• By Clay Rollyson
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Foam CPAP Mask Seals

For as long as CPAP masks have existed silicone has been the standard. Now, there is another option. Memory Foam CPAP masks have become a very interesting alternative to the silicone options. There are pros and cons to the memory foam as well as to the silicone. So, let’s take a deep dive and see what the right option for you might be.

What are the Foam CPAP Mask Options?

ResMed has been the trend setter in the memory foam category. They have a full-face option as well as a Nasal option. The full-face mask is the AirTouch F20 from ResMed. The Nasal is the AirTouch N20. Both have the same sizing, frames, and accessories as their AirFit F20 and N20 counterparts, but the AirTouch versions use memory foam seals. Both of these masks have been around for a while now, and both are available in small, medium and large sizing.

How does the Memory Foam Mask Work?

There is very little difference between how the memory foam CPAP masks work compared to the silicone versions. They are fit with standard headgear and seal against your face. However, the foam is all that touches your face instead of silicone. You tighten the mask as needed with the headgear to account for leaks and to improve your fit. The foam provides a very reliable seal without the abrasion that silicone can sometimes cause.

What are the upsides to a Memory Foam CPAP Mask?

  • Very Comfortable– You really cannot beat the comfort level of the memory foam. When tested by CPAP users it is almost always rate as “more comfortable” than their current mask.
  • Great for Beards– The foam does a great job of sealing against facial hair without having to overtighten the straps.
  • Great for people with silicone allergies– If using silicone causes skin issues or rashes, then a foam seal can make a huge difference. It would certainly be worth a try.
  • Really helps with those annoying lines on your face in the morning– The foam will give a more dispersed and soft seal against the face. This greatly reduces those impression lines that you have in the morning.
  • Reduces abrasion– Silicone is a bit tacky and can rub your skin to the point of breaking it down. Foam does not create this issue.
  • Seals extremely well– the foam contours extremely well to your features. This allows you to seal without having to over-tighten the mask.
  • Low maintenance– The foam is built to last 30 days with little to no maintenance at all. At most a simple wipe with a Mask Wipe is all that is needed.

What are the downsides to a Memory Foam CPAP Mask?

  • They do not last as long– You will not get nearly as long out of the foam seal versus the silicone seal. Many users will keep an extra seal around just in case the primary wears out.
  • When it is done, it is done– When the foam seals go bad, they do not work at all. Typically, the foam will tear lose from the silicone base of the seal, and the air will escape through the tear.
  • You can’t wash them– You cannot wash the foam seal at all. Exposing it to soap and water will deteriorate the seal almost immediately. The only cleaning option is the mask wipes for cleaning.
  • Foam sometimes separates from the seal frame– The foam is attached to the silicone base of the mask seal. When the seal wears out, this is where it typically separates. This makes the seal useless at that point.
  • Cost– They are not cheap, and they have to be replaced more often. So, you will not get off as cheaply as with silicone.
  • You cannot use ozone– Ozone will almost immediately destroy the memory foam. If you use a SoClean or Sleep8 CPAP cleaner, then you have to take the seal off of the mask before you put the rest of the supplies in for cleaning.

Sizing yourself for a Memory Foam CPAP Mask:

Sizing yourself for the AirTouch N20 or AirTouch F20 Memory Foam CPAP masks is very easy. We have links below to the sizing gauges. Then simply follow the steps below to find your right fit.

Fitting your Memory Foam Mask:

 

  1. Use the links above to print your sizing gauge.
  2. Cut out the sizing gauge, ensuring that it is to scale.
  3. Use the gauge in a mirror to see which size is best for your features.
  4. Place the order here for your AirTouch N20 or here for your AirTouch F20.

How to clean a Memory Foam CPAP mask:

You have to be careful when you clean a memory foam mask. You must first make sure that you remove the seal from the mask frame before you wash the rest of your supplies. The only method for cleaning your memory foam mask is a CPAP mask wipe. Even when you are using a mask wipe, then you need to be careful not to scrub harshly or pull at the foam. The foam cushion is built to maintain cleanliness without washing for up to 30 days.  
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  • By Clay Rollyson
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Evora Full Face Mask

Evora Full Overview:

The Evora now accounts for the 5th minimal contact full face mask on the market. I define that style as full-face masks that do not go over the bridge of the nose. The direct competitors to the Evora are the Amara View from Philips and the F30 from ResMed. The Evora does not disappoint in that competition what-so-ever. Let’s break down the highlights.
  • Dynamic Support Technology- The Evora features a floating seal and stability wings on the seal itself. This allows for the seal to float on the face when the CPAP is on. That gives a great seal with very minimal tightening on the face. The stability wings keep the seal in place to give you a great freedom of movement. This has allowed the Evora full face to fit 91% of trial CPAP users.
  • Top Notch Headgear- The headgear on the Evora full has to be the best in the minimal contact category. The VentiCool fabric on the back of the straps allows your head to stay cool and comfortable. Additionally, the Velcro that F&P uses on all of their masks is top notch. It lasts a long time and adjusts very easily.
  • Fitpack option- The Evora full has an X-Small, Small/Medium, and Large seal option, and all of them fit the same frame. Additionally, this mask can be purchased as a Fitpack with all of those sizes included.
  • Minimal Contact design- The design of the Evora keep the entire seal below the nose while still allowing you to breath through your nose or mouth. That means nothing in your line of sight at all. Wear glasses, watch TV, or read in bed with your mask on.
  • Quiet Exhalation- The exhalation ports on the front of the mask are at the bottom sides of the frame, near the tube connection. These ports direct the air in to directions and reduce the exhalation draft that can bother the bed partner or CPAP user.
  • Quick headgear connections- It also features simple clips and a quick attach snap that makes taking the headgear on and off the frame super simple.
  • Built to last- The Evora is not junk. The main parts that wear on CPAP masks are the seals and the headgear. Both of those parts on this mask are built for longevity.

Fitting your Evora Full Face Mask

  1. Hold the front of the Evora frame with one hand the headgear in the other. Bottom headgear clips should be unhooked.
  2. Place the seal on your face and guide the headgear over your head. Make sure that the seal is below the nose.
  3. Hook both of the headgear bottom clips to the frame.
  4. Gently tighten the headgear straps. Start with the blue top straps, then move to the bottom. Pull on both sides evenly. Tighten to comfort and stability.
  5. Attach your Evora Mask tube to the CPAP tubing and start the CPAP machine.
  6. Make final adjustments to the headgear to ensure a proper seal. Be sure to adjust evenly on both sides of the headgear.

Evora Full Face Maintenance

Cleaning and Maintaining your Evora full face is not difficult, but has to be done. If you do not keep up with the cleaning, then you will risk performance issues with the mask and can even cause serious health issues. We have seen some nasty things in CPAP masks around here. Don’t be that person. 😉 You can divide your Evora full maintenance into parts that need daily cleaning and parts that need weekly maintenance.

Daily Cleaning Evora Full:

After each use you must wash the Frame and the Tube of the mask. This means that you will mix a light soap and warm water. Then submerge the Mask and tubing into the water. Handwash until visually they are both clean. Then rinse the parts until all of the soap residue is gone. Leave parts out to air dry and then reassemble for use. Do not leave them out in the sun.

Weekly Cleaning of Evora Full

The headgear portion of the Evora can be hand washed weekly to ensure that it works well and lasts a long time. Over-washing the headgear can cause it to wear out early. The Headgear and clips can both be washed in the same manner as the Evora frame, cushion and tubing. Make sure to allow time for it to air-dry fully before reassembling.

Evora Full Face Pros and Cons

The Evora certainly has its ups and downs, like any other CPAP mask. Many of those are completely different for each different CPAP user. For instance, if someone has a pointy thin nose versus a short stubby nose, their CPAP mask results will be drastically different. So, take my opinion with a grain of salt.

Evora Pros:

  • High-end headgear– You cannot beat this new version of F&P headgear. It is long-lasting, comfortable, and easy to attach and detach. It also has really cool quick attach snaps that make taking headgear off for cleaning very easy.
  • Great “side of nose” sealing– The “wings” that come up along the sides of your nose help to reduce the leak up the sides of your nose. That is something that other Minimal Contact full face masks do not do well.
  • Quiet Exhalation port– The exhalation ports on the Evora are located on both sides at the bottom of the seal and are directed downward. This gives a very low-draft exhalation, and that is great for the CPAP user and the bed partner.
  • Low profile design– The tube connection comes off the bottom of the mask frame. This allows for a very low-profile front of the mask. This feature is great for side sleepers and those that move back and forth.

Evora Cons:

  • Mask tube is a little stiff– The tube that comes off of the front of the Evora is a little stiff and does not rotate very well. The only downside to that is if you move around a lot in bed. I would say that the best mask tube is the one on the Amara View for your reference.
  • Seal can be tough to remove– I do not think that the average person will have much trouble, but for older CPAP users or those with bad dexterity it may be difficult. The seal snaps in to place on the Evora and it takes a pretty good pull to get it out. Especially, when it is brand new.
  • Stop using two sizes on one seal– This is not a functional issue, but I cannot understand why F&P needs to make a “Small-Medium” size seal. Can we please just call it Medium or Small? 🙂 It really is an issue at times when we are trying to determine by phone which size someone is using. But again, it is not a functional issue at all. Just confusing.

Evora Parts List

Mask Kits

Extra Small (EVF1XA), Small/Medium (EVF1MA), Large (EVF1LA) and FitPack (EVF1XMLA)

Headgear

Standard (400EVF121) and X-Large (400EVF122)

Replacement Seals

Extra Small (400EVF114), Small/Medium (400EVF115), and Large (400EVF116)

Accessory Parts

Evora Headgear and Frame Clips (400EVF141), Evora Spare Tube replacement (400EVF151)  
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  • By Clay Rollyson
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Luna G3 Auto BPAP Bilevel

In the Bilevel world there are very few options available these days. So, when we get to demonstrate and review a new one, we get pretty excited. The Luna G3 BiLevel was not a disappointment. We took our time checking out all the pros and cons in addition to the setup and operation. Let’s dive in for a deeper look.

What makes this Bilevel different?

The Luna G3 has all the features of the more “well-known” bilevels like the AirCurve or the DreamStation Bipap at a more cost-effective price. It provides both fixed pressure and Auto-Bilevel therapy. Additionally, it provides great compliance and therapy reports that can even be done on your own with the web-based program. We have a great demo video of how to do that here. So, it will work well for following up with your doctor or DOT clinic. This bilevel is also very easy to setup and maintain, so let’s jump in there.

Setup of the Luna G3 BPAP

Setting up your new G3 Bilevel is a pretty simple process, and very similar to most other CPAP setups with a few exceptions. Your unit should come to you preset with the settings from your prescribing doctor. If you aren’t sure about that, you should contact your supplier immediately to verify. After unboxing all the parts and pieces follow the steps below for a quick and effective setup.
  1. Unpacking– Make sure that you get everything out of the bag. That should include the power supply (two parts), the Luna G3 itself, humidifier chamber, tubing, and power cord lock.
  2. Power up– Next you will connect the G3 Bilevel power cord to the power box, plug it into your wall outlet and then into the back of the machine. At this point, you will also add in the power cord lock to make sure the cord stays in place.
  3. Add your humidifier chamber– When you put the humidifier chamber on it can be a little tricky. Make sure to slide it down from the tops and click it gently into place. Press down firmly until you hear the click, and you see the chamber sitting flush in place. You can add your distilled water to it by flipping open the lid and filling to the max line.
  4. Connect your tubing– You may have standard or heated tubing included with your G3 BPAP, but the setup is similar. If your tubing is heated then, one end will have a small cord and connector. That end of the tubing with the plug will connect to the machine. The small plug will go into the little outlet right beside the air outlet where your tubing plugs on. The attachment of standard tubing is similar, but either end can plug on to the unit.
  5. Attach your mask– The final step of setting up your Luna G3 BPAP is to attach the mask. It will attach at the other end of the tubing. Be careful if the mask does not fit easily. You may be missing a part on your mask if you have used it on another previous CPAP or Bilevel. We have a great video here demonstrating this issue.
  6. Get some rest– You are ready to fire that baby up and get some much-needed rest. Check out our blog on getting accustomed to therapy next for some great tips.

Maintenance of the Luna G3 BPAP

Taking care of your new Luna G3 BPAP is a pretty simple deal. However, a failure to keep up with these items, may lead to a machine failure or nasty mold or mildew. There are 3 basic areas of maintenance. The Humidifier Chamber, Intake filter, and the Mask and tubing. Let’s go over those details:
  • Humidifier chamber– This has to be one of the most important pieces to maintain. That is because of all the nasty things that grow in unmaintained water chambers. Best practice is to fill the tank nightly and empty it in the morning. Allowing it to air-dry throughout the day. Then wash it with mild soap and warm water at least once per week. This water chamber is dishwasher safe on the top rack.
  • Intake Filter– The filter that comes with the Luna G3 BPAP is a foam washable filter. It needs to be removed and rinsed thoroughly once per week. Make sure to dry it well before putting it back in the filter housing and reattaching to the machine. Washable filter should be replaced every 6 months to avoid breakdowns.
  • Tube and Mask– The mask and tubing should be washed with the same warm soapy water as the humidifier chamber. Most manufacturers recommend daily washing, but we say at least twice per week. Make sure to use only mild soap, to rinse thoroughly, and to dry thoroughly before using it again.

Luna G3 overall review

Overall, we found that the Luna G3 is a great option for customers using bilevel therapy. It is just as small and easy to operate as the higher-end models, without the additional cost. What is really nice is that the Luna G3 bilevel does have some features that the bottom dollar options do not have. Let’s check out our top Pros and Cons:

Luna G3 BPAP Pros:

  • Easy operation and setup– There is no difference between the setup and operation of this Luna G3 and the high end bilevel options on the market.
  • Small footprint on the nightstand– At 10.4″ long by 5.7″ wide and just 4.5″ tall you aren’t going to get much smaller for a bilevel. We know “night-stand real estate” space is hard to come by.
  • More therapy mode that others– One really cool advantage is that the Luna G3 BPAP has: fixed bilevel, auto bilevel, fixed CPAP and Auto CPAP all built in to one unit. That is an awesome feature that I do not think any other bilevel has. So, if something about your therapy needs changed you have options.
  • Pretty quiet– I would not say it is the quietest of all bilevels, but it is pretty darn quiet. At a setting of 10cm the unit produces about <34 dB(A) of noise.
  • Heated tubing option– Many low-cost CPAP and Bilevel do not offer a heated tube at all. The Luna G3 BPAP does. For those that live in dry climates or have dryness issues that is a GREAT addition.
  • More affordable– This model offers a really good bilevel therapy at a lower cost.

Luna G3 BPAP Cons:

  • Humidifier chamber can be tricky– Taking the water tank on and off can be a little tricky. You have to press down firmly on top of the chamber to lock in place and then as well to remove it. If it doesn’t click and pop into place or lose to remove it, then you need to press again until you hear the click.
  • Compliance and therapy reporting– While there are multiple options for retrieving your data from the Luna G3 BPAP, they do involve some manual effort. You can use the QR code in the App, call in your iCode string, or manually download to the software via the SD card.
  • Thick Heated tube– Most models have a 15mm option and some even have a 12mm tube diameter option. Those diameter options are not available in the G3 BPAP as of now. For many users this is no issue at all, but some really like the thinner/lighter style tubing.

   
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