Former Quattro Users- Find Better One For Nose Bridge?

[Sillyme]

I like the Quattro but I think my facial proportions are wrong for it. It digs into my nose about half an inch below the very top. If I raise the mask or loosen the top strap it leaks. It would be great to find others who have had the same fit problem and solved it. Wrong choices get very expensive. Wouldn't it be great to be able to make a mold of your face and have a mask custom made? Of course, then the mass-produced replacement parts would cost $100 rather than $50. I only have one more free try for the next 3 months.

[dreamchaser]

Wouldn't it be great to be able to make a mold of your face and have a mask custom made? Of course, then the mass-produced replacement parts would cost $100 rather than $50. I only have one more free try for the next 3 months.[/quote]

Sillyme, I have used the Quattro for almost 3 months and like you I have a problem with the bridge of my nose (I have a big shnoz small face ). I do use a little silicone pad that is sold on cpap.com for aoubt $15.00 and it does help a little.I 've tried a Resperonics Comfortfull gel but my nose gets in the way with that one too.
I have often thought that it would be wonderful to have someone make a mold of my face made so that I could have a better fitting mask made, but at my age the way I'm loosing muscle tone, I would probably have to have a new mold made every year or so. I can't afford the masks that are mass produced, so surely couldn't afford a personally fitted one.
Good Luck with your quest for Cpap mask Nirvana.
Jan

[DoriC]

My husband had the same problem with the Q, developed quite a mess on his nose bridge requiring a prescription ointment, couldn't use the cpap for 2 nights. I think the blue plastic frame around the cushion is too hard which also caused marks on his face. We switched to the Ultra Mirage FF and after adjusting the forehead support to his comfort, we've had no problems.

[Divelucaya]

I also have had this problem with my Quattro and when I told the Doctor he prescribed 1) a re-fit and 2) nasal pillows as an alternate (even though I am a mouth breather). Here is my take on the issue. When I took over the respiratory program at a nuke plant many years ago all our full-face respirators were from one manufacturer and all the same size (medium). Studies showed that this size mask from this manufacturer would successfully fit greater than 90% of the typical adult population. Unfortunately, the remaining 10% or less would be out of luck; either be reassigned to another task or, if a contractor, sent somewhere else to work. I was never properly fit for a C-PAP mask. During my sleep studies I was given a medium Quattro and apparently it sealed well enough that it was this mask that was prescribed. However, one-night sleep studies do not adequately evaluate the fit of the mask. The sleep study room was air conditioned, my room is not. Sweat definitely is a factor in proper fit since the mask can slide around during the night. My sleep study pillows were soft, my own pillow is firm which does not "give" when the mask contacts it. For one night, there may be some minor discomfort with the mask. Night after night the minor discomfort becomes a major pain, resulting in cessation of use. And there are other factors that should be taken into account to find the proper style and size mask. Unfortunately, insurance companies may be the biggest drawback to getting a proper fitting mask. They may like using only one supplier for all the devices and accessories; so if only ResMed products are carried, that is your only choice. Better designed masks may cost more than what an insurance company wants to spend, even if the user is willing to foot the difference. Trying a mask for a week or so usually means buying the mask since it seems few suppliers want to "maintain" a set of test masks for evaluating proper fit.

I would recommend talking to your Doctor and even your insurance carrier and explain to them that continued discomfort will lead to eventual non-use. See what options there are for trying masks of different sizes and styles and from different manufacturers. Inquire about using nasal pillows (and a chin strap if you are a mouth breather) as an alternative, even if it is for part time use for those times the bridge of your nose hurts. See if there are any charts available, either online, the AMA, or some institutes, that correlate facial measurements (bridge to chin, bridge to tip of nose, angle of nose, etc.) to different mask style/sizes.

Update/Revision: Check out this web page - https://www.cpap.com/cpap-mask-sizing.php It has a sizing chart for determining different masks. I tried it out and with my facial measurements, the Mirage Quattro is not one of the matching masks. Hmmm, interesting; something to mention to the Doctor.

[M.D.Hosehead]

I like the Quattro but I think my facial proportions are wrong for it. It digs into my nose about half an inch below the very top. If I raise the mask or loosen the top strap it leaks. It would be great to find others who have had the same fit problem and solved it. Wrong choices get very expensive. Wouldn't it be great to be able to make a mold of your face and have a mask custom made? Of course, then the mass-produced replacement parts would cost $100 rather than $50. I only have one more free try for the next 3 months.

Sillyme (you don't sound silly to me)

I've had the same problem with irritation and pain on my nose--not as it happens with the quattro--but it's the same problem.

My sleepdoc recommended I try the Fisher-Paykel Forma

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... -mask.html

because nothing hard goes over the bridge of the nose. He was right--The F-P seals up well and I have no soreness or irritation. It's not ideal but it is the most comfortable, successful solution so far. I'm still trying to adapt to pillows, but to do that I have to tape my lips.

I think custom-made masks are possible and a neglected opportunity for CPAP companies. A lot pf people would buy them, even if they cost more. They wouldn't nave to take a mold of your whole face, just the bony structure where the nasal, frontal and maxillary bones intersect. Probably that part of your anatomy won't change much.

[Sillyme]

Many thanks for the replies. They've helped to narrow the field. I think the reason we don't see a lot of innovative new masks is that they are classified as a medical device and probably require a huge cash outlay to market. How's this for a conspiracy theory. The harder it is to get a properly fitting mask, the more different masks we have to purchase. How many of us have found one that is satisfactory - or even adequate - on the first or even the second try. I'm new at this and I'm on my third. I do appreciate the fitting guide from CPAP.com but I think the major suppliers could do better. I am a CPAP believer, but I can see why so many people give up. An ill-fitting mask is not only uncomfortable, it disrupts sleep and reduces effectiveness. I've worked out all the obstacles to great therapy except this one. What do people do if they can't afford to keep trying?

[Junebug999]

I like the Quattro but I think my facial proportions are wrong for it. It digs into my nose about half an inch below the very top. If I raise the mask or loosen the top strap it leaks. It would be great to find others who have had the same fit problem and solved it. Wrong choices get very expensive. Wouldn't it be great to be able to make a mold of your face and have a mask custom made? Of course, then the mass-produced replacement parts would cost $100 rather than $50. I only have one more free try for the next 3 months.

We get free trys???? How many do I get? Useless DME didn't give me info like that.....

[Sillyme]

We get free trys???? How many do I get? Useless DME didn't give me info like that.....

I have Aetna Open Choice PPO and I get to exchange the first mask within 30 days. Don't know if that's up to Aetna or DME. I think mask makers will reimburse DMEs for trial masks but maybe others know more about this. I get replacement parts every three months and a new complete mask every 6 mo. However, my big box DME will replace the entire mask or give me a different one every three months. I was told it is just as cheap for them to do it that way and all the insurance co cares about is how much they have to pay out. You might want to call some other DME's and ask about their policy so you have some bargaining power when you confront yours.

[BlackSpinner]

It is the manufactures that say you can exchange a mask within 30 days.

Try the Innomed hybrid - it is the one i use now. I liked the Quatro but I had issues with my eyes with it. I only use it when I have a cold now.

[Sillyme]

I think the blue plastic frame around the cushion is too hard which also caused marks on his face.

Success! I cut a strip of Walgreen's Moleskin Foam Padding, beveled the corners and attached it to the bridge of my nose since the skin wasn't broken. I didn't really expect it to work because it was so thick. I thought it would cause massive leaks. The mask sealed around it perfectly and I was able to sleep on my side - all night and I feel great. I had to stay on my back for the last two nights as the movement of the mask in any other position hurt and woke me up. My AHI went from 11.5 to 5.0, NRI from 11.75 to 2.25 and EPI from 3 to 2. Leak was 0 at a pressure of 12 - CPAP. I'm still going to see if sizing the cushion up will help but I'm now joining the hordes who are happy with their Quattro. I'm still on a quest for the perfect mask but this comes close. Time will tell if the adhesive on the moleskin causes problems when used every night.

[chunkyfrog]

I heard about a custom-made mask; but it's only made in Australia, and costs over a grand!
Road trip, anyone?

[who cares]

I like the Quattro but I think my facial proportions are wrong for it. It digs into my nose about half an inch below the very top. If I raise the mask or loosen the top strap it leaks. It would be great to find others who have had the same fit problem and solved it. Wrong choices get very expensive. Wouldn't it be great to be able to make a mold of your face and have a mask custom made? Of course, then the mass-produced replacement parts would cost $100 rather than $50. I only have one more free try for the next 3 months.

I use a bainaid, one of those little round one like they put over a shot... helps a lot for me