roster wrote:
That device is not used for treating obstructive sleep apnea and would not be effective for treating
obstructive sleep apnea.
I see. I wonder why not? Granted that thing would suck but with a little tweaking a future design might actually be better then having a mask strapped to your face so tight it takes two hours for the red marks to go away. For instance, if the hose and valves were relocated to the top, and there was a built in soft pillow on the inside, on the back and sides, and perhaps if the neck seal was designed in a way so it would stay put without having to strap it under your armpits, then it might be ok. Might. You'd look pretty scary, but with your eyes closed, it might be like having nothing on. But if it won't work for OSA then it's a moot issue. Who knows, it may be a starting point for future designs. Ya, it seems kinda ridiculous and scary looking but so is my Respironics Total Face Mask which I might add leaked like crazy and was totally useless.
I updated my profile with my equipment and the masks I've used. I'm a mouth breather and I've got facial hair, either a goatee or beard. The only mask I was able to keep a good seal is the Oracle oral mask. But it dries out my mouth so bad even with the humidifier on max, plus you have to close off your nose which is hard to do and annoying and makes you feel like you have the flu. So I got the Headrest Nasal pillows and used a garden hose splitter to split the hose so I could use both the pillows and the oral mask. That seemed to work really good, except I can't keep it on for more then a couple hours. It feels like your sleeping with a ball gag in your mouth and tootsie rolls up your nose.
Interestingly, I was gonna take a break from the CPAP and Ambian last night, but at the last minute I felt the urge to give the Quattro another go. For some reason it seemed to fit better. I didn't even adjust the straps at all. I have lost about 20 pounds and my facial hair is different, so that could be why. I also used a smaller pillow that was less in the way. It took 2 hours and 30mg of Ambian but I fell asleep and slept for 5 hours with the mask on and only woke up because of noisy neighbors. The data showed I only had a large leak for like 2 min, and my AHI was 3.5. I'm still tired today because I only got 5 hours but at least there's hope for me.
