Quattro: Good Lot #'s?

[Knightfall]

Hey guys,

I have a question for the board regarding the new Resmed Quattro mask. I have read on this site that some users are experiencing issues with leaks at the elbow fitting. In some posts things were stated that gave me the impression that newer "lots" of these masks might not have this issue.

What are you guys hearing/experiencing on this mask? Has Resmed corrected this flaw, and the consumer should pursue a certain lot number or higher? Or are these issues completely random, and let the buyer beware. Thanks for any help offered on this topic.

If this has been covered already, my apologies. I tried the search function with a myriad of different text, but couldn't pinpoint both "Quattro" and "lot" in the same post.

I did contact Resmed customer support, and got a very polite ,"Nope, never heard of any leak problem with the Quattro" when questioned about this flaw. Shocker, that.

Ken

[Lepeu63]

[quote="Knightfall"]Hey guys,

I have a question for the board regarding the new Resmed Quattro mask. I have read on this site that some users are experiencing issues with leaks at the elbow fitting. In some posts things were stated that gave me the impression that newer "lots" of these masks might not have this issue.

What are you guys hearing/experiencing on this mask? Has Resmed corrected this flaw, and the consumer should pursue a certain lot number or higher? Or are these issues completely random, and let the buyer beware. Thanks for any help offered on this topic.

If this has been covered already, my apologies. I tried the search function with a myriad of different text, but couldn't pinpoint both "Quattro" and "lot" in the same post.

I did contact Resmed customer support, and got a very polite ,"Nope, never heard of any leak problem with the Quattro" when questioned about this flaw. Shocker, that.

Ken

[ddpelp]

mine has had zero leaks even after much disassembly I will look up my lot as in another thread we seem to have a older lot vs newer lot where the newer ones do not leak..

[cwsanfor]

Basically it's not a 'flaw' that is attributal to any one batch but a componant of the design. The elbow fits loosely into the mask and allows a very small amount of air to leak. It makes noise - not much but it's noticible since the mask itself is pretty quiet. 2 or 3 wraps of plumber's tape solves the issue nicely.

I'd have to respectfully disagree that this leak is a "feature" rather than a "bug", which is the Microsoft approach to faulty engineering.

1) If it was a feature, it would be exhibited by all Quattros. I'm on my third elbow, and my masks leaks loudly from the elbow.
2) The leak on mine is loud. It wakes me up at times. Although the mask is nearly silent when the elbow is perfectly aligned (quietest mask I own, in that rare case), when it is leaking from the elbow it's the loudest mask I own. It is not a "small" leak.
3) At 15/19.5 cm H2O, the mask is always at the border of a large leak. The leak from the elbow likely contributes in at least part to this.
4) I find that a free-swiveling elbow decreases leaks by minimizing lateral forces delivered by the hose to the shell. In fact, I sometimes add an Activa swivel to masks to provide an additional pivot point. It is very likely that the use of Teflon tape will decrease the ability of the Quattro elbow to swivel.

If this were some hoopty mask, I might be okay with these compromises, but it's the latest, and one of the most expensive masks on the market, and I would prefer that Resmed correct their engineering or quality control error. Of course I'd prefer that Resmed do a lot of things that they are unlikely to do.

I'm not Resmed-bashing here: although I dislike their business practices very much, I cannot say they do not make a fine mask. For example, last night, I had an AHI of 0.2, and that was 1-2 hypos that occurred in the last 5 minutes, and were probably artifact. A Quattro with a BiPAP is about as smooth a ride as you'll get. But this mask is defective, and if it needs teflon tape, they should include that in the box as shipped.

[MartiniLover]

I think I got mine the first day out, so mine is a older one (Lot wise).

I love the mask.

I don't leak.

I love the mask.

If I had to do minor work to make it the best mask I ever owned, I wouldn't be concerned.

Again I love it.

Tried my old favorite the other night and couldn't stand it any more than a hour.

Again I love it.