AirFit F40 Setup and Review – Everything you need to know

  • By Clay Rollyson
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ResMed is the leader in the sleep therapy world, and CPAP masks are no exception to that. They have now launched the AirFit F40 Full Face. This is a minimal contact full face mask which are very popular today. In this blog we will introduce you to all the details of the F40. From setup and fitting to maintenance and our comparison and review of the F40. Now, let’s jump right in on those details.

AirFit F40 Fitting Guide

Getting a good start on any mask is the most important factor. A bad start or bad fitting at the beginning will lead to bad outcomes on the mask. With the F40 getting it fitted right will allow you to find out if it is a good fit for you. The single biggest thing to remember on this mask is that it seals UNDER the nose and over the mouth. We have had many customers trying to get the seal over the bridge of their nose, and that is not what this mask is designed to do. Now let’s look at the proper way to get a great fit on the F40 step by step.

AirFit F40 Fitting process:

  1. Twist and pull both magnetic clips away from the frame magnets.
  2. Place the F40 cushion under your nose and ensure it sits comfortably against your face. With the ResMed logo on the headgear facing out, pull the F40 headgear over your head. The top headgear strap should sit on top of your head and not too far forward or back.
  3. Bring the lower headgear straps under your ears and attach the magnetic clips to the frame.
  4. If the mask needs adjusting, undo the fastening tabs on the upper headgear straps and pull evenly. Repeat with the lower headgear straps.

AirFit F40 Cleaning Instructions:

Keeping up with your mask will improve the longevity and dramatically improve the performance. The AirFit F40 mask cushion should be maintained daily, and the entire F40 assembly needs to be maintained weekly. If you stay on track with this process, you will see much better comfort and performance over a much longer period of time.
  1. Soak the components in warm water with a mild liquid detergent like CPAP Soap. Ensure that there are no air bubbles while soaking.
  2. Shake the components vigorously in the water and hand wash with a soft bristle brush. Pay particular attention to the vent holes in the QuietAir/Multi-hole vent ring.
  3. Thoroughly rinse the components under running water.
  4. Squeeze the fabric components to remove excess water.
  5. Leave the components to air dry out of direct sunlight. If the mask components are not visibly clean, repeat the cleaning steps.
  6. Make sure that the vents and anti-asphyxia valves are clean and clear. This flap can get a little sticky if not kept clean.

AirFit F40 Sizing Options:

The AirFit F40 is in many ways the newest version of the F30. One huge issue with the F30 was that there was no large size. The new F40 not only has added a large cushion option, but also has a small and large headgear option. Those improvements give the F40 a 98% fit range according to ResMed’s fitting study.
  • F40 Cushion Sizes: Small/Wide, Medium, and Large. Use this fitting template here to see which size F40 Cushion works best for you.
  • F40 Headgear Sizes: Small, Standard, and Large. Most of the time you will have a standard F40 headgear included with your mask, but if it is too loose or too tight, then you can go with the small or large option for a better fit.

F40 Review and Comparison:

To me the F40 is the upgraded version of the F30 by ResMed. I say this because the F40 is very similar to the F30 and the obvious transition from 3 to 4 in the name pretty much defines that. That mean that many of the positives on the F40 are what you might call upgrades from the F30. The F30 has been super popular and so an upgraded or 2.0 version (ie: F40) is certainly worth a hard look for CPAP users.

AirFit F40 Pros:

  • Much better fit and seal– The AdaptiSeal cushion is super-flexible and does a really nice job of contouring to your unique face.
  • Simpler headgear– The new headgear on the F40 only has 4 points of adjustment as opposed to the 5 points on the F30. Much easier to fit and adjust. It is also very soft and comfortable.
  • Fully Flexible frame– What good is the flexible cushion if it were installed in a rigid frame. That is why the F40 introduced a very flexible frame that will also allow for a much more comfortable fit. It also makes it very durable and hard to break.
  • Very nice exhalation diffuser– The QuietAir exhalation ring makes the F40 very quiet and makes the draft almost nothing.

AirFit F40 Cons:

  • Front of nose leak– The F30 had some minor reporting of leaks at the front of the nose on the cushion. The F40 has a similar fit and in demos of the F40 performance did show that on my wife specifically. It fit me great with no leaks, but she could not get it to seal for her.
  • Bridge on nasal opening can be weird– Some users have reported that the bridge in the middle of the nasal opening can block a nostril at times. Not an issue we hear terribly often, but it has been reported.

 
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Connect Oxygen to your CPAP

  • By Clay Rollyson
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How to connect Oxygen to your CPAP Machine

Can Oxygen be connected to a CPAP machine?

Yes it can. In cases where your Doctor has prescribed both Oxygen Therapy and CPAP Therapy, those two Therapies can be combined using a simple Oxygen Bleed-In Connector. However, there are some cases that can make that connection a little trickier. It is important to always consult with your Doctor regarding your Oxygen and CPAP needs.

How to Connect Oxygen to the CPAP with a Bleed-in connector

The Bleed-in connector is the simplest way to combine Oxygen and CPAP. This connector usually connects between the outflow of the CPAP and the CPAP tubing. Then, you connect your Oxygen Tubing to the smaller nipple on the side of the Bleed-in Connector. It can also be connected between the end of your CPAP Tubing and the CPAP Mask. If you decide to connect it with the second method, then you will have two tubes coming to your CPAP mask. It can be good to use tape or some sort of strap to keep the two tubes together to make sure that the oxygen tube does not disconnect at night. With both of these options you will want to make certain that your Oxygen Concentrator is set at the prescribed setting from your Doctor. If you are unsure of that setting, you should consult with your Doctor immediately.

How to Connect Oxygen to a CPAP with heated tubing

If you use Heated Tubing on your CPAP machine, then connecting your oxygen can be a little trickier. There are two methods for making this connection happen.
  1. The first would be similar to the second option that we described above. You would need to place the Bleed-in connector in between the CPAP Mask and the end of the CPAP Tube. Then connect your Oxygen Tube in to the smaller nipple on the side of the Bleed-in connector.
  2. The second option would be for you to purchase a Heated Tube with a built in Oxygen connector. For instance, the AirSense 10 and AirCurve CPAP from ResMed have a ClimateLineAir Oxy Tube available. That particular heated tubing has a built-in oxygen port so that you can connect the Oxygen directly into the elbow of the Heated Tubing. If your CPAP Machine does not have this option then you will have to use the first method described above.

How to get Oxygen for a CPAP Machine

The first step in the process is to consult with your Doctor. In many cases a Doctor that is concerned about your Oxygen levels they may issue an Oximetry Test. That test is usually worn overnight at the same time as wearing your CPAP. It records your oxygen levels throughout the night so that the Doctor can determine what your oxygen level are doing at night. If the Doctor determines that your oxygen levels are too low, even on your CPAP, then the Doctor may order Oxygen to be bled into your CPAP. In this case you would more than likely need to obtain an Oxygen Concentrator and it would be set at a prescribed Liter Flow. Then, that Oxygen Concentrator would be connected to your CPAP using one of the methods described previously in this blog. If you are purchasing your own Oxygen Concentrator be sure that it is a Continuous Flow model instead of a Pulse Dose Oxygen Concentrator. Most of the Smaller Portable Oxygen Concentrators are “pulse-dose” and will not work for bleeding into CPAP.
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How to Repair your CPAP

  • By Clay Rollyson
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CPAP Repair

Figuring out how, when, and where to complete a CPAP repair are some very common issues that we run in to here at CPAPmyway. Not to mention the question of, “Is my CPAP even worth repairing?”. In this blog we are going to detail troubleshooting common CPAP issues, average CPAP repair Costs, where to get your CPAP repaired and how long CPAP repairs take. Let’s dive in.

Is my CPAP Really Broken?

That is a great question and is probably the most important. Believe it or not we are able to troubleshoot a vast majority of CPAP Issues. If you aren’t hearing an alarm or seeing an error message, then it is best to run through a few things first. Below are some quick trouble-shooting techniques to check out before you decide to proceed with the CPAP repair process.

  1. Hearing a popping or crackling noise in your CPAP?

    This is one of the issues that we hear the most. In 90% of the cases this is due to water in the CPAP tubing. The water may be so minimal that you don’t even see it. So, take the time to dry the CPAP tube out thoroughly before you write this off. The best way to dry out the tubing is to remove it entirely and drape it over a door for a few hours. You can also empty the water chamber in your CPAP and run it dry for an hour or so to help (this is as long as you do not have features on the CPAP to shut down on disconnect).

  2. Feeling like there isn’t as much pressure as there was before on your CPAP?

    This is also a very common concern for CPAP users, and it almost always boils down to one issue… the filter. If you are not changing out your disposable CPAP filter monthly or washing your reusable CPAP filter monthly, then you need to start immediately. If your CPAP motor cannot pull enough air, then it can’t push enough air. Take a look at the filter. It can also be related to a worn blower motor or board issue.

  3. My CPAP motor sounds like it is groaning or making a funny noise

    Once again this is almost always due to a lack of maintenance on the CPAP Machine. Usually due to a clogged filter that hasn’t been changed or washed. Please check the filter first. If that isn’t the issue, then there may be more going on and might require a CPAP repair.

  4. My CPAP machine is making a hissing noise or is leaking air

    Leaking air noises are almost always fixable in the home. We recommend starting at the mask seal and working your way back all the way to the machine. Carefully disconnect and reconnect each segment starting with the CPAP Mask Cushion to the frame, then to the CPAP tube connection to the mask, then the CPAP Tube connection to the CPAP Machine, then finally the humidifier chamber and connection. Chances are one of these junctions have come loose. It may also be due to a bad mask seal. Replacing the mask seal is always a good bet in this scenario. a $25 fix is way better than 2 weeks without your CPAP only to hear that, “nothing is wrong with your CPAP”. Additionally, make sure to pay extra attention to the water chamber and humidifier area. There are usually a few seals there that can tear or become defective. Those seals are usually replaceable for minimal cost.

How to get a Free CPAP Checkup:

We would be happy to check out your CPAP for free. We will verify that your CPAP is running at the correct setting pressure on a manometer here. We will also verify that all the parts are operating effectively. In many cases a simple part like power supply or water chamber might make all the difference. We will evaluate the CPAP and contact you with our findings. We will send the CPAP back to you at no charge regardless of the outcome of the function test. If you want to send your CPAP in for a Free Evaluation, simply click here to download your return form. Then pack your CPAP carefully and place the completed form inside with the CPAP. Send the package to our office and we will handle the rest.

What do CPAP Repairs Cost?

CPAP Repair can range in cost dramatically. Especially between repair facilities. Luckily there are some options that provide pretty steady pricing levels that we can give you here. The price levels will completely depend on what is actually wrong with the CPAP Machine and what needs to be repaired. Below we have the 4 different “typical” repair cost levels.

  1. Cosmetic or surface level CPAP Repair

    These issues are typically due to cracks on the CPAP somewhere or a bad seal on the CPAP somewhere. The typical cost of this type of CPAP repair is about $130, and is pretty quick to turn around.

  2. One major component repair on the CPAP

    There are two major components on the CPAP machine. The Blower/Motor and the Circuit Board. If one of these components is in need of repair on your CPAP, then you are looking at around $275-$375 for repair of that part.

  3. Both major components need to be repaired on your CPAP

    If both the blower/motor and the circuit board need to be repaired, then you are looking at around $475 to repair that CPAP. In this case you may want to consider replacement of the CPAP. For not much more money you can get a newer CPAP that is under warranty. We have a simple CPAP Prescription Renewal Process to make this really simple for you. Click here to learn more. 

  4. Bipap repair or high-end repair

    If you are on a Bipap, Bipap St, or Bipap ASV then repair costs are a bit higher as well. We see most of these repair costs around the $475 mark as well. In this case the cost of replacement is pretty high, so it is definitely worth looking into the repair.

How to get a CPAP repair estimate?

It is actually pretty easy to get an estimate to repair your CPAP Machine. In many cases it is actually free to get a CPAP repair estimate including free shipping to the CPAP repair facility. To make things easy on you we have partnered with a great CPAP repair company. They are a contracted repair facility for almost all major manufactures. That means that if your unit is still under warranty then they can bill the CPAP repair cost to the Manufacturer instead of you. Additionally, this gives you peace of mind that there are no corners being cut on your CPAP repair. To arrange a CPAP repair estimate use one of the following methods to contact them.

  1. Phone- (888) 551-5267. Be sure to let them know that CPAPmyway sent you for your CPAP repair estimate.

  2. Email- info@altraservice.com

  3. Online- Click here to fill out your quick repair form

How long does a CPAP repair take?

CPAP repair time can range significantly at times but is usually pretty steady. On average we see about a 1 week turnaround on the CPAP. Keep in mind that this does not include shipping times. So overall it will be about 2 weeks give or take that you need to plan on being without the CPAP. Of course there are things that can slow down the repair. The things that can slow down repair time on the CPAP are:
  • Your response time- If you don’t respond then nothing can happen. Be sure to watch out for your repair estimate and respond in a timely manner.
  • Backorder issues- There are times where the manufacturers get behind. When this happens it can take quite some time to get the parts to repair you CPAP Machine. It can range in weeks to even a month or longer in these cases.
  • Backups at the CPAP repair facility- There are also times when the repair facility is just behind. This usually doesn’t add on any more than a week or so to the timeline for repair.

Is your CPAP worth repairing?

CPAP repair is only something that should be done when you have considered all the options. Since the shipping to the repair facility and the CPAP repair estimate is free it is worth considering for sure. This is something that only you can answer and there are a few things to take into consideration.
  • Cost of CPAP repair- If it is going to cost you about as much to repair the CPAP as it would to just buy a new CPAP, then it is probably not worth repairing. Unless you want to get the CPAP repaired so that you have a backup for that new one. Click here to checkout prices on a new CPAP Machine for comparison.
  • Age of the Broken CPAP- If you CPAP machine is over 5 years old, then it is probably not worth repairing. Generally, CPAP machines will last 5 years, but at that point you will be asking for more issues in the not to distant future. So it is usually better to replace the CPAP machine. Additionally, parts pieces, and download functionalities are discontinued as they phase out older models.
  • Tech features- Your old CPAP probably does not have the latest and greatest features available to the newest CPAP. Most of the time the newer CPAP machines have great app for tracking your Sleep Results and are much smaller. So, an upgrade may add a lot more value to be considered.

How to get a new CPAP Machine

Buying a new CPAP instead of repairing the old one might be your best bet. In those cases we have some great CPAP options (click here) as well as a really easy CPAP Prescription renewal service (click here) to help as well. You can simply add your new CPAP Machine and the Prescription renewal service to your cart and checkout online. We will get your updated Prescription done and your new CPAP machine shipped in 1 business day. If you have a current CPAP prescription or want your doctor to send one over that is great as well. Simply email your CPAP prescription to cs@cpapmyway.com or have it faxed to 888-603-7379. Then proceed with your new CPAP machine purchase.
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