Switched Masks

My quattro that the DME put me in worked for almost 2 weeks. My nose bridge got a little sore at the beginning, then It was fine, but overnight it ballooned on me (I look like I got punched in the nose). My nose bridge is fairly steep (when not swollen) and I couldn't keep the quattro loose enough like it is supposed to be. To get it so it wouldn't leak, I hand to lower the forehead rest so that the inner seal was resting on the nose bridge and it just made to too tender. Saturday I could only tolerate it for about 30 minutes, and it was so sore on sunday night I didn't even bother.

Went back to the DME and tried a few other masks. I thought about the hybrid, and he also talked me into trying the swift LT. I was skeptical because I am such a mouth breather. THey hybrid was nice. The mouth sealed great, but couldn't quite get the pillows to seal consistently. I'm sure I could futz with them to get them to seal, but the Swift LT sealed right up. With a chin strap I was surprised that I got enough air through my nose (I usually cant). I decided to try the LT for a while. If it doesn't work, I'll be using all the tips I see for the hybrid and see if I can get that one to work.

Except for the sore nose, the quattro worked great. My AHI average was running about 3, the leak rate was right on. Soon I'll order the card reader so I can get more detailed information. I've just been lazy.

I figured I'd give an update since I haven't posted in a while. I am fortunate to have a DME that is more than willing to work with me and knows that helping customers keeps them around for the long term.

Brian

I use the Swift LT for her. I just got it last month and it has become my favorite mask. It has been the only mask to consistantly give me low numbers and low leak rates. I do have to tape up my mouth because I would occasionally find myself exhaling thru it. I have been playing mask roulett for a year now and have finally found a mask that works really well for me. Good luck on your quest.

I ordered a Swift LT from CPAP.COM last night paying out of pocket. I could wait until I am up for a replacement mask from my insurance and try to beg my DME to give me one but that is a good six weeks away. I have not been able to get below 12 AHI with my current setup with 25 AHI being about average. Based on Rooster's calculations in a previous (humorous) post, in six weeks I would rack up 8,400 sleep interruptions . I have my tape ready, have reviewed restedgal's labrat entries and am watching for the Brown truck.

Brian and BAP - glad you have has success and I am hoping for the same.

-Clark

I had a similar issue with my original quattro. Through my DME I eventually was switched to a Fisher & Paykel Flexifit HC431/432. Both have basically solved my nose bridge issue. Both actually fit "Under the Chin" and seem to help me keep my mouth closed. The 431's come with small medium and large silicone seals--so you can fit yourself. At least for me, I can have the headgear under less tension with the F&P 431/432 compared to the Resmed. The 431/2 tend to run at the lower end of the price scale and several are available on Cpapauction.com and eBay.

Just a thought.