Quattro--some things never change

abysmillard · Post by **abysmillard** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 9:24 am

I got my first Quattro almost immediately after it was released. I believe that I have the distinction of being the first to report the elbow leak on this forum, and also the first to use the teflon tape fix. Despite this it has turned out to be my favorite mask.

Yesterday my second Quattro arrived and I used it for the first time last night. Same elbow leak, same squeak. Only thing different is that at one point somehow I put my weight on the connection between the mask and the hose. It yelped like a dog that has had its paw stepped on.

I remember that everyone on the forum who called ResMed about the Quattro elbow leak in the first couple of months was told that theirs was the first such complaint they'd had. I wonder if ResMed is still using that line, as they have obviously not fixed the problem.

Still, for me at least, this mask is a keeper.

weird · Post by **weird** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 9:58 am

We're also very happy with the Quattro but have the same problem with the elbow leak... I've read the descriptions of the teflon tape fix but can't quite visualize it. Does anyone have a photo of the fix that they could post here to get some idea what the "final result" is supposed to look like? I'm also wondering how you wash the mask and disassemble it for travel once the teflon tape is on? You may have guessed I'm not a DIY person
(P.S.: apologies for hijacking this thread - it'll be interesting to hear what Resmed have to say about this)

abysmillard · Post by **abysmillard** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 3:18 pm

[/url]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2180/270 ... ee.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/270 ... 48.jpg?v=0

abysmillard · Post by **abysmillard** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 3:24 pm

abysmillard · Post by **abysmillard** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 3:25 pm

well, maybe someone can explain how to post an image to me.....

weird · Post by **weird** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 5:22 pm

Ahh, thanks a lot for these !!

To post images, you've got to delete the stuff after the .jpg extension in the URL, I think (don't ask me why).

yorkiemum01 · Post by **yorkiemum01** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 6:48 pm

I'm happy to report I've never experienced the 'elbow leak' issue with
my Quattro......at least thus far. The only leaks I seem to deal with are
in the cheek area once I'm in a deep sleep.........that God awful noise wakes me, and I'm tightening and tightening the straps. Clean mask faithfully every morning, but wish they offered a 'shallow' style mask.

abysmillard · Post by **abysmillard** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 7:04 pm

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 8:07 pm

I thought I was the first with that problem and even returned my first Quattro for an exchange. I've just been living with the problem. Question is...how many wraps of teflon tape? Seems like a great suggestion.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 8:13 pm

Anonymous wrote:I thought I was the first with that problem and even returned my first Quattro for an exchange. I've just been living with the problem. Question is...how many wraps of teflon tape? Seems like a great suggestion.

I did about 4 wraps on mine. I'd also recommend taking the gray hose connector off the other end and doing it to that end, too.

Den

weird · Post by **weird** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 11:55 pm

I see the pictures have worked this time - yay

Another silly question, but how do you ensure the tape is the right width? Do you trim it before or after putting it on, or do you attach the "excess" on the inside?

abysmillard · Post by **abysmillard** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 12:04 am

The tape I have is about 1/2 inch wide. Teflon tape is very soft and will conform itself to what it is being wrapped on. I usually only go about two turns around the elbow. Once I replace the elbow, I can just pull off any that's hanging out. I do try to make sure no tape gets into the inside of the elbow, as I do not want to interfere with air flow.

Fscott · Post by **Fscott** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 1:56 am

I use a Quattro and have some minor leakage at the elbow joint. The leak is small enough that you don't notice it if you don't put your finger right up to the leak area.

I've just left it as is, figured they chalk up the minor leaking as part of the vent rate.

My leak/vent rate is spot on according to the MFG data, 36 L/min @ 10cm/H2O.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 7:52 pm

abysmillard, you're my new hero. Gave 3-4 wraps of tape and went to bed. The result....absolute silence and no leaks, even had to back off on headgear. Slept like a dream! Many thanks to you, bud.

Vader · Post by **Vader** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 10:36 pm

yorkiemum01 wrote:I'm happy to report I've never experienced the 'elbow leak' issue with
my Quattro......at least thus far.

I have not had any problem with my Quattro leaking at the elbow like many have reported. I've had several and this has never occurred. I haven't used any other mask besides the Quattro for exactly one year now, and it's been the absolute best thing for my cpap therapy. Only thing I have noticed however, was that the seal didn't seem to hold up as well when I would wash it daily with Dawn liquid. Since I switched back to a mild soap, the masks seem to hold up very well. Every face is different of course, but I am extremely happy that the seemingly endless search for a good mask seems to have finally ended.

Mask