draw it closer to my face. IT is the only defect on the overall rather expensive mask unit so I would like to explore adhesive before spending another 57 pounds.

Does anyone else have this experience and have you had success with a glue of some type? I am not against new purchase but my last 2 cushions only lasted 5-6 months so it feels like engineered obsolescence.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[LSAT]

5-6 months for a cushion is not unreasonable...in fact...it's pretty good.

[clownbell]

Not sure whether you are in the US or on Medicare -- but -- Medicare will pay for two nasal cushions / pillows monthly. Most don't change that often. Some change monthly, some quarterly, and 5-6 months is good life. These are expendable supplies that don't last forever.

[tyrinryan]

On the F20 airfit cushion, I have had the same problem of the silicone part pulling away from the plastic part and I was looking for some medical grade silicone caulk to "glue" it back. Couldn't find any . I think originally the parts are not glued but bonded. I thought the silicone caulk would make a temporary repair.

But in any case, It is possible that silicone will not stick to the polycarbonite (plastic) part of the cushion, that is what the tech says. has anyone tried?

[chunkyfrog]

Just replace the full face cushion after 30 days.
No need to buy a whole new mask.
Any DME who insists you buy a whole mask is crooked.
Buy the cushion online, or from a private party.

[palerider]

Not sure whether you are in the US or on Medicare -- but -- Medicare will pay for two nasal cushions / pillows monthly.

Which has nothing to do with a full face mask cushion.

[tyrinryan]

If the silicone cushion pulls away from the polycarbonate plastic part at the bottom edge (as I found mine did) after a few months.-----well the air will leak out and the cushion will have to be replaced eventually regardless if it's private or insured. But if you believe the hype, there is no rush because the machine will compensate for the leak as long as it is minor. You think???? If it is leaking into one's eyes, that is a different matter, you have to fix it or replace right away.

OP wants to repair it, I agree. It would be nice to have a couple of back-up cushions to be used in an emergency. I thought of using some medical tape on the inside of the cushion (silicone/plastic) as the pressure is all outward. It would probably stick to the polycarbonate but would it stick to the silicone?

[ozij]

No way the leak from for a loose silicone cushion detached from its frame can be described as minor.

[lynninnj]

Glue gun?

(I have no clue)

[Dog Slobber]

Silicone is *very* difficult to glue and tape, most tape and glue simply won't stick to it. Even bonding new silicone to cured silicone is difficult because they must be chemically the same. We don't know chemical make up of the cushion's silicone.


Here's a YouTube video (3:14) demonstrating how a CPAP cushion can be glued with a polymer kit. The process is not simple or cheap.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66XcVJSZMNg&t=193s

https://tbbonding.com/cpap-machine-repair/

[clownbell]

Not sure whether you are in the US or on Medicare -- but -- Medicare will pay for two nasal cushions / pillows monthly.

Which has nothing to do with a full face mask cushion.

Palerider, Initially I thought the OP did not mention full face mask, because the message text does not mention FFM. The text did specifically mention cushion, which is why my comment referenced cushions/pillows. I was just trying to provide a relevant frame of reference for OPs consideration. After re-reading, I now notice that OP referenced FFM in he title only, not in the text. My mistake.

[palerider]

Not sure whether you are in the US or on Medicare -- but -- Medicare will pay for two nasal cushions / pillows monthly.

Which has nothing to do with a full face mask cushion.

Palerider, Initially I thought the OP did not mention full face mask, because the message text does not mention FFM. The text did specifically mention cushion, which is why my comment referenced cushions/pillows. I was just trying to provide a relevant frame of reference for OPs consideration. After re-reading, I now notice that OP referenced FFM in he title only, not in the text. My mistake.

It's important to try and properly understand the situation before offering advice, in order to avoid offering confusing information.

Almost all masks have cushions of one sort or another, whether ffm, nasal, or pillow. most are silicone, except for the AirTouch memory foam cushions.