Question about masks, I better sort this out.

G'day,

I am in a bit of a fix at the moment my Qauttro mask has for some reason started failing. It is leaking like a siv, I think where the latex meets the plastic mask body is faulty. It was working fine before. My AHI is going up and I am getting frowns on the machines readout (indicating bad mask fit). I am waiting to see my specialist regarding getting a different machine and sleep study followup but the CPAP I am on is really doing it's job when the mask works. Like I was saying before my hypertension is GONE. But if I don't sort the mask issue out the hypertension will come back with the rest of the ****.

I have two questions, if someone would be so kind

Is there any cream or compound like vasolene or something I could put on the latex where it meets my face and where it meets the plastic to stop leaks? I am willing to put anything on my face short of apoxy resin or super glue - even if it causes pimples to get the mask to seal.

With the nasal masks - which I am thinking of going to buy right now, if I use the chin strap to hold my mouth shut - how can I be sure that I won't subconsciously flare my lips open and air will escape through my teeth? Or doesn't that happen? It is just something I thought of. I am a mouth breather but I have good nostrils according to the doc so I am going to give the nasal mask a try (he has recommended it).

Sounds like a a hole in the silicon or just poor fit. You should take the mask a part soak it in 50 / 50 water and white vinegar to clean it, rinse well, let it dry and it will restore the "sticky" feel on the silicon. Now inspect it for holes or rips, then if no holes are found put it back together and test it. The mask if fitted right should "float" on your face. If you have it too tight it will leak and cause pain over time.

Awesome fitting guide

https://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/tamin ... e-quattro/

This site has a few things that might help as well with the Anti Leak strap and the mask liners but I personally haven't tried them other then the Neck High and Low head gear pad.

http://www.padacheek.com/index.html


I also use the Swift FX and I love it but the mouth breathing can be a pain to tackle. There are chin straps, tape, Polident strips, to try or you can work on retraining your breathing habits to breath through your nose only. I have tried them all and they all sorta worked but for me in the end I just forced myself to learn to nose breath all day everyday and it carried through into my sleep over a few months.

Good Luck and I hope I helped.

Never use vasoline or any petroleum product on silicone. It degrades it.
What people use is cream used by breastfeeding mothers "Lanishol" or something like that. It is made of lanolin and is edible and safe.

Make sure the silicone part is properly seated in the plastic part of the mask. I remember re-assembling after washing it and it having leaks because it was not in properly. Sometimes it took a few wiggles to get it to work.

I just read that blog link. Now I know this stuff is rocket science!!

As hades161 noted above, there are products (mask liner & anti-leak strap) available from padacheek.com. I own both of these and use them whenever I use my Mirage Quattro. They keep leaks to a minimum - money well spent.

I returned a quattro Fx after one night, as the cushion would not seat securely, and kept 'blowing out'.
I wonder if they are all like that.

Matty332 wrote:I am in a bit of a fix at the moment my Qauttro mask has for some reason started failing. It is leaking like a siv, I think where the latex meets the plastic mask body is faulty. It was working fine before.

Hi,

Advice I learned from others who post here...always have a spare mask on hand. In fact, it is a good idea to have spares for any of the parts (hose, filters, gaskets, water tank), and, if you can afford it, have a spare machine. Masks do wear out and have a limited lifetime, so it is not a waste of money to have a spare on hand.

-john-

Matty, I can't swear to this, but I THINK it was my DME who said to take and wet my finger and run it around the rim of the mask and that would help it seal. If it wasn't her, it was someone who wears a mask. Might be worth a try,

Matty332 wrote:G'day,

I am in a bit of a fix at the moment my Qauttro mask has for some reason started failing. It is leaking like a siv, I think where the latex meets the plastic mask body is faulty. It was working fine before. My AHI is going up and I am getting frowns on the machines readout (indicating bad mask fit). I am waiting to see my specialist regarding getting a different machine and sleep study followup but the CPAP I am on is really doing it's job when the mask works. Like I was saying before my hypertension is GONE. But if I don't sort the mask issue out the hypertension will come back with the rest of the ****.

I have two questions, if someone would be so kind

Is there any cream or compound like vasolene or something I could put on the latex where it meets my face and where it meets the plastic to stop leaks? I am willing to put anything on my face short of apoxy resin or super glue - even if it causes pimples to get the mask to seal.

With the nasal masks - which I am thinking of going to buy right now, if I use the chin strap to hold my mouth shut - how can I be sure that I won't subconsciously flare my lips open and air will escape through my teeth? Or doesn't that happen? It is just something I thought of. I am a mouth breather but I have good nostrils according to the doc so I am going to give the nasal mask a try (he has recommended it).

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=62383&p=583771&hili ... 7s#p583771

Sounds like you could use the stuff - see Sleepycarol's note on the page (a few down from the top)...