Full Face Mask Recommendations Needed

[riveter]

I am using a Mirage Quattro full face mask. I'm having a hard time stopping my mask leaking. My pressure is high at 17 cm h20 so I have the straps pretty tight to minimize leaks. I know this mask is supposed to 'inflate' to create the seal but I always have to use brute force to tighten it up. Is there another full face mask that might give me better results?

[Pugsy]

It's suppose to inflate to seal and too tight is often counter productive.

See this...holds true with any mask out there not just the Quattro
https://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/tamin ... e-quattro/

Higher pressures just present more challenges anyway no matter what mask is used.
Some people find that adding a mask liner helps (some it doesn't) and some people move on to try something else and sometimes they like newer and sometimes that don't.

All masks come with that big YMMV sticker.
I can tell you the only full face mask that I could use and I was seeing pressures over 20 cm fairly often but that doesn't mean that you would be successful with it.
But it might be worth a try...the Respironics Amara View.
I have heard some good (and of course some bad) reports from the ResMed F20 both the AirFit and the really new AirTouch. Cushions are interchangeable.

[riveter]

I will look at those recommendations. Thank you. I want to try a nasal mask but I have not yet been able to fall asleep with it yet. I will keep trying.

[knothead]

Hi riveter,
I use a resmed quattro ffm, sleep on my side with no problem. Maybe a few small leaks now & then but nothing that cant be fixed by twitching my face. I recently bought a liner for my quattro and I love it. The small leaks are NO more.
Try one, PAD-a-Cheek liner...

[riveter]

The liner looks like a piece of fabric that goes under the sealing surface. What does that do?

[Okie bipap]

The liner can help you maintain a good seal. Also, it prevents the small leaks from causing mask farts. I use liners when it is warm in the bedroom. If I start sweating, the liner helps me get a better seal. It also helps if your skin is oily, or you use a moisturizer. I always used liners I made myself.

[A MESS]

Wish I knew 7 weeks ago what I know now. Have fought with 6 masks already, including the one I have now. Finally got the Res Med Air Touch 20 FF with memory foam around the nose. The skin around your nose sinks into it making a good seal. The last couple days on the res med scale 98 and NO leaks.

The down side is the memory foam nose piece has to be replaced when the foam no longer bounces back. About once a month they tell me. My ins. covers replacements. If you have no insurance, you pay. Do not know the cost of replacements out of pocket.

The mask is slightly bulky and I would much prefer the nasal pillows. But my mouth keeps opening. So I now have a mask that covers the mouth too. Yes, some days I wake up with a dry mouth, and I wake up in the middle of the night and have to adjust it. But so far the numbers are great. Best mask for me so far!

[A MESS]

forgot to add AHi down to 1-2 per hr from 68 per hr.

[AMESS]

Res Med air cushion replacement about $59.00------cha ching

[Pugsy]

Res Med air cushion replacement about $59.00------cha ching

You keep harping on this and you haven't used the AirTouch long enough to actually determine how long the cushion will last.
You are only going by what the recommended replacement time frame is and guess who puts that out...ResMed who would like nothing more than to sell a new cushion once a month at any price.

Yes it's a bit pricey but only because of shelf life for the foam and it's recommended once a month changing can be a problem for those without insurance to help out with the expense. If someone has Medicare and a good supplement...won't cost them a dime.
Other insurance...depends on the insurance and the co pay and/or deductibles.
For those paying totally out of pocket there are sources where the price isn't quite so steep...just have to look for them. You don't have to buy from a brick and mortar DME store if you don't want to.

But...my DME told me (and he uses the AirTouch) foam that realistically one can probably get 3 months out of one cushion before the foam breaks down and becomes a problem. It first discolors after being exposed to the air but the discoloring doesn't affect the sealing part. It just looks ugly. It does NOT totally fall apart at day 31 of use.
Actual foam life is going to depend on facial oils and whatever minor cleaning is done. Water itself is the worst for the cushion because it's so hard to get all the water out and the foam starts breaking down because it's wet.

No, people aren't going to be able to use a single cushion for a year like many do with the silicone cushions but if the mask is suitable in every other aspect and the other masks aren't....kind of a no brainer which to use. There are ways to extend cushion life and find less expensive sources to buy from when we do have to buy a replacement.

[AMESS]

Not harping--just sayin'. Once it does not bounce back or does stop leaks you need a new one. End of story. They claim about a month. Dont know yet.

[Pugsy]

Not harping--just sayin'. Once it does not bounce back or does stop leaks you need a new one. End of story. They claim about a month. Dont know yet.

You've mentioned the cost and one month thing several times in other various threads. Sorry but it does seem a bit like harping to me.
Mentioning something once or twice...not harping but repeatedly in various threads about full face masks...meets my definition of harping.

Reportedly you have Medicare and a supplement so I fail to see why you make a big deal out of it and you don't really have any idea how long it will last (other than what the DME/ResMed says) and you don't have any idea what other people might have to pay or how long theirs will last.

The cost of the cushion is really no more than most other FFM cushions and the manufacturers all recommend replacing once a month.
That's how come most insurance will pay for one every 30 days whether you really need it or not.

Now for those with crappy insurance or no insurance...there are ways to obtained replacement parts that don't require robbing a bank.

[MaxINTJ]

That's how come most insurance will pay for one every 30 days whether you really need it or not.

Now for those with crappy insurance or no insurance...there are ways to obtained replacement parts that don't require robbing a bank.

Then there's the VA. They don't replace mask parts at all - they replace the whole mask. I'm picking up a new Dreamwear today because it's been 3 months. So I will have a complete Dreamwear, brand new, except for the medium pillow.

Now if I can get the effin thing to work....

[AMESS]

Various threads Pugsy. Not everybody reads everything here. Think u r making a lot of nothing.

[AMESS]

Now for those with crappy insurance or no insurance...there are ways to obtained replacement parts that don't require robbing a bank.

I choose to have insurance. Not ripping off the system or out clubbing instead. This is America-thats how it works.