Quattro FX Mask

[stacyrings]

I got this mask yesterday and it's the first FF mask I've ever tried. It was suggested because my pressures are so high and I'm breathing through my mouth at night. Before this mask I was taping and I don't like doing that.

My question is, those that wear this mask, do you follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to put it on and to not move it around to get a good fit?

I did last night and did not like it one bit. I wanted to move it around on my face so I could find the right spot where it would feel comfortable but I didn't. Instead I took it off and slept with my old mask. I think I'll like this mask if I can get it just right on my face but taking it off and on, I'm not going to find it that way.

[derek70]

You can follow the mask manual or the directions of the link below (as LSAT mentioned in another post):

http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/taming ... e-quattro/

[stacyrings]

Thanks, that looks like it will work. I'll give it a try and maybe order a mask liner.

[rogerconnelly]

Just to add my 2 cents here - I couldn't get a good nights sleep with my Quattro (I have the "plain" version, not the FX - but it still seems relevant) until I got not only the liner from padacheek (which helped hugely), but also the anti-leak strap. With both, I've been a happy camper

http://padacheek.com/PAC_AntiLeak_Strap.html

Hope this helps - Roger

[b360155]

The Quattro FX has been my mask of choice for over 2 months now. I definitely would recommend the Padacheek mask liner for use with this mask. Without the mask liner, I sometimes would get a small leak at the bridge of my nose, even if I did their recommended "swing and seal" technique. Also, I found the silicone against my skin was somewhat sticky and uncomfortable at times. With the Padacheek, your skin isn't in direct contact with the silicone and that makes the mask more comfortable to wear. It also has a little built in nose bridge pad that seems to help improve the seal at the bridge of the nose. And with the Padacheek, you can slide it around a little to get the mask in a comfortable position. I also figure that by using the mask liner, the silicone face cushion should last longer since it's not coming in direct contact with your face and facial oils.

I do not use the anti-leak strap with the Quattro FX. The design of the mask where it fastens to the headgear is a little different from other masks because it has a "skeleton" that attaches to the mask that creates a wider pressure point, similar to what I think the anti-leak strap is designed to do. So, you might want to hold off on buying one of those at first.

I did also purchase the Padacheek micro fleece strap covers (both upper and lower). These keep the straps from pressing directly on your face and leaving marks on your face in the morning.

Hope this helps...good luck!

[cindjo717]

I have been using this mask since Oct. I had A LOT of leaks until I did a few different things. First the pad a cheek liner and anti leak strap. Also with the head gear , the back strap towards the top of the head- that strap is crucial to prevent leaks. If it's not in the right position it's leak central. I find that it has to be in the upper half of the back of the head. Sometimes while sleeping it must move out of place and I will wake up , adjust it and all is well. I do recommend doing that tilt thing to position the mask - once it is in position and clipped into place not to move it around. I set the mask in place, put on the machine, lay down, let it fill with air then clip it and adjust the straps. Letting it fill with air first allows for the liner to puff with air, it's supposed to be a floating mask.

[stacyrings]

Well, I tried it again last night and I got a good fit, no leaks...until I turned on my side and then it was leaking like crazy, especially at the nose. If I slept on my back, it would be no problem, but I don't. I really want to like this mask.

My question now, it seems I'll need at least the mask liner, probably the anti-leak strap, and now I'm thinking a pillow so the mask can hang off and not get smashed and move off my face. Does that sound about right? I'm okay with all of that if it means this mask will work.

[b360155]

Sounds like a reasonable plan of attack. Since I've started CPAP therapy, I've started using a pillow called the Sobakawa Cloud Pillow. They sell them at B, B and Beyond for $19.99 and if you have one, you can use your 20% off coupon. It's contoured to cradle your neck and head in the middle of the pillow if you sleep on your back. If you're a slide sleeper, the side portions are firmer so you can sleep on the edge of the pillow with the mask hanging off the side. I also have a TempurPedic contoured neck pillow which works OK, but the Sobakawa is just as effective and is much cheaper than the TempurPedic. Might want to check one out.

[puffin98]

I have a memory foam pillow that I adore and am unwilling to swap pillows. So I had to find another solution. After following the procedure for putting it on after starting the air flow, I first tighten the bottom straps. Then I adjust the top straps. Then I add on the following: I lie down on my side (on my favorite pillow) and retighten the straps to counter any leaks. I roll to the other side and do the same. This process has worked just fine and I'm not having any leak problems with the mask. That said - I was first given a M when I needed a S and it was nearly impossible to stop leaks on the M. So I guess the first step is being properly fitted to begin with! Good Luck! (Has anyone ever noticed how we don't have the zzz smiley or the yawn smiley - probably the two most relevant smileys to this forum??!! Hmmmm....)

[TxBobS]

I started off with that mask also. I sleep on my side mostly and like you experienced a lot of leaks, especially around my nose. I tried the Mirage Quattro and it has fixed my leak problem.

I think my issue was every time I switched positions, the mask would shift enough to cause the cushion to leak. With the forehead piece on the Mirage version, it seems to stabilize it a lot more.

[retrodave15]

I started off with that mask also. I sleep on my side mostly and like you experienced a lot of leaks, especially around my nose. I tried the Mirage Quattro and it has fixed my leak problem.

I think my issue was every time I switched positions, the mask would shift enough to cause the cushion to leak. With the forehead piece on the Mirage version, it seems to stabilize it a lot more.

I agree completely with the above statement. The forehead pad adds some extra stability. I have thought if the merged a Quattro FX with the lightweight forehead support on the Mirage FX it might be just enough to solve the stability problems with this mask, but still keeping it as light as possible.

Dave

[RationalEntropy]

I can definitely relate. I have that same mask, and guess what. It occasionally leak near the bridge of my nose and directly into my eyes. The padacheekliner seems useful, but it may prove useful to improvise something similar if such options are not readily available. The antileak strap is something that I think would be exceedingly useful since it would likely apply force to a portion of the mask that would greatly reduce leaks. Translation: I want to obtain an antileak strap at the very least.

Also, the leaks occur most frequently when I sleep on my side.

Good luck, all.

[peterg]

I can definitely relate. I have that same mask, and guess what. It occasionally leak near the bridge of my nose and directly into my eyes. The padacheekliner seems useful, but it may prove useful to improvise something similar if such options are not readily available. The antileak strap is something that I think would be exceedingly useful since it would likely apply force to a portion of the mask that would greatly reduce leaks. Translation: I want to obtain an antileak strap at the very least.

Also, the leaks occur most frequently when I sleep on my side.

Good luck, all.

Im only on 4cc's , but I have had success with a buckwheat pillow, which allows me to have the front of my head (and those straps) not being pushed up, and a pieve of elastic under the lower straps and chins, which stops those nose bridge leaks. good luck,