I'm trying to make this work...thanks for the help.

[dwalt]

I have read through these forums trying to get adjusted to the new "alternative lifestyle." I started with a positive attitude. I was in denial for a long time but the hope of being able to sleep with my wife again was worth the effort.

My first setup included an oversized mask (DME didn't measure for one). I traded it in for the proper size. That problem was solved but I still had issues with the hose. A visit to this forum gave me the idea of hanging the hose from high up on the bedpost (we have a bed with 4 tall posts). Then there was an issue with the ramp because it woke me up when it reached full pressure. I figured out how to turn it off. Then I realzed my hose was probably too short (no laughs) and I was still snoring. The first followup visit to the doc and a return trip the DME resulted in a standard diameter 8' hose, increased air pressure (from 8 to 10), and one of those cloth gasket deals. UGH! Much worse! The cloth gasket caused more leaks, not less. The larger diameter hose is heavier and harder to deal with and the added pressure made it so there were more leaks or I had to really tighten the mask.

I changed the pressure down to 9 (don't tell on me) and changed the settings on the machine due to the standard (not slimline) hose. This morning I woke up with the hose wrapped around my neck (not the first time it's happened. (I am a face/side sleeper and reposition myself alot). This so called therapy is causing more stress, less sleep, and a lot of frustration. The best sleep I get is when I turn the machine off, leave the room, and sleep in the chair or on the couch. To add to the frustration, I am self employed with a high deductible insurance plan so the costs are all on me.

[zoocrewphoto]

How long have you had your machine. Considering that you are having problems, I would ask your doctor to have your machine switched to an S9 autoset, and not the escape which shows NO data and can't help you figure anything out.

I've never used the longer hose or the normal width hose, just the 6' slimline hose. So, no ideas for that. It does sound like you need some kind of hose caddy to keep you from getting tangled in it.

With the Quattro FX, it helps to get the mask located perfectly. If it leaks near the eyes, then it is placed too high. Leaking at the cheeks, then it is placed too low. Put it on a little loose and let the seal inflate (with the pressure on) before you tighten it. If the seal can't inflate, it will leak horribly and get worse if you tighten it. It took me about a month to get my placement right on the first couple tries. And another 2 weeks to get smaller headgear that fixed it for me. Now, it usually fits well on the first try.

Welcome to the group. Sorry that it has been a rough start for you. Hopefully you can get some help with your machine, settings, hose, and mask. And then you can start feeling the improvements in your health.

[Julie]

Do a search for 'Hose Buddy' here to see what some people use. Others tape the hose to the headboard (with a little slack in it).

[Pugsy]

Your machine is the S9 Escape??
You might want to read this.
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/
The S9 Escape doesn't collect any data except hours of use. It can't even tell you if leaks are bad enough to impact therapy so you have zero way to know if your leaks are excessive or not. No way to have any idea if the therapy is even optimal.
It's pretty sad to go through all this "work" and not feel better and having no way to maybe figure out why you don't feel better.

Regarding hose...how about using 2 lightweight performance hoses instead of the heavy 8 ft? There are little adapters made to connect 2 of the 6 ft hoses. That's an option if you really need the extra length.

Finding the right mask is something that most people have quite a challenge doing.
Check with your DME about maybe trying a different model mask.

See if this helps with your current mask.
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/taming ... e-quattro/
and video here
http://www.cpaplibrary.com/full-face-masks.html

Cloth gasket??? Are you talking about mask liners? Remzzzzs maybe?

Hose management...you can buy or you can make your own.
viewtopic.php?t=10640

[pandatx]

I'm so sorry that you're having a hard time. That is depressing. I really hope things start getting better for you soon.

[dwalt]

Thanks again....another uncomfortable night

I have the hose hanging from the 6' tall bedpost but I may need a more permanent hose management.

Yes, the "gasket" was actually a mask liner.

Is there a way I can trade this Escape to an Autoset? I just paid over $1,500 for this thing (again I paid for it, not an insurance company) and I really don't have another $1,500+ sitting arround to buy a new machine in less than 6 months.

I read the info about fitting the mask and will try it that way tonight; thank you!

How long should it take every night to put the mask on? It's getting to the point that I'm spending 10+ minutes just making sure it won't leak...but it does.

[tbinbny]

You'll get it all figured out. Take machine back to DME and make them upgrade you to something like the S9 autoset. They shouldn't charge you. $1500? Should've been around $600 or so. S9 Autoset maybe $999, with all the goodies. Don't stand for anything less than a no charge swap out.

[pandatx]

that sounds really, really pricey to me

[NotLazyJustTired]

$1500 for an Escape? I think you should have a serious discussion with your DME.
But more importantly, this may be hard for you to see right now, but I see an individual who is committed and is going to make this work. Your commitment is coming through in your posts. I remember fighting with the equipment my first week. I vividly remember waking up with a panic attack on one night and didn't think I was going to ever be able to sleep with this thing. But slowly, you begin to conquer this thing and then that and before you know it you aren't waking up as much and your energy is starting to come back. That's where I am at after about three weeks. I am not exactly sleeping the whole night through, but dreaming a lot more, so I know I am making progress. Hang in there, it will come in time!

[Janknitz]

On my blog is another helpful post called " help, I'm stuck with a brick". Especially if you paid out of pocket and overpaid in the neighborhood of about $500 (see prices on our host's website) they should be bending over to kiss your patootie because the "service" they are supposedly giving you for the extra money is nonexistent (they couldn't even fit you properly for the mask!).