Interesting observation

[jqp]

So last night I switched back to my old mask, the F&P 431.
I hadn't been using it since I got the Quattro which seems to fit and seal better.

The Quattro has the big rubber thing that lays on your forehead. I got 2 of the worlds worst zits right there. Looks like 2 hornets stung me. The doc scolded me on washing the mask AND headgear very well every morning. I had been washing the mask, but apparently had been neglecting the headgear part. Anyway, doc gave me some oral antibiotics and some fancy prescription oxy-pads. The evil zits are getting better, but I wanted to give my forehed a rest last night so I switched back to the F&P which doesn't have the big rubber thing.

Now, to the point of the story. I've been doing great on the Quattro, sleeping through the night, feeling pretty good... no getting up to pee in the middle of the night.

Last night at 2:30am, I wake up and really have to pee. Hmmm, that's wierd. I go back to sleep and wake up at 5:30am. My wife says "you were having apnea's ON THE MACHINE. She noticed the mask was making farting sounds on my face and I would have an apnea, and then flail my arms and legs.

Can the mask leak THAT much air? The sleep lab said my pressure was 11 to stop the apnea, 13 to stop the snoring. Most times I have observed air leaking on the mask, it was during exhale, not inhale... so I don't really get it. Maybe the 431 is just inherantly more leaky than the Quattro?

I dunno, but I'm sleepy already and its 8 in the morning.

[Organplayer]

I wear a Quattro also. Get a padacheek cover for that rubber forehead mount.
That mask wears more comfortably for me because of the pad.

YMMV,
Kevin

[blarg]

The Quattro has the big rubber thing that lays on your forehead. I got 2 of the worlds worst zits right there. Looks like 2 hornets stung me.

Sounds like you need a micro fleece forehead pad for it. I'm not sure if the Quattro has the same forehead pad as the Activa and UMFF, but if it does, this is a wonderful product:
http://padacheek.com/PACActiva_UM.html

Can the mask leak THAT much air?

Yes. Easily. You're going to want to use a mask that seals well and is comfortable so you can sleep through the whole night.

Maybe the 431 is just inherantly more leaky than the Quattro?

For YOU, yes. Masks are a very individual experience. Some do great with the 431. I think it's safe to say that the Quattro is better for you than the 431 given what you've said though.

[jqp]

Hey, thanks for the tip on the pad a cheek thing.

Looks like my wife could sew one of those things up no problem...

I'll see if I can persuade her.

JQP

[hoyle]

I use my UMFF mask padacheek cover for the forehead piece on my Quattro, also stuffing a 1 1/2 inch piece of foam between the rubber mask piece and the padacheek cover which adds more padding. I find this works great.
WildIris52

[billbolton]

I got 2 of the worlds worst zits right there. Looks like 2 hornets stung me.

You could put a strip of microporous hypoallegenic tape on the mask forehead pad and change it every couple of days.

Cheers,

Bill

[Babette]

Hey, thanks for the tip on the pad a cheek thing.

Looks like my wife could sew one of those things up no problem...

I'll see if I can persuade her.

JQP

Tell her you're going to wear the leaky mask and keep flailing all night until she sews it for you....

LOL,
B.

[Gerald]

Your strong urge to pee was probably caused by extremely high blood pressure. The high blood pressure was caused by an apnea. You might want to find another mask that won't leak as badly as the one you have now.