Can't Keep My Mask On My Face

[bdonahueweedman]

Hey Everybody...well I finally got my machine from http://www.secondwindCPAP.com, a $5000.00- machine for $875.00! This is the place to go if you have no Insurace. Mark the owner is an absolute sweetheart and VERY knowledgeable. My Doctor kind of 'loaned me a mask permanently', and it's the Quatro Full Face Medium. I have no problems with the mask, except that it wont stay on my head no matter how tight I pull it. The Culprits are sweat and panic. As soon as I get the "blowfish" effect as I call it (when the air really cranks cause it detects a problem), this firehose of air blows this mask off my face; you can hear the leaks 2 rooms away (my Mom came in and asked me if I was 'Moaning and crying'!). The air rush is so hard that it freaks me out and I feel like I can't breathe and have to take it off. My Guardian Angel Bleeping Beauty, told me to try the Hybrid, which looks really cool except Doc's office said they dont have them, they just didnt have a high enough success rate to keep them around. Beauty is walking me thru this every step of the way, but I wanted to check in only because so many people have helped me I feel I should post updates occasionally. Beauty has assured me that finding all of the right "tweaks" takes time and patience, which I will need because right now I am actually getting LESS sleep than I did before I got my machine. All I do is wake up and panic trying to pull this thing off of me. So I'm doing just that, checking in and seeing if others wentr through this at the beginning as well. Thanks everybody, LV

[klgm326]

I'm so sorry you're struggling. I'm also sorry you don't have insurance to help with this. I actually got my equipment last week -- same mask as you -- and I simply couldn't wear it! Your face is small like mine, and it either leaked when at full pressure (11) or I had to adjust it so tightly that it hurt -- especially the bridge of my nose and under my eyes. We just got back from the DME and I've decided to go with the Swift FX nose pillow and a chin strap. Just in the office, the difference was amazing! Nothing on my face. It will take a little getting used to the sounds in my nose, but I think this may be the one! I wish I could help you with ideas on the Quattro, but I finally have to realize it just wasn't for me!
Best of luck!

[DreamOn]

Good to read that you have your machine now!

Masks are ALWAYS challenging, and I think even more so with an ASV machine. It could be that your Quattro is the wrong size. Did you try the Small size? It could also be that your straps are actually too tight and/or the forehead dial needs further adjustment. If you decide to stay with the Quattro mask, you may want to get this Anti-Leak Strap from PadACheek: http://padacheek.com/PAC_AntiLeak_Strap.html. I have read very good reviews about it from other forum members who were having problems with Quattro and Ultra Mirage full face mask leaks.

I do think it's going to take some time to find the right mask and adjust to the machine, but I hope you'll be sleeping better very soon. Best wishes to you, Beth!

[philjows]

Yes I agree with you that masks are always challenging, and I think even more so with an ASV machine. It could be that your Quattro is the wrong size.I faced problem because of wrong size masks.