Full face mask/Need advice???

[seeker01]

I have been using the Full-life mask for about 5 weeks with ok results. However I have been using a APAP for the last week to determine what my new pressure should be (currently 13). I have had a lot of problems with leaks. So I looked at some reviews and found that the Full-Life was one of the lowest rated mask. A lot of the bad reviews where due to leaks. I found that the Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear had a lot of good reviews. I call the DME to day and have an appointment tomorrow to be fitted.

Does anyone have any suggestion or comments on the Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear? Is there any recommendations?

[echo]

When you're getting fitted, make sure you try it with your CPAP on at your current pressure, and lie down! If you do a search on the Quattro there are many tips (especially from Wulfman, do an advanced search) on how to adjust it properly.

[Colin Southern]

Hi Seeker,

I've been using the mirage quattro for a couple of years now - I've tried quite a few other options - and this is the only one I'm happy with.

A few "hints and tips" you might find helpful ...

- when the air pressure increases they're known for sometimes getting a wee bit of leakage from the rotateable plastic elbow, where it joins the mask (it really needs some kind of seal). The actual leakage isn't significant, but it can make a bit of noise ... so I made a make-shift seal by wrapping a couple of turns of waxed dental floss around where it seats on the mask ... has worked like a charm

- having the host head down wards just didn't work for me (all it takes is a couple of rolls in one direction and you run out of hose length) - so I route the hose up and over my head (under one of the headstraps) - over the bed head - and down to the unit which I keep under the bed (well I assume it's still under the bed ... I haven't seen it for over a year!) (just kidding, kinda!). This way I can roll around to my hearts content

- if you do try my hose routing preference above, don't route the hose up between your eyes as this increases noise (it puts the hose in the slipstream of the exhausted air) - I put mine off at a slight angle.

- Keep an icecream stick handy if you get an itch (it's easy to slide underneath the mask seal) - just be careful not to poke it THROUGH the seal (don't ask me how I know this!)

- Keep a spare seal onhand because when you DO eventually damage one it'll take too many days to get a new one!

- The mask has a silicon "bung" underneath that covers an optional oxygen inlet port - sometimes this pops off (especially if it gets a bit of lubrication from condensation from a humidifier). It doesn't happen often - and the worst case scenario is you have to turn on the light - and re-insert the bung - so I took mine a step further and poked a couple of slithers of plastic down the hole before reinserting the bung ... it hasn't come out since (that was over a month ago).

The mask itself does have a bit of a learning curve -- so don't be surprised if it takes you a few nights to get it adjusted for what works best for you.

Does this help?

Cheers,

Colin

[seeker01]

Thanks Colin good advice..

[Colin Southern]

No worries

Also - I use "buck wheat" pillows which I find good because I can position them to support my face without pushing the mask.

[Rycharde]

My DME told me that the Quattro needs to have the seal replaced once per month. This was new information from the Resmed rep, and at least Medicare is covering the cost. Initially I was told that I would be eligible for a new mask every three months, so that has changed for the Quattro. It's something to do with the seal and the compound loses it ability to maintain a good seal longer than about a month. I personaly haven't had that happen, because it is one of two FF backup masks I use, and the Mirage Activa nasal mask is my primary.

Hope this helps,