For Those Who Use the AIR or SIMPLUS!

[DoriC]

I'm trying to figure out the best one for Mike. They both need fine tuning on the adjustments but I think they'll be better for him than his original Quattro and Ultra Mirage. I thought I had the leaks under control but they're both very inconsistent. There seems to be pros and cons with both the Simplus and Air and little tips in making adjustments but since I can't get any suggestions from Mike I'm wondering if those who use these masks can tell me what the differences are and the benefits of one over the other and if you tried but finally went back to your original mask. These masks seem inconsistent too but somewhat less leakage. I know I don't give either one enough time because I worry he won't know how to take a new mask off if necessary. I think he's using the correct size in both, Simplus is Med and Air is Large. I'm not quite sure what I'm asking but I think you know! Thanks.

[deerhound]

In the Past when I used FF masks, I never found abetter one than the Mirage Quattro. Now that I have had to go FF again, I am using a Simplus large which I think is a little big. However I prefer it to the M Q hands down. I expect to get a Simplus Medium cushion this week from CPAP.com and I hope it brings perfection. My DME is also sending me a Quattro Air in the near future. It will have to be pretty darn good beat my experience with the Simplus. With masks however it seems there is always room for improvement.

[DoriC]

Thanks for the reply. Can you tell me what's better about the Simplus than the Q? The differences, comfort, leaks,etc.? Any tips on how to adjust it? Has it changed your AHI, did you have to change your pressures, anything like that?

[Sgwilliamson]

Mirage Quattro is an excellent mask but the Simplus is also. As for leaks, you need to make sure the cushion is the right size for you, since that is where you will get your seal. The worst thing a lot of people do is tighten their head gear thinking it will get them a better seal, but that is not where your seal comes from. Also, you cannot change your pressure, it has to be prescribed by your doctor. I've found the best place to get my supplies from very educated people is at SleepLinks in Flowood, MS. I'm in Mississippi, so they're right down the road from me but they do ship supplies and file almost any insurance! You can always call them if you need help, they have great prices also. Their number is 601-932-3744. Hope this helps

[deerhound]

Thanks for the reply. Can you tell me what's better about the Simplus than the Q? The differences, comfort, leaks,etc.? Any tips on how to adjust it? Has it changed your AHI, did you have to change your pressures, anything like that?

The biggest thing is that it doesn't dig into my nose Like The M Q. It also doesn't feel like it is pushing into my face as much. Leaks seem better. I did lower the Pressure Support from 8 to 4 on my VPAP Auto. I had it up to 8 with pillows in order to cram as much air through my poor nose while inhaling as I could. That helped me not mouth breathe using pillows. Now that I am mouth breathing anyway 4 works and doesn't cause as much leakage from the mask.

Dale

[DoriC]

. Also, you cannot change your pressure, it has to be prescribed by your doctor. I've found the best place to get my supplies from very educated people is at SleepLinks in Flowood, MS. I'm in Mississippi, so they're right down the road from me but they do ship supplies and file almost any insurance! You can always call them if you need help, they have great prices also. Their number is 601-932-3744. Hope this helps

So what happens if I change my own pressure? Is there a law I didn't know about? If there is, I'll get to meet all my forum buddies in jail! Next time I'm in MS, I'll be sure to stop by!

[chunkyfrog]

Sgtwilliamson: I've been setting my pressure for nearly 3 years.
My doctor is totally in agreement with my ability (and right) to do so.
I have yet to be arrested. Nyah, nyah, nyah!
(the little face is making a razzberry!)

[Sgwilliamson]

haha no you won't go to jail, its just there's certain user menus and provider menus, the doctor can easily show you how to adjust your own machine but most places won't :/

[Lukie]

It is easy to set pressures. It is best to do it under guidance but there are people who can't afford high priced specialists who easily learn to do their own.

[DoriC]

haha no you won't go to jail, its just there's certain user menus and provider menus, the doctor can easily show you how to adjust your own machine but most places won't :/

Glad to see you can take some ribbing!

[Sgwilliamson]

[DoriC]

haha no you won't go to jail, its just there's certain user menus and provider menus, the doctor can easily show you how to adjust your own machine but most places won't :/

Glad to see you can take some ribbing!

Forgot to mention that most of us here probably know more about these machines and how to adjust the "secret" menus than most Drs. Hopefully the newbies will keep finding us and become educated.

[Denial Dave]

for me, the AIR was a leak monster.... it leaked badly near my cheeks no matter what I tried...

The simplus did not leak, but it came down to a simple comfort feeling.

Once the single wall cushion inflated to my higher pressures, it felt like the edge was pressing on my cheek hard.

If the Simplus had a dual wall cushion, I might have stopped using my Quattro

I've got an appointment with a new sleep doc tomorrow... it'll be interesting to see how this one reacts to what I changed in my settings. But then again, she'll probably look at my AHI, hours of usage and be done with me... LOL.