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Permalink Reply by Mike on May 5, 2009 at 12:55am

welcome, Jennifer. You've just done more for yourself than you can imagine by getting involved in your therapy and asking questions. my answer is that if the mask is leaking enough for you to notice it and hear it, it's NOT a minor leak. it's more likely a major leak. a certain amount of leak is normal, even necessary and baked into the design of the vents in the mask. the kind of leak you're experiencing is not normal, though. I hope Judy and other folks with the ResMed Mirage Quattro will respond with the great advice they usually provide.

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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on May 5, 2009 at 8:10am

I don't have any experience with the Quattro, but do have some experience on leaks.

Unfortunately, masks are made for a sort of "one size fits all" method. Typically mask will come in small, medium, and large, with some mask having a few more options.

It isn't uncommon for a person to initially get a wrong size as it is estimated which mask suits your facial structure the best. Due to one person having a long thin face and another a round plump face means that many of us have to "fix" or "tweak" our mask to get it to fit properly.

You do not want a mask that is so tight it hurts. Often, mask are usually better if they are a little loose. This allows the seal to fill with air and you will get a better seal typically.

Loosen the straps some. Put the mask on and turn on the machine. Once the mask is on and the machine is running, run your hand around the seal. Do you feel leaks? Where? Slowly adjust the straps until they are snug, but not tight. Is there still leaks? Pull the mask away from your face and let it settle back down on your face. Check for leaks again. If you are still experiencing leaks, take a Mack's silicone ear plug (found in many stores such as Walgreens, Walmart, grocery stores, etc.) and roll it into a long snake. Attach it to the seal on the edge that would touch your face. The silicone will mold to your face and help the seal. Put the mask on and turn the machine on and check for leaks again.

I would also check my data from the machine. Which machine are you using? Do you have the software to read the data from the card? If not, take it to your DME and have them read it. Look at the large leak rate. What leak rate are you experiencing?

Ask the DME to recheck your mask fitting as well if you can not get the leaks under control. It is possible you have the wrong size or a different style may work better for you.

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Isaacson on May 5, 2009 at 9:03am

I must have reverse jinxed myself, because last night I had no leaks and I was able to wear it nearly 7 hours (the longest yet). Thanks for the advice, sleepycarol. I will definitely follow that if I have future problems.

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Permalink Reply by Judy on May 5, 2009 at 1:30pm

CONGRATULATIONS!! May you have many more even better nights! We're here if you run into any more snags. Rome wasn't built in a day and this isn't the most natural method of sleeping so takes some acclimating to. Patience, Persistence and a Good Sense of Humor will get you over the rough spots tho.

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