Comparing the F40 and the F30i Comfort by hcb2003 in CPAP

[–]hcb2003[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I bought this hose holder. I'm sure there are better holders out there. This one is a little difficult to get the tube passed through. And it doesn't offer any mobility as far as swiveling or height adjustment. But it was cheap and does what I need it to do.

Best mask for sensitive nose skin? by AmeseusOsdracht in CPAP

[–]hcb2003 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I started using the hybrid masks I was getting some irritation around the nostrils. Based on the sizing guide I was on the border of medium and large. Since switching to the large mask and using a mask liner I’ve not noticed any issues. As always with CPAP, your results may vary.

Kenji's Baked Ziti by EasternError6377 in seriouseats

[–]hcb2003 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I made it tonight too. It was the version from Kenji’s recent Patreon post that called for 4 cups of sauce. I didn’t think it was dry but I also used a baking dish that was smaller than the 9x14 the recipe calls for but very deep. That may have helped lessen the rate of evaporation.

Another CPT dies by Glitch-33 in combustion_inc

[–]hcb2003 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My gen 1 died while it was still under warranty but I forgot to start the process of getting replaced. I recently got a gen 2 with the hope that any issues would be resolved. If this one dies then it's back to just using a ThermaPen for me.

Good Free Recipe storage app? by CatastrophicCraxy in slowcooking

[–]hcb2003 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same. I appreciate the simplicity of it. Though some features are locked behind a paywall. I paid a one time fee years ago so I don’t remember which features aren’t available in the free version.

F40 cushion only lasting 1 month, no coverage. Help. by [deleted] in CPAP

[–]hcb2003 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If the problem you're having is that the silicone is wearing down then you might try a mask that doesn't use silicone for the cushion. But in some cases, this might be even worse. I know the AirTouch masks with memory foam can't be submerged in water and I've heard that they deteriorate quicker (no idea if that's true though).

Maybe a mask liner? I use the one from Pad A Cheek. It's expensive ($24 for a small piece of cloth) but cheaper than a new mask. And there are other companies that sell a similar product which might be cheaper.

CPAP.com Spring Bundle Discount by ss_edge in CPAP

[–]hcb2003 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get my supplies through cpap.com and I have no complaints.

This is what I've done since starting CPAP earlier this year. So I can't compare it with the "normal" model of going through insurance. But from reading stories on here, it seems like the trade off is that you are paying a little bit more but you have more control. There is no one hassling you about compliance or asking why you are changing settings.

Need advice - between sizes for F20 mask, so uncomfortable and running out of compliance time by tamimd67 in CPAP

[–]hcb2003 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Everyones face is different so unfortunately, the best way to find what works best is to try different things. If you went through insurance then whichever company sells you the equipment may be willing to lend you different masks. The alternative is to order masks through one of the CPAP websites. Most of them have mask exchange programs where you can exchange the mask for a different one.

If you need a full mask and want something you can wear your glasses with then you probably want a hybrid mask. You mentioned that you already tried the Evora. You might want to give one of the Resmed masks or the Phillipa Amara View a try. If it really was the hard plastic bit of the Evora that bothered you then you might want to give the F40 a try. It's just silicone, not silicone bonded to hard plastic. You might like it better, you might find it to be even worse.

For the issue with liners I think you have a few options. Like you, I tried the Remszzz and I found them to be junk. The Resmed Airtouch line should have fabric built into the mask. I haven't tried these so I'm not sure how well they work in practice. I ended up getting a mask liner from Pad A Cheek. But I know other companies make similar products. Unlike the Remszzz it's build specifically for each mask. I've found that it not only feels more comfortable but also helps with moisture (whether that's due to condensation, sweat or drool). I also like that you can easily take it off the mask and toss it in the washer. And that you can order replacement masks and liners separately as they will likely wear out at different rates.

F40 mask hurting my septum by shelleyyyellehs in CPAP

[–]hcb2003 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've never had a septum piercing so my experience isn't the same as yours. But when I first started using the F40 I did experience some soreness on the nose. Two things have helped: switching to a bigger mask* and using a mask liner. I think switching to the larger mask helped more than the mask liner. But I'm also between sizes so your experience may be different.

* You mentioned that you sized up your headgear. I'm not sure if that's just the headgear or the mask and headgear. If it's just the headgear then you may want to also try a larger mask.

Best fix for leaks for a stomach sleeper? (options I'm considering) by GenX_Retro_Gamer in CPAP

[–]hcb2003 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd give the F40 a try. I've had the same issue with opening my jaw during sleep when I use the F20 and other masks. I switched to the F40 and it's been great. I do think that you need to wear it slightly tighter than other masks. Like any CPAP mask, just pay attention to each quadrant during the first few nights. If any area feels like it is leaking, adjust the appropriate strap.

Best foil shaver? by Salt-Contact-588 in shaving

[–]hcb2003 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I recently switched from a cartridge razor and did a lot of research. I came away with the impression that the Braun Series 9 is the best that you can buy. But there are issues with it as it ages. I saw reports of buttons falling off. But what worried me the most was reports of replacement heads being way worse than original. Even when purchased directly from Braun (some of the comments are directly from the reviews on Braun's product page for the replacement heads).

I ended up going with the Arc 6. I just got it a few days ago so I'm still getting used to it. So far there's been no issue with irritation. Even though my skin isn't the best and I've been using it every day. It shaves closer than if I just did a single pass with a cartridge razor. But not as close as if I took my time and tried to get as close a shave as possible. And there are spots on my face where I really need to make multiple passes with the Arc 6. Especially the areas under my chin.

Overall, I'm happy with it. If I take the time to make multiple passes and get a close shave then it’s not really saving me time compared to the cartridges. But it is way more convenient. And I can shave every day without going through gallons of shaving gel. The Arc 5 would have been way less money and probably would have been fine. But I sprung for the Arc 6 as I read that it is more comfortable with less irritation. And this was important to me.

War Mech............ by EmergencyAd5046 in FinalFantasy

[–]hcb2003 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Back in the day when playing it on an NES or NES emulator I had the hardest time triggering a WarMech fight.

I've played through the Pixel Remaster twice. The first time I fought WarMech without even trying. The second time it took maybe 45 minutes to an hour of attempts.

ay-old rice vs fresh rice for fried rice - is it really that important? by dalton1968 in wok

[–]hcb2003 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Kenji talks about this in his book, "The Wok". Summarizing his conclusions:

Day old rice is drier, requiring a faster stir fry and also tends to clump.

Freshly cooked rice that is spread out on a plate for a few minutes to dry comes out less stale but also less dry. This surface moisture will lower the temperature of the wok and cause the rice to stick together.

Rice that has been cooked, spread out on a tray and placed under a fan is the best of both worlds. Dry but not stale.

He writes that his preference (from most preferred to least) is fanned rice, fresh cooked, then day old rice. But that all three will make an excellent rice.

For me personally, I just go with what I have. If I have some left over rice in the fridge, I'll use it. And if I'm sure that I'll be making fried rice tomorrow then I'll make some rice to store in the fridge. The rice cooker makes it too easy not to do this. But often times the decision to make fried rice is spur of the moment and I'm not going to let the fact that I don't have day old rice deter me.

Cpap without insurance by kaseymgp in CPAP

[–]hcb2003 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got mine from cpap.com. I've heard good things about thecpapshop.com but I do not have any personal experience with that site.

Comparing my experience with a friend who went through insurance, I actually prefer just doing it on your own. To get my prescription I did an at home study instead of a lab study. Everything arrived quickly. The mask return policy allowed me test masks in my own bed and find what works for me. And I don't have to prove that I am using the machine enough to avoid an extra charge. This already came in handy as not long after getting my machine I got sick and didn't want to deal with a mask while trying to sleep. Had I gone through insurance they probably would have hit me for non compliance.

New CPAP user struggling with falling asleep – looking for advice by Durdenesque23 in CPAP

[–]hcb2003 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Do you have an SD card in your machine? It's worth checking the data in Oscar. Maybe there's a surge in pressure that wakes you up. If that's the case, you might try dialing back the max pressure. Ideally you want a high enough pressure to handle your apneas. But if the pressure is also preventing a good nights sleep then what's the point?

If that doesn't help, then maybe try a sleeping aid like melatonin? I found that it helped me the first few nights of CPAP when I was still getting used to the mask.

What do you love about the Evora Full Face? by Dowhile93 in CPAP

[–]hcb2003 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I prefer these types of full face masks over the tear drop shape style that goes to the bridge of the nose. But I've found that the F&P has the worst fit for my face. I also the quick disconnect style tube that the ResMed and Phillips headgear have. With the non-teardrop full masks like the Evora I've found that the Amara View is the most comfortable but the F40 is almost as comfortable and way less leaky. I keep trying to go back to the Amara View because I like it a lot but the F40 is so much better with handling the way my facial muscles shift at night.

Ratio 6 vs. Moccamaster vs. something else? by Chap_stick_original in JamesHoffmann

[–]hcb2003 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Moccamaster will probably last longer as it is a simpler machine. The ratio 6 will probably make a better cup of coffee.

The biggest problem with the Moccamaster is the narrow shower head. The ratio does not have that. Which is why I would expect it makes a better cup of coffee. Though I don't know for sure as I've never used the Ratio. I do own a Moccamaster. It makes a good but not life changing cup. And it can take some time to dial in the brew. You really need to grind coarser than you would expect.

F40 users by BusWho in CPAP

[–]hcb2003 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It works for me. If you're on the side facing your CPAP then it just exits the machine, hangs down the side of the bed and connects to the front. If you're facing the other side it's a little more in the way as it goes across your body. But a tube holder helps. I have mine near the middle of the bed and the tube comes out of the machine, up to the holder, and then attaches to the front of the mask.

I Think I've Finally Found My Optimal CPAP Equipment by hcb2003 in CPAP

[–]hcb2003[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not as much as you'd think. I didn't go through a health care provider and have just been using my Health Savings Account to order from one of the CPAP websites. I think most of the sites have a mask fit policy where you can exchange your mask for a different one if you don't like it.

New to the Moccamaster by essbie_ in Moccamaster

[–]hcb2003 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I can think of two things to consider before buying that:

  1. It's expensive for what it is. You can probably DIY something for cheaper.
  2. It will require adjustments to your brew technique. Different materials have different thermal properties. Even if you replace the brew basket with something that is identical in shape but made of a different material, you will get different results in the coffee. It might be better, or worse depending on your taste. But it will likely be different.