Revised Pad-A-Cheek Liner Quattro FX & New Cheek Bone Pads

[builta]

Hi,

I have been working with Karen, from Pad-A-Cheek, to improve the fit of the Resmed Quattro FX mask liner and to develop a set of pads for the upper mask connection (to cover the area where the mask/head gear the goes across the cheek bones just below your eyes.) After a few prototypes, I am happy to report that, in my opinion, Karen has, yet again, "hit a home run" on both fronts! I recommend the new liner and cheek bone pads.

Let me tell you about this new liner.

For reference: I am currently using a Resmed Quattro FX Full Face Mask (size Small and Medium Headgear) and I am an active sleeper. Previously, I successfully used a Resmed Quattro Full Face Mask with Pad-A-Cheek Mask liners, Fore Head pads and Cheek pads.

Background: The original "FX" mask liner had a felt tab the was used to keep the mask liner secured above the nose. I always had trouble with that part. I also had problems keeping the liner in place, so that would cover the corners of my mouth. I just couldn't use the original liner. For me, the original FX liner kept waking me up at night , due to leaking at the nose or corners of my mouth, and it caused more leaks and arousals then it solved.

Review of the Re-Designed Mask Liner: Karen was very understanding and empathetic about my issues with the original FX mask liner. She has completely re-designed the entire mask liner and it now works well for me. The liner has a re-designed the upper section, the felt pad was removed (this really improved my line of sight) and it was replaced by a "little pocket" that cradles and holds the liner in place to the top of the mask. This new pocket holds the liner in place very well and it is working great for me. She re-cut he entire liner pattern and it stays in place very well. The fit and comfort of this revised liner reminds me of her original Quattro liner (which I loved!)

She also now has a new set of pads that cover the plastic part of the upper mask to head gear connections. They stay out of the eyes and are smaller in diameter then her original "cheek pads." I can still read and wear glasses with them installed. For me they make the mask more comfortable and soft.

My two month old Quattro FX silicone cushion is working great again with this liner.

I have slept with this liner and Cheek Bone Pads for several days and the mask and liner just fit and my mask just stays put! I am not being awakened during the night to deal with leaks into the eyes or rude noises. I did "open up" the nose and mouth opening of the liner, a bit, to customize the fit to my face and to relieve some pressure on the sides of my nose.

Note: As others have also noticed, it has proven difficult for me to get a FX cushion to seal well after about a month of use. A mask liner works great, for me, and helps me extend the useful life of the silicone mask cushion for many months (based on my previous experience with the original Quattro FF.)

I will be ordering a second set of cheek bone covers and mask liners (so that I can have a spare while I am washing the other set).

Thanks again Karen-You Rock! and the new design delights me!

Cheers,
Builta

[gasp]

That's good to hear! I rarely have to use my FF Quatro - only if allergies get really bad or get a cold. But when I do, I notice the cushion ages when I'm not even wearing it. I wondered if it was a natural breakdown of silicone or if I just contacting skin even if the cushion is washed well will cause the silicone to break down.

Thanks for the post - the liner looks like it should at least eliminate the skin contact/silicone potential issue : ) Plus it will keep my skin from getting a rash or being too hot! Yeah!

[builta]

That's good to hear! I rarely have to use my FF Quatro - only if allergies get really bad or get a cold. But when I do, I notice the cushion ages when I'm not even wearing it. I wondered if it was a natural breakdown of silicone or if I just contacting skin even if the cushion is washed well will cause the silicone to break down.

Thanks for the post - the liner looks like it should at least eliminate the skin contact/silicone potential issue : ) Plus it will keep my skin from getting a rash or being too hot! Yeah!

Hi,

It seems to me that the cushion seems to get "polished" by contact to the skin and eventually starts to slip and leak. I've run into this on many of the silicone cushions. Washing them in a simple detergent or soap (without dyes or perfumes) helps but, for me, a mask liner seems to be the real key.

I really have to be careful to clean, dry and properly reinstall any of the full face mask liners, especially the ones that don't use retaining clips -like this new Quattro FX FF mask. (the original Quattro FF mask used a retaining ring and is much more forgiving). If I leave any oil or other residue on the mask to cushion interface, or the track where the cushion is installed, the cushion is likely to slip out of the mask track and cause leaks.

Cheers,
Builta

[gasp]

That's good to hear! I rarely have to use my FF Quatro - only if allergies get really bad or get a cold. But when I do, I notice the cushion ages when I'm not even wearing it. I wondered if it was a natural breakdown of silicone or if I just contacting skin even if the cushion is washed well will cause the silicone to break down.

Thanks for the post - the liner looks like it should at least eliminate the skin contact/silicone potential issue : ) Plus it will keep my skin from getting a rash or being too hot! Yeah!

Hi,

It seems to me that the cushion seems to get "polished" by contact to the skin and eventually starts to slip and leak. I've run into this on many of the silicone cushions. Washing them in a simple detergent or soap (without dyes or perfumes) helps but, for me, a mask liner seems to be the real key.

I really have to be careful to clean, dry and properly reinstall any of the full face mask liners, especially the ones that don't use retaining clips -like this new Quattro FX FF mask. (the original Quattro FF mask used a retaining ring and is much more forgiving). If I leave any oil or other residue on the mask to cushion interface, or the track where the cushion is installed, the cushion is likely to slip out of the mask track and cause leaks.

Cheers,
Builta

I stopped the track residue/leak situation by never taking it apart LOL. I figure it is so seldom used what could possible get in ? Don't answer that - it's rhetorical - I don't want to know LOL

[builta]

Hi,

Just a quick update, the revised liner contines to work well and I have no incidents of "large Leaks."

Cheers

[DadscreepyCPAPmask]

I just ordered the liner from Pad-A-Cheek for the Quattro FX. I sure hope this solves the dreaded leaks I develop in the middle of the night by the bridge of my nose. Outside of that, this FFM is probably the most superior FFM due to how comfortable it is. I think what happens with me is since I sleep mostly on my side and am fairly active, the seal breaks loose causing the leaks. Its funny out of all the FFM masks, Nasal and nasal pillow masks I have tried, the best for seal has been the Resmed Softgel. My only issue with is I have to use a chin strap and sometimes tape.

[JeffH]

I've been using Karen's FX liner from the beginning and I love it. The new design makes it possible to put it on without using a mirror, which I like in the middle of the night.

Easy too. I just change them out once a week, wash the dirty one with Patty's delicate stuff, and put the clean one on for a week. Sometimes I even wash the cushion! Only if I remember to.

This is the first time I've been able to get a FFM to work and work like it is supposed to work.

I highly recommend the Quattro FX mask with Padacheeks liners installed.

JeffH

[JohnBFisher]

Thanks for providing your thoughts on this. I decided to get one. I look forward to trying her mask liner for the Quattro FX mask.

[gasp]

Thanks for providing your thoughts on this. I decided to get one. I look forward to trying her mask liner for the Quattro FX mask.

If you too like the liner there is no reason for me not to get one. At least those few times I need to use the Quattro FFM I won't dread it as much - and won't get the red irritation on my skin afterward : ) Let us know!

[JohnBFisher]

Thanks for providing your thoughts on this. I decided to get one. I look forward to trying her mask liner for the Quattro FX mask.

If you too like the liner there is no reason for me not to get one. At least those few times I need to use the Quattro FFM I won't dread it as much - and won't get the red irritation on my skin afterward : ) Let us know!

Will do. I've been using the REMzzzs mask liner for the Quattro FFM. It's "okay". But it is pretty flimsy. I like how the Pad-A-Cheek version is designed to attach to the mask. It takes more effort on her part to make it, but it should do the same thing and not slide around. It appears to be a better design. But I will let you know when I have tried her mask liner.

[DadscreepyCPAPmask]

Still getting lots of leaks around the bridge of my nose! I have tried just about about everything I could think of. Looks like a FFM is just not a good option for me. I guess its back to a nasal mask, chin strap and taping