Ideas for Quattro leaks from clinical support

I've been going back and forth with ResMed clinical support about my leaky Quattro. He was very nice and helpful--a CPAP user as well as a sleep tech.

I thought I would post, in case it helps someone else with similar issues with leaks,recessed chins, different jaw sets,etc,etc.

"....try getting a micro foam tape made by 3M because they are soft and doesn’t stick too much on the skin so you can easily peel it off in the morning. What you do is you cut a small piece to place it on the pressure points that you are experiencing (bridge of the nose) and also on the area where you are constantly having leaks. This creates a barrier between the mask and your skin so it will decrease the pressure and hopefully you will have less marks and possibly reduce leaks. You can try one or two layers to see if this will work for you. You can look for this tape in wound care suppliers or ask a pharmacist on drugstores if they carry this item.

This is what our advise is also on patients that have recessed chins to add volume and help get a better fit with the mask and it helps also to control leaks for some people."

I didn't know 3M had micro foam tape.
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/e ... 85P3RT67gl

Benefits

•
Multi-direction stretch to accommodate swelling and promote comfort.

•
Conforms readily to joints and skin folds.

•
Gentle, secure adhesion to irregularly contoured sites.

•
Latex-free and hypoallergenic for sensitive patients.

•
Water-resistant.

Suggested Applications

•
Securing dressings on sites where movement is likely such as over joints and other challenging areas.

•
Securing compression dressings to assist in hemostasis or control edema (e.g., cardiovascular/angio sites, breast biopsies, orthopedic, thoracic and abdominal surgical dressings).

•
Provides cushioning as needed.

Thank you, SnoozyQ

If this works for you, great, but . . .

I have to say that in my former life I was an occupational therapist, and we made hand splints "from scratch" in those days. It was a general rule that when there's pressure you don't pad the pressure, because that just adds MORE pressure. So I am dubious about the benefit of adding padding directly where the pressure occurs on a face mask. And the trick we used in those rigid handsplints won't work--pad AROUND the pressure so that there is NO pressure on the already irritated skin and tissue--that would cause a mask to leak.

Take a look at my "Taming the Mirage Quattro" link below. IMHO, the key is understanding that the silicone air cushion must be FULLY inflated to avoid pressure (under the theory that the air cushion, when fully inflated, distributes the pressure over a greater surface area so there is less pressure in any one spot). Also, the fit must be extremely loose around the nose--where most of the pressure problems occur. You have to rely on the inflation of the cushion to fill in the gaps between your facial contours and the mask to create the seal. That well-inflated cushion also has some "give" to prevent leaks when your face presses against the pillow.

Congrats........ it works...........

Janknitz wrote:If this works for you, great, but . . .

I have to say that in my former life I was an occupational therapist, and we made hand splints "from scratch" in those days. It was a general rule that when there's pressure you don't pad the pressure, because that just adds MORE pressure. So I am dubious about the benefit of adding padding directly where the pressure occurs on a face mask. And the trick we used in those rigid handsplints won't work--pad AROUND the pressure so that there is NO pressure on the already irritated skin and tissue--that would cause a mask to leak.

Take a look at my "Taming the Mirage Quattro" link below. IMHO, the key is understanding that the silicone air cushion must be FULLY inflated to avoid pressure (under the theory that the air cushion, when fully inflated, distributes the pressure over a greater surface area so there is less pressure in any one spot). Also, the fit must be extremely loose around the nose--where most of the pressure problems occur. You have to rely on the inflation of the cushion to fill in the gaps between your facial contours and the mask to create the seal. That well-inflated cushion also has some "give" to prevent leaks when your face presses against the pillow.

I haven't tried it yet....but the tape doesn't look thick enough to add padding...just maybe a buffer. I'm not sure.

I've tried every fitting suggestion there is, and it never fits the same way twice. I can be in one position, not moving and it will pop a leak, at the eye or chin. I have trained myself to sleep with a hand over my mask to press it into my face bc it will leak. I'm almost willing to make leaks as sure as death and taxes.