On Friday I got my CPAP machine.  It is a ResMed S8 AutoSet Vantage with the HumidAire 3i humidifer.  After using it Friday and Saturday nights when I check "USED HRS" it shows 00000 and "USAGE" shows 0002/0002.  Any idea why "USED HRS" shows 00000?  For a mask I am using the Mirage Quattro full face.  When breathing and I exhale a noise similar to the noise a tug boat horn make (not as load) is heard.  Any idea what part of the mask would be causing that issue.  Thanks.

Jim

Congratulations on getting a great autoPAP!

Did you check the data AFTER 12 noon?

OR did you use it LESS than 4 hours each of the two nights?

These xPAPs work on an internal, 24 hour, noon to noon clock. At noon the previous night's data is rolled over into the total averages. You haven't used it for a week yet so that the hours won't show up in the weekly data yet.

Usually they are set to establish compliance at 4 hours or greater and that might account for the 00000 hours as well.

Some of us call those leaks "face farts". The Quattro is quite well known for them. Actually, most any full face mask is prone to them. The full face masks have more area of the face to cover thus greater opportunity for leaks.

The Quattro is made to "float" on your face and the most common mistake is to tighten the headgear straps too tight. Most mask you'll get less leaks if the top straps are more loose than the bottom straps. For some running the hose above their heads reduces leaks. There are tips for rigging up a hook on the headboard or wall above your head for the hose to slide thru. For others clipping their hose to their PJ top w/velcro reduces leaks. Yet another option is to purchase Mack's Silicone Ear Plugs and roll one ear plug in your hands to form it into a thin tape or rope. Place that "tape" along the edge of the mask where it forms a seam w/the facial skin. One "tape" will usually last 2-4 days. Its been awhile since I've used my Quattro but I seem to remember that the most likely area for it to leak and make those "face farts" is on the cheeks and around the mouth.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

I actually checked when I got up this morning.  I have actually used the machine 6+ hours each of the past two nights.  I definitely have a mask issue.  I just did the mask test on the machine and the results were very poor.  So it looks like I have some work to do with the mask.  I know it should work as it is the same mask I used during my last sleep study last Thursday night.  Here's to hoping I can figure it out before tonight.

Jim

Well, do you lay down on your bed BEFORE you put your mask on? The "terrain" of our facial tissue changes due to the law of gravity. And the more "fleshy" our face, the more the "terrain" changes.

Just lay the mask on your face WITH your Vantage turned on. Use the mask fit option to avoid messing up your data. I think its good for 5 minutes, and you can always reset it to Mask Fit again if you need more time. Adjust your top straps so they "just" fit comfortably. Then adjust your bottom straps, again "just" comfortably. Then run your fingertip along the "seam" line between mask and face where there are leaks. Usually you do best w/looser top straps than bottom straps. These mask cushions NEED to fill w/air for comfort and fit. If we get them too tight they don't have the necessary air in them to form to the face and avoid leaks. You may need to lift it ever so little off your face and reposition it. Best to set it a little low on the nose and then push it up a skosh to avoid the cushion edges turning up and cutting into the bridge of the nose. Setting the mask a shade low and then pushing it up a skosh turns the cushion edges under so they don't cut into the skin at the bridge of the nose.

Avoid the temptation to tighten the upper straps to stop leaks around the eyes. Try tightening the bottom straps and running your fingers along the "seam" near the eyes or lifting the mask off your face a little to fill w/air and then reset it on your face. The straps should be loose enough that you can lift it that little way off your face.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

Crohnie Too, thanks for the advice.  I will give it a go and let you know how I make out.

Jim

GOOD LUCK!!!


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

CrohnieToo....your advise was excellent.  Mask test is now excellent!!  Thanks.

Jim

Hooray and Congratulations!! Don't be surprised if it takes a few more tries the next couple of nights to "fine tune" the fit but keep the above in mind when "fine tuning". And don't forget the adjustment knob for the forehead/bridge of the nose angle. That can help too. I had forgotten which full face mask you were using.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.