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Permalink Reply by 99 on October 19, 2009 at 11:31am

i was successfully wearing my mask and then i went ill
and i left off of my mask and was forceing my self to wear the mask about once or twice per week
then 1 october i just took to my mask again like a duck to water
i broke my mask last night, and managed to get a replacement to day

stay with it and hang in there we are looking forward to you future reports

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Permalink Reply by Melinda Hertel on October 19, 2009 at 4:54pm

Hi, Micki--Have you tried washing the cushion on the Quattro? Sometimes the silicone gets softer with use and from the oils in our skin. Washing it with soap and water will sometimes "tighten" it up a bit. You should not have to put it on very tight. If you are, even after washing, it might not be a good fit. Or...you need to replace the cushion. Most insurances allow you to replace just the cushion. I have to replace mine once a month to keep it sealing well. If the Quattro worked well at first, I would start with washing or replacing the cushion. The size of the headgear shouldn't matter since it is adjustable.

I have found that the Quattro works for more people than the ComfortGel Full (in addition to having apnea, I work with a sleep specialist). However, Respironics just came out with a new full face called the Full Life, and already we have two patients using it. That might be another option for you. Please feel free to call if you have any questions or just want to troubleshoot--877-392-7270.

Melinda Hertel

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Permalink Reply by Micki on October 19, 2009 at 4:59pm

Thank you so much for the reply. I did take my Quattro apart and washed it with soap and warm water, but that didn't seem to help anything. It seemed to fit so nice when I first got it, and now it feels like it is really stretched out in the chin area. I have only had it a little over 3 weeks and haven't even used it that often because I've been switching between the Quattro and the ComfortGel. Could the cushion really need to be replaced already?

Melinda Hertel said:

Hi, Micki--Have you tried washing the cushion on the Quattro? Sometimes the silicone gets softer with use and from the oils in our skin. Washing it with soap and water will sometimes "tighten" it up a bit. You should not have to put it on very tight. If you are, even after washing, it might not be a good fit. Or...you need to replace the cushion. Most insurances allow you to replace just the cushion. I have to replace mine once a month to keep it sealing well. If the Quattro worked well at first, I would start with washing or replacing the cushion. The size of the headgear shouldn't matter since it is adjustable.

I have found that the Quattro works for more people than the ComfortGel Full (in addition to having apnea, I work with a sleep specialist). However, Respironics just came out with a new full face called the Full Life, and already we have two patients using it. That might be another option for you. Please feel free to call if you have any questions or just want to troubleshoot--877-392-7270.

Melinda Hertel

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Permalink Reply by Micki on October 19, 2009 at 5:00pm

Thank you for the encouragement. It is appreciated.

99 said:

i was successfully wearing my mask and then i went ill
and i left off of my mask and was forceing my self to wear the mask about once or twice per week
then 1 october i just took to my mask again like a duck to water
i broke my mask last night, and managed to get a replacement to day

stay with it and hang in there we are looking forward to you future reports

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on October 19, 2009 at 5:12pm

Depending upon things, you may want to try the Mack's Silicone Ear Plugs fix. (I have this in my bag as well).

Take a bit of the ear plug (these are usually sold in grocery stores, Walmart, Walgreen's, Target, etc. You can get them in packages of 6 or 12 with the price per unit going down with the quantity purchased) and roll it into a snake, long and thin. Attach it to the mask seal where the face touches. When you put the mask on, gently push the mask seal in place to seal the silicone. This has worked for many users. It can be a nuisance to take off, but a good washing should do the trick. It can be used for several nights before it looses its stickiness. Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Micki on October 19, 2009 at 5:43pm

Thank you for the suggestion. I will definitely try this and let you know how it goes. I'm willing to try anything at this point. :)

sleepycarol said:

Depending upon things, you may want to try the Mack's Silicone Ear Plugs fix. (I have this in my bag as well).

Take a bit of the ear plug (these are usually sold in grocery stores, Walmart, Walgreen's, Target, etc. You can get them in packages of 6 or 12 with the price per unit going down with the quantity purchased) and roll it into a snake, long and thin. Attach it to the mask seal where the face touches. When you put the mask on, gently push the mask seal in place to seal the silicone. This has worked for many users. It can be a nuisance to take off, but a good washing should do the trick. It can be used for several nights before it looses its stickiness. Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Melinda Hertel on October 19, 2009 at 5:49pm

If you have hardly used it, I would say you shouldn't have to replace it already. Unfortunately, fitting in the office and actually wearing it to bed are two different experiences. I just wish you could come here so I could see what is happening and have you try on all of the options we have. You might want to try finding a nasal mask that is comfortable and seals well and then add a chin strap.

Micki said:

Thank you so much for the reply. I did take my Quattro apart and washed it with soap and warm water, but that didn't seem to help anything. It seemed to fit so nice when I first got it, and now it feels like it is really stretched out in the chin area. I have only had it a little over 3 weeks and haven't even used it that often because I've been switching between the Quattro and the ComfortGel. Could the cushion really need to be replaced already?

Melinda Hertel said:

Hi, Micki--Have you tried washing the cushion on the Quattro? Sometimes the silicone gets softer with use and from the oils in our skin. Washing it with soap and water will sometimes "tighten" it up a bit. You should not have to put it on very tight. If you are, even after washing, it might not be a good fit. Or...you need to replace the cushion. Most insurances allow you to replace just the cushion. I have to replace mine once a month to keep it sealing well. If the Quattro worked well at first, I would start with washing or replacing the cushion. The size of the headgear shouldn't matter since it is adjustable.

I have found that the Quattro works for more people than the ComfortGel Full (in addition to having apnea, I work with a sleep specialist). However, Respironics just came out with a new full face called the Full Life, and already we have two patients using it. That might be another option for you. Please feel free to call if you have any questions or just want to troubleshoot--877-392-7270.

Melinda Hertel

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Micki on October 19, 2009 at 5:58pm

I didn't think I should have to replace it already. I wish I were there too. The people at my DME are very nice and try to be helpful, but I don't think they quite get what it is all about. I could be wrong, but they seemed so surprised when the Quattro Mirage didn't seem to work for me. I felt rather stupid, although they really didn't intend for me to feel that way. I am not wondering if I don't have the wrong size mask. Anyways, tonight I am going to try the Macks ear plugs per the suggestion of SleepyCarol and see if I can get the leaks to stop. I would love to try the nasal masks but am hesitant to do so because I tend to have sinus problems. UGH, I just need to step back and take a deep breath and realize that I CAN do this. I HAVE to do this for my health. I really appreciate your help. Thank you.

Melinda Hertel said:

If you have hardly used it, I would say you shouldn't have to replace it already. Unfortunately, fitting in the office and actually wearing it to bed are two different experiences. I just wish you could come here so I could see what is happening and have you try on all of the options we have. You might want to try finding a nasal mask that is comfortable and seals well and then add a chin strap.

Micki said:

Thank you so much for the reply. I did take my Quattro apart and washed it with soap and warm water, but that didn't seem to help anything. It seemed to fit so nice when I first got it, and now it feels like it is really stretched out in the chin area. I have only had it a little over 3 weeks and haven't even used it that often because I've been switching between the Quattro and the ComfortGel. Could the cushion really need to be replaced already?

Melinda Hertel said:

Hi, Micki--Have you tried washing the cushion on the Quattro? Sometimes the silicone gets softer with use and from the oils in our skin. Washing it with soap and water will sometimes "tighten" it up a bit. You should not have to put it on very tight. If you are, even after washing, it might not be a good fit. Or...you need to replace the cushion. Most insurances allow you to replace just the cushion. I have to replace mine once a month to keep it sealing well. If the Quattro worked well at first, I would start with washing or replacing the cushion. The size of the headgear shouldn't matter since it is adjustable.

I have found that the Quattro works for more people than the ComfortGel Full (in addition to having apnea, I work with a sleep specialist). However, Respironics just came out with a new full face called the Full Life, and already we have two patients using it. That might be another option for you. Please feel free to call if you have any questions or just want to troubleshoot--877-392-7270.

Melinda Hertel

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