LaPopessa wrote:

The full face quattro has worked pretty well for me. I have finally started to get a hang of using it and not getting leaks on /off during the night. Other than that month-long learning curve, I like this mask.

LaPopessa,
First I was fitted with a small Resmed mirage quattro (resp therapist did not know there was a smaller version).  I have been using the extra small quattro for about 2 weeks (used the small for 2 1/2 weeks before that but had problems with it falling off my chin).   Resmed sent me a special sizing guide for the quattro and I learned I am exactly between the extra-small and small size.  I did not think I had a leakage problem with the extra-small but my cpap machine shows I am getting some leakage.  Last night was the worst.  It was the first time that I could not get the mask to seal, no matter what I did.  This morning I felt the silicon and it was quite slick.  I did wash my face last night before putting the mask on to make sure there was no oils on my face.  I wash the mask each morning with dawn (original).   Have you had this problem?  If so, do you have any ideas on what I should do?  I can not handle the straps being overly tight as it gives me headaches and then the mask bruises my face and bridge of my nose.  I have tried adjusting the forhead piece but nothing helped.

clk

I've been quietly lurking here for the last 8 weeks.  I received my CPAP two weeks ago with an OptiLife Nasal Mask and fitted with the small sized nasal pillows.  My titration was that same night and went very well, sleeping 6 hours.  The only complaint I had the next morning was some leaking from the nasal pillows which the RT suggested I try the next size up (M).  

These past 2 weeks for the most part have been a breeze for me (no pun intended) except after the first 2 days I began experiencing very dry mouth.  I experimented with my humidifier setting but it did not remedy my dry mouth.  My husband finally discovered that my mouth was slightly open during my sleep.  Apparently, over time my mouth breathing worsened...to the point it was wakening me.  Last night I was awakened 4 or 5 times because of my mouth breathing.  

Today my DME exchanged my nasal mask for a Hybrid mask, which we worked for quite a while to get just the right fit.  I think we have the mask fitted well but will not know for certain until tonight, my first night wearing it.  The only complaint I have at this point is the headgear...it's made for a much larger head than mine.  Does anybody know if the Hybrid headgear has a small size headgear available?  BTW, I do have the recently upgraded headgear which is no comparison to the much heavier duty OptiLife headgear I had.

Lynda


_________________
OSA Sleep Test 8/29/07, AHI 64/Sat. 74%
Titrated 10/1/07 and 9/30/08
BiPAP Auto M Series w/Humidifier 15/10cm
OptiLife Mask; Ruby chinstrap


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a

lking wrote:

Does anybody know if the Hybrid headgear has a small size headgear available?  BTW, I do have the recently upgraded headgear which is no comparison to the much heavier duty OptiLife headgear I had.

Lynda

Lynda,

I don't think the Hybrid has a smaller size headgear.  But the straps should be adjustable to your liking.  You may need to actually have the ends of the velcro tabs going beyond the edges of the straps.  But if it's at the point where the velcro is so far beyond the edges of the straps that they're not even making contact, then you indeed have a problem.

It's so hard to find the perfect mask with the perfect headgear.  It's too bad that mask parts aren't universal or interchangeable.  Then we could use the headgear from mask A, pillows from mask B, chin flap from mask C, etc.

Jeff



Last edited by jla930 on Tue Oct 16, 2007 7:14 am; edited 1 time in total

Deleted duplicate post

White Beard wrote:

The hard green plastic twisty tie things are old christmas light/decoration tie downs. I am sure they still make them and with christmas coming up you should be able to find them in stores soon.  anyway the amount of tension pulling up on the nasal pillows will depend on the size and type of rubber band you use.

Hmmm... I'm 56 years old and never in my life have I seen those green things before.. lol!  I see a profit building enterprise for you here.. put together a package of all those items and sell for $5.00 and everyone will know your name by the end of the year!   What a good idea,  now I just have to find those green things!

SnowCajun

clk wrote:

LaPopessa wrote:

The full face quattro has worked pretty well for me. I have finally started to get a hang of using it and not getting leaks on /off during the night. Other than that month-long learning curve, I like this mask.

LaPopessa,
 Last night was the worst.  It was the first time that I could not get the mask to seal, no matter what I did.  This morning I felt the silicon and it was quite slick.  I did wash my face last night before putting the mask on to make sure there was no oils on my face.  I wash the mask each morning with dawn (original).   Have you had this problem?  If so, do you have any ideas on what I should do?  I can not handle the straps being overly tight as it gives me headaches and then the mask bruises my face and bridge of my nose.  I have tried adjusting the forhead piece but nothing helped.
clk

I only wash my mask once a week, but I do wash my face before going to bed. Also, I don't use soap with the mask, my DM told me to let it sit in cold water, then rinse it, so that's what I do. I don't really know why things all work now, but it did take several months for it to all click in. I'm just happy it finally started working well. I wish I could tell you how and why, but it seems that it was just a question of time.


_________________
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ResMed S8 Elite / ResMed Quattro Mirage full face mask
Pressure 19
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Life is something that happens when you can't get to sleep.
Fran Lebowitz

I have found over the months that washing my face with eucerin soap for sensitive red skin (liquid) removes the oils without irritating my skin.  Clean oil free skin sticks to the mask better and forms a good seal.

At the moment I am using the new mirage micro nasal mask due to gum surgery and dental work.  This new mask is similar to the quattro but less claustrophobic.  I am finding that I do not do too bad with a nasal and am able to keep my mouth closed most of the night.  My jaw muscles get a little sore but not bad.  After i heal I will probably alterate between the quattro and the micro masks.

cindy

If any of you haven't tried this, give it a whirl.  After washing your face with a good cleansing soap that removes dirt and oils, then rinsing, try a handful of baking soda rubbed into your wet skin.  Wet your hands as needed.  Baking soda is a mild but effective exfoliant and also takes up any lingering fats and grease from both your skin and your soap.

Rinse it off well and feel your skin.  My guess is you have not had literally 'squeeky clean' skin in a long time.  Try it, your skin really will squeek!

Blessings,
--pseudonym

I forgot I do wash my mask cushion only every night to remove any oils from my face.  With water alone the oils from you face will still be on the cushion and may affect its ability to seal well.  I have used baby shampoo and dawn original formula to clean my mask with no problem.  It removes the oils well.  But in addition to your face I would try pseudonyms tip about baking soda on the mask cushion as well as your face.

cindy