Helpful DME (Not)

Went to DME this afternoon for yet another mask to try.

Well, I got what I wanted, but only after I specifically asked for it - an Ultra Mirage Full Face. She made sure to tell me it was an "unusual request," brought out several, and wanted me to try a Quattro. I picked up the UMFF in small, and she got the idea. She "fitted" me, and I really liked how the mask felt on my face. Then she made sure I understood that since a full face covered so much more area, I was pretty much guaranteed to have trouble with leaks. I guess at that point, I was supposed to be done, because I had to ASK to try the mask with air pressure She was also quite surprised that I knew what pressure I was using.

So, we get the hose attached and made a few adjustments. I got the speech about leaks again. I proceeded to move my head all over and then laid it on the desk because the office was so small it probably once was a closet. (nowhere to lie down with one) Apparently, I was the only person who's ever done that. She got quite a chuckle. More leak talk. Oh, and the sore I might get on the bridge of my nose.

The tech made sure that I understood the office would be open tomorrow, and if I had any trouble at all tonite, to call them and they would fit me with another mask tomorrow. She basically assured me I was going to have problems with leaks, and I shouldn't be surprised if I have trouble. My "appointment" was exactly 28 minutes, and she kept me waiting for about 10 of them. And at least a 5 minute wait for the insurance paperwork. And, as I left, she wished me a Happy Thanksgiving, and don't forget, they would be in the office tomorrow...blah, blah, blah. Talk about depressing.

Nevertheless, I haven't been this excited since I got my machine. The mask is washed up and ready to go. I am hopeful. And very, very thankful for everything I have learned here.

Linda

While I do agree that the more surface area the more likely it is to have a leak, the UMFF is prob THE most popular and easiest to seal mask on the market, period. She should know that. You didn't say what your pressure is but the higher the pressure the harder it is to seal. Then some facial structures make sealing a mask quite a challenge.

I think nasal pillows are easier to seal but then there are mouth leaks to contend with. The Quattro is also a popular FFM but I would not call asking for an UMFF an "unusual request" by any means.

If you have any problems tonite, search this forum using both Ultra Mirage and UMFF for the many thousands of tips and ideas. Esp. search for Rested Gals tips or links to tips. If it were me, I'd read them over or bookmark them now. Also keep something on hand like a hair scrunchie or knee hi nylon in case. Making the mask too tight can/will cause blisters, so use the scrunchie or nylon to keep a lite inward pressure to stop the leak.

Hopefully, you have again turned up to mask pressure and re-adjusted the straps already.

Good Luck

Tired Linda wrote:Went to DME this afternoon for yet another mask to try.

Well, I got what I wanted, but only after I specifically asked for it - an Ultra Mirage Full Face. She made sure to tell me it was an "unusual request," brought out several, and wanted me to try a Quattro. I picked up the UMFF in small, and she got the idea. She "fitted" me, and I really liked how the mask felt on my face. Then she made sure I understood that since a full face covered so much more area, I was pretty much guaranteed to have trouble with leaks. I guess at that point, I was supposed to be done, because I had to ASK to try the mask with air pressure She was also quite surprised that I knew what pressure I was using.

So, we get the hose attached and made a few adjustments. I got the speech about leaks again. I proceeded to move my head all over and then laid it on the desk because the office was so small it probably once was a closet. (nowhere to lie down with one) Apparently, I was the only person who's ever done that. She got quite a chuckle. More leak talk. Oh, and the sore I might get on the bridge of my nose.

The tech made sure that I understood the office would be open tomorrow, and if I had any trouble at all tonite, to call them and they would fit me with another mask tomorrow. She basically assured me I was going to have problems with leaks, and I shouldn't be surprised if I have trouble. My "appointment" was exactly 28 minutes, and she kept me waiting for about 10 of them. And at least a 5 minute wait for the insurance paperwork. And, as I left, she wished me a Happy Thanksgiving, and don't forget, they would be in the office tomorrow...blah, blah, blah. Talk about depressing.

Nevertheless, I haven't been this excited since I got my machine. The mask is washed up and ready to go. I am hopeful. And very, very thankful for everything I have learned here.

Linda

DoriC wrote:
Although both are similar it seems that those who use the Quattro can't adjust as well to the UM and vice versa. Although I like the design of the Quattro I find the UM to be more stable and leak free. It's a puzzlement!

Another reminder, after using the UMFF successfully we went to the DME for a replacement and were told they don't stock the UM any longer and we'd have to accept the Quattro as a replacement even though my husband had failed with it. I called Medicare to complain and was told that if a mask was still being manufactured the DME was obliged to stock it for a returning patient. She said she would take care of it and 2 hrs later I got a call from the DME to tell me they had "found" some UMFFs misplaced on a "top shelf" and would send a messenger out with one. She never mentioned the call from the nice lady at Medicare. We've had no trouble since.

Good going Linda! Don't know if you read it but this from another thread awhile ago on the same subject. I think maybe they have a higher markup for the Quattro. Just wanted to mention to experiment with the forehead angle until you find the right notch for you. We settled on one notch up from the bottom but it's different for everyone. Getting that right makes a difference. Keep us posted.

Basically, IMHO, they like to sell the WRONG mask as often as possible--their only chance for repeat business????????

DoriC wrote: think maybe they have a higher markup for the Quattro.

I agree, DoriC. In the "showroom" they have probably 20 of those plastic heads with masks. The Quattro is on display, but no Utra Mirage FFM. I thought that was curious. And then I got nervous, because I was afraid that meant they weren't in stock and I'd have to insist she order one and I'd have to wait even longer....then when she started in with all the Quattro talk, I really got the feeling they were "pushing" those for some reason.

L