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Permalink Reply by Corinne on February 4, 2011 at 12:47pm

Hi MaryAnn!

 

I am having similar issues with the same mask.  You should read Rock Hinkle, "How to Properly Fit a Mask" article.  It was helpful for me and some people mentioned in that article to try using silicone ear plugs.  However I am still experience air hitting my eyes.  Let your sleep doctor know and they will make your DME provider work with you on getting the leaks fix.  Also, I have 30 days to return the mask and exchange for another mask.  You must have had your mask for awhile.  My DME told me today that they just got the new "updated" ResMed Mirage Quattro mask that just came out recently.  I am going Monday to get mine to try.  I tried Nasal masks at titration study and it did not work at all for me.  My nose is a little messed anatomically and my nose is always stuffy.  Do research and look at the different masks available.  Again DME should be able to sit with you and discuss different techniques you can try until you can get a new mask unless you want to purchase one out of pocket.

 

Blessings, Corinne

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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on February 4, 2011 at 1:47pm

You can check cpapauction.com and get masks to try at reduced prices. Every mask, but ResMed.  You can read descriptions and get reviews of the different masks at cpap.com. You can also purchase refund insurace at a number of online retailers and return the mask before 30 days and get a refund.  Cpap.com does this.  The insurance is not cheap, but it's better than being out the whole cost of the mask.

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Permalink Reply by Susan Anderson on February 4, 2011 at 5:32pm

I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea in April 2010 and my pressure was set from 8-18. I used the Quattro FFmask for approx 7 months and while the leaks were always too high the AHI was always excellent (below 1) but no matter what I did or used (Remmzzs, Pad a Cheek, Quietus Liners) I couldn't sort it out - the leak graph was up and down all over the place!. My pressure usually averaged out at 17-18.

I began using the new Quattro FX in mid December and since then my leak graph is usually straight and very good. Also my average pressure has reduced to 14-15 because the leaks are under control. I also like that the new mask is much smaller and doesn't have a forehead support.

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Permalink Reply by Corinne on February 4, 2011 at 5:42pm

That good to know that Susan!  I plan to ask them Monday to try on the FX version too. 

Susan Anderson said:

I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea in April 2010 and my pressure was set from 8-18. I used the Quattro FFmask for approx 7 months and while the leaks were always too high the AHI was always excellent (below 1) but no matter what I did or used (Remmzzs, Pad a Cheek, Quietus Liners) I couldn't sort it out - the leak graph was up and down all over the place!. My pressure usually averaged out at 17-18.

I began using the new Quattro FX in mid December and since then my leak graph is usually straight and very good. Also my average pressure has reduced to 14-15 because the leaks are under control. I also like that the new mask is much smaller and doesn't have a forehead support.

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Permalink Reply by Maryann on February 4, 2011 at 7:46pm

Thanks Corrine, but I have read and reread it and done the things it says and I still end with leaks. But I will try it again tonight.

Corinne said:

Hi MaryAnn!

 

I am having similar issues with the same mask.  You should read Rock Hinkle, "How to Properly Fit a Mask" article.  It was helpful for me and some people mentioned in that article to try using silicone ear plugs.  However I am still experience air hitting my eyes.  Let your sleep doctor know and they will make your DME provider work with you on getting the leaks fix.  Also, I have 30 days to return the mask and exchange for another mask.  You must have had your mask for awhile.  My DME told me today that they just got the new "updated" ResMed Mirage Quattro mask that just came out recently.  I am going Monday to get mine to try.  I tried Nasal masks at titration study and it did not work at all for me.  My nose is a little messed anatomically and my nose is always stuffy.  Do research and look at the different masks available.  Again DME should be able to sit with you and discuss different techniques you can try until you can get a new mask unless you want to purchase one out of pocket.

 

Blessings, Corinne

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Permalink Reply by Maryann on February 4, 2011 at 7:59pm

Thanks Susan. I am thinking about trying that mask. If there are a lot of leaks with a mask how do you even know that the AHI is  correct. If a lot of pressure is being lost how do you know that the machine is even detecting the apneas. I don't think you get the full benefit of the machine if there are leaks.  I think the Quatro FX sounds better because I think the forehead support actually keeps the mask from tightening down around my eyes. I have to tighten it all the way down or it just blows right into my eyes constantly. Even with it tightened it still blows into my eyes a lot.

Susan Anderson said:

I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea in April 2010 and my pressure was set from 8-18. I used the Quattro FFmask for approx 7 months and while the leaks were always too high the AHI was always excellent (below 1) but no matter what I did or used (Remmzzs, Pad a Cheek, Quietus Liners) I couldn't sort it out - the leak graph was up and down all over the place!. My pressure usually averaged out at 17-18.

I began using the new Quattro FX in mid December and since then my leak graph is usually straight and very good. Also my average pressure has reduced to 14-15 because the leaks are under control. I also like that the new mask is much smaller and doesn't have a forehead support.

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Permalink Reply by Susan Anderson on February 4, 2011 at 8:34pm

Hi Maryann, strangely enough (or I suppose that's how its meant to work) but even with leaks and terrible graphs the AHI is usually under 1. The APAP just ups the pressure to compensate.

I can't have any air blowing near my eyes or they become a real problem (I never noticed before CPAP). At one stage with the Quattro I even had the dial all the way in but still my eyes became irritated and the mask was putting a lot of pressure on my nose.

The only way I have found to protect my eyes, with both masks, is to use a Tranquileye mask.  I had never worn an eye mask before and have adapted quickly - it became a "must" after a couple of eye infections when I first started CPAP.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Lyons on February 9, 2011 at 3:56pm

I have and still use the Resmed Mirage Quattro mask with great success.  I tried a cloth mask liner once, but found it absorbed more of the humidity than I was getting.  It was a waste, so save your money. 

I would recommend you explore http://www.remzzzs.com/ mask liners.  These will allow you to use less strap pressure to achieve a good seal and reduce the strap marks on the face in the morning as well as the soreness across the bridge of the nose.   

You can also try some adhesive backed moleskin across the nose bridge area if you have irritation.  It can be picked up at your local drug store.

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