How long to give a new mask model?

[chunkyfrog]

I was unable to get any Re$Med full face mask to fit my face.
Even using all positions, there was no way I could get simultaneous fit on chin and nose,
since the frames rock on my cheekbones.
My point is not to limit yourself to one brand of mask, as no one mask will fit all faces.

[SuddenlyWornOut45]

I had problems with eye leaks with the Quattro originally. Took me a few months to really tame it. I figured out the key (for me at least) is to NOT tighten down the nose dial too much, but to leave the dial screwed down some but not so much that it compresses the silicone around the bridge of my nose. That Quattro silicone on the bridge of your nose area should inflate like a balloon.

Also, high humidity all night long will help create a seal there. And minimize leaks. I get high leaks when my mask does not have enough humidity. The key to keeping high humidity all night long is simple: 1) crank up your heated humidifier to the max and 2) turn off your heat at bedtime and use lots of covers to stay warm while sleeping. I wake up with my room in the winter ranging from 63 F to 67 F, very cold for me in the winter. But dropping the bedtime temp at bedtime allows the humidifier to work way, way better. Typically, I will wake up with rainout even in the winter...most people rainout is only a problem in the summer when natural humidity levels are high.

I'd go back to the original Resmed Quattro FFM, make sure its sized correctly and work on it. It might take some tweaking but that FFM is the best one on the market for 99% of the OSA population that needs a FFM. No other mask handles jaw drop and mouth leaking better than the original Quattro FFM.

Eric

[Sir NoddinOff]

I've tried half a dozen FFMs from different manufactures and, IMO, the ResMed line of Quattros is about the best in the business - even tho I sometimes get eye leaks from them. I can't stand ANY air blowing in my eyes, so last summer somebody recommended Onyix nightime goggles when they noted that I was persevering with the Quatto FX mask. This is a cut and paste of something I often post:

You may find that Onyix silicone blackout goggles are efficient for keeping leaks out of your eyes, which I can't tolerate in the slightest. Once the lightest puff of air hits my eyelashes, game over. They are perfect for keeping out the morning light, needless to say. I like these Onyix blackout google by EyeEco, tho they aren't cheap.

http://www.dryeyeshop.com/onyix-p327.aspx

These goggles are also for people with dry eye conditions, however I found they were a little too good at trapping in moisture so I used a notebook paper hole-punch to put two holes in the corners furthest away from my nose. Works great now. Warning: Some people with small faces say this does fit them.

LATER NOTE: Hmmm. Looking at the Air mask on the mannequin at the CPAP.com site, it looks like a tight fit getting the goggles thru the forehead brace and nose-piece space. Might want to ask about return policies in case it just doesn't work out.

[jencat824]

I usually try 5 days, or 4 weekend nights. I'm stubborn and try hard to make a mask work. Exception was the Nuance, wore it twice and gave up.

If you are looking to a FFM, the Sleepweaver Anew might work? My hubby is trying it now. He is getting leaks, but he is a stomach sleeper. Most masks he has tried leak some, but he is like me, still looking for the "perfect" mask.

Jen

[49er]

I usually try 5 days, or 4 weekend nights. I'm stubborn and try hard to make a mask work. Exception was the Nuance, wore it twice and gave up.

If you are looking to a FFM, the Sleepweaver Anew might work? My hubby is trying it now. He is getting leaks, but he is a stomach sleeper. Most masks he has tried leak some, but he is like me, still looking for the "perfect" mask.

Jen

I loved the Anew but unfortunately, it didn't love me. The reviews about it massively leaking were totally accurate in my opinion. I sure hope Circadiance doesn't give up on improving this mask because it really could be great.

I agree with the folks who said that they know pretty quickly if a mask is going to work or not. The Anew is the only one I worked with longer than usual in an attempt to make it work.

49er

[SabrinaFaire]

I usually try 5 days, or 4 weekend nights. I'm stubborn and try hard to make a mask work. Exception was the Nuance, wore it twice and gave up.

If you are looking to a FFM, the Sleepweaver Anew might work? My hubby is trying it now. He is getting leaks, but he is a stomach sleeper. Most masks he has tried leak some, but he is like me, still looking for the "perfect" mask.

Jen

I asked the Tech at the DME about the Sleepweaver masks and he said they are great if you don't move around a lot in your sleep. I'm constantly tossing and turning though.

[SabrinaFaire]

I'm returning to this thread b/c I'm still having problems finding a mask that works. They gave me the Quattro again, this time in a size XS to see if that worked better. Nope. Even more leaks. I've seated, I've tweaked, I've adjusted, I've tried different masks. I'm starting to think nothing is going to work.

[LSAT]

Have you tried padacheek.com ? If you have been reading posts on this board you have see it mentioned many times. She has anti-leak straps and mask liners for the Quattro mask and others.

[jencat824]

I'm returning to this thread b/c I'm still having problems finding a mask that works. They gave me the Quattro again, this time in a size XS to see if that worked better. Nope. Even more leaks. I've seated, I've tweaked, I've adjusted, I've tried different masks. I'm starting to think nothing is going to work.

SabrinaFaire,
Sometimes it takes trying a lot of masks before you find 'the one'. Don't give up, for now, try to decide which one you have tried so far is 'liveable' and use that as a 'primary' mask for now. Keep looking for 'the one' and along the way you should discover masks that work better. I've been at this for 14 years and still try new masks. Currently I'm using the Swift LT for Her, but the next runners up for me are the F&P Piliaro and the SleepWeaver Elan.

Just hang in there. Part of successful treatment is to keep trying.

Jen

[SabrinaFaire]

Have you tried padacheek.com ? If you have been reading posts on this board you have see it mentioned many times. She has anti-leak straps and mask liners for the Quattro mask and others.

Yep, and they do help, but don't eliminate.