Are you using the ResMed AirFit P10 mask?

I recently began using the AirFit P10 mask and found that, while I like the overall design and comfort, as well as the fit of the nasal pillow, the strap design is disappointing. As per the instructions, I must wear both straps behind my head and I found that they often slipped off the top of my head or down to neck level, after which the nasal pillow began leaking. I finally decided to cut the main strap on each side, overlap the two ends, and then sew them back in place so that I can use one strap on top of my head and one behind my head. This seems to prevent the mask from slipping off of my head and the nasal pillow from leaking. I'm wondering if others have had similar problems with the straps and, if so, what creative solutions you may have found. Thanks!

Your head is apparently even smaller than mine. There needs to be larger and smaller sizes.

I have worn the P10 for 6 months now and I also cannot keep the top strap separated from the bottom. They always go together at the back of my head. I'm lucky though that as long as the headgear is not stretched out it fits me without leaks. Once it gets stretchy, I wash it and it fits for a while longer. I did see a diagram posted by someone where they had cut one of the straps on the back and added velcro.

I am using the P10 and have the same problem with the headgear. I've modified it by attaching the top strap from my old Aloha headgear to it. It's perfect for that. This lets me wear the P10 in the position I want to avoid slippage and crazy strap marks in my hair at the back. It also allows me to tighten or loosen the headgear and keeps the whole thing more stable. The Aloha headgear has a removable hose management loop which I now use to guide the P10 hose overhead, improving the leaks I was getting from the hose pulling down on the pillows. You can buy the Aloha headgear by itself for $25 (or less?).

Here's the top strap, stolen from the Aloha headgear:


I've also dyed my P10 headgear black and rigged a form-fitting hose cover for it , cuz I'm OCD like that!

I make a low ponytail, and put the lower strap under it, then I remove the elastic.
My front strap lies in the suture between my front and rear skull lumps.
My head is bumpy enough to keep it there.

Apparently the headgear is nylon, polyester won't dye--nice look!

Thanks! Yes, it's nylon. Took the dye like a champ!

zmbee wrote:I finally decided to cut the main strap on each sides, overlap the two ends, and then sew them back in place so that I can use one strap on top of my head and one behind my head.

I don't get it... how's that different from the way the strap is delivered with the split in the middle?

palerider wrote:

zmbee wrote:I finally decided to cut the main strap on each sides, overlap the two ends, and then sew them back in place so that I can use one strap on top of my head and one behind my head.

I don't get it... how's that different from the way the strap is delivered with the split in the middle?

It was cut & sewn to make the whole strap shorter, so it can be worn with the straps separated but still be tight enough. I did something similar with my first P10 headgear so I could wear the straps apart - I folded the straps over about 1/2" on each side and stitched the fold in place.

chunkyfrog wrote:*snip* There needs to be larger and smaller sizes.

This, absolutely.

Thanks everyone! I guess I'm not the only one experiencing this problem. I contacted ResMed and told them that they ought to at least offer large, medium, and small headgear for the p10 and they told me that I should instead consider using the ear loops with the Swift FX mask. (?) It seems they missed my entire point or chose to ignore it - I'm not sure which.

strigiformes, you should make your design commercially available! I'd buy one! Quite nice. I think I'll follow your lead and try to manufacture something better using the Aloha headgear. Thanks so much for the recommendation. I tried folding the straps and then using a twist tie to hold the folds in place, but it was too uncomfortable so I thought I'd trying cutting and resewing them. I haven't done much sewing in my life so my straps look like a child put them together. They work, but I just don't know how long they'll last, and I do wish I could make further adjustments to the straps. Certainly my poorly sewn straps couldn't handle a washing machine. Velcro seems to be the way to go.

This is the thread where a diagram is for the p10 headgear with velcro idea. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=95045&p=976891&hili ... ro#p976891

zmbee wrote:Thanks everyone! I guess I'm not the only one experiencing this problem. I contacted ResMed and told them that they ought to at least offer large, medium, and small headgear for the p10 and they told me that I should instead consider using the ear loops with the Swift FX mask. (?) It seems they missed my entire point or chose to ignore it -

Yes, I agree, complete idiots!
And now let the inventions begin! ((Oh, they have already))

chunkyfrog wrote:

zmbee wrote:Thanks everyone! I guess I'm not the only one experiencing this problem. I contacted ResMed and told them that they ought to at least offer large, medium, and small headgear for the p10 and they told me that I should instead consider using the ear loops with the Swift FX mask. (?) It seems they missed my entire point or chose to ignore it -

Yes, I agree, complete idiots!
And now let the inventions begin! ((Oh, they have already))

well, at least they didn't try and make out like everybody's nose was the same size, like F&P with the 'q.

Rhinoplasties for those who decline other nasal surgeries?
"OMG! My nose is different!. I must get it altered!"