New mask VS mask seal?

[bbmiller]

Hello
hi use a Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask manufactured by ResMed and have been using a CPAP machine since mid-August. I always had some trouble with my mouth opening and losing the seal of the mask with my face. However recently it has been getting worse and I'm thinking perhaps the seal is wearing out and I should buy a new seal. I think that's because I'm having to tighten the mask against my face to maintain a seal with my face and the seal is breaking more often.

When I first chose my mask I chose the only full face mask my health plan carried that was supposed to be any good because it felt better than all other masked they carried. I have no equipment coverage and must pay out of pocket for all equipment including mask. However I do have coverage for mask fitting that my health plan's sleep apnea clinic only. So I am wondering if I have always had some trouble with the mask seal breaking from my face and it is getting worse is it time to get an altogether new mask of perhaps a different brands or just the seal? I thought I would get used to this mask and perhaps I could with the aid of a new mask seal. But given the costs involved for me what would you do try to get used to this mask with the new seal or get a different mask entirely? What happens when the seal breaks from my face is my mouth gets very dry. Last night I woke up during the night observing that the blowing wind in my mouth was drying it out like a hair dryer. I am not using a humidifier and do not think that is the problem with my mouth drying. So tell me your opinions. And thanks.

[Willtry]

I use the same mask
? do you shave
I had the same problem untill I started to do the following
I wash my face to remove body oil each night before going to bed
I have a quick shave with electric razor removes stubble
Each morning I wash the silicon face mask while in the shower with my hair shampoo: this removes body oil with out damaging the mask
I rinse well in warm water and let air dry.

sounds like a lot but not much at all, but it solved my problem
I find this stops the mask from slipping and creates a good seal as well

Hope this helps

[LSAT]

Hello
hi use a Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask manufactured by ResMed and have been using a CPAP machine since mid-August. I always had some trouble with my mouth opening and losing the seal of the mask with my face. However recently it has been getting worse and I'm thinking perhaps the seal is wearing out and I should buy a new seal. I think that's because I'm having to tighten the mask against my face to maintain a seal with my face and the seal is breaking more often.

When I first chose my mask I chose the only full face mask my health plan carried that was supposed to be any good because it felt better than all other masked they carried. I have no equipment coverage and must pay out of pocket for all equipment including mask. However I do have coverage for mask fitting that my health plan's sleep apnea clinic only. So I am wondering if I have always had some trouble with the mask seal breaking from my face and it is getting worse is it time to get an altogether new mask of perhaps a different brands or just the seal? I thought I would get used to this mask and perhaps I could with the aid of a new mask seal. But given the costs involved for me what would you do try to get used to this mask with the new seal or get a different mask entirely? What happens when the seal breaks from my face is my mouth gets very dry. Last night I woke up during the night observing that the blowing wind in my mouth was drying it out like a hair dryer. I am not using a humidifier and do not think that is the problem with my mouth drying. So tell me your opinions. And thanks.

I find that I need to replace the seal on my Quattro every 3 months.

[bbmiller]

I find that I need to replace the seal on my Quattro every 3 months.

Is three months typical of full face mask seals that use other materials such as gels? I realize that would mean getting another mask but I am just wondering how long can a mask seal last?

[Bons]

If your problem is from your jaw dropping while you sleep, you may want to look at masks that have chin supports, like the one I use, or get a chin strap to keep you from opening your mouth at night.

[LSAT]

I find that I need to replace the seal on my Quattro every 3 months.

Is three months typical of full face mask seals that use other materials such as gels? I realize that would mean getting another mask but I am just wondering how long can a mask seal last?

I am referring to the Quattro, which is what I use. The mask itself will not wear out...it is plastic. I always keep a spare silicone seal on hand and find that I need to replace it at or around 3 months because of excessive leaking. I have no experience with FF Gel masks.

[bbmiller]

masks that have chin supports,

Besides the Fisher and Paykel brand mask Bons has are there other brands that have chin supports?

[Bons]

masks that have chin supports,

Besides the Fisher and Paykel brand mask Bons has are there other brands that have chin supports?

There is a Legend mask, which is quite inexpensive (google it; I can't recall the manufacturer and it's not a common mask) - seems like a great mask but it runs really small (I use a medium F&P but the large Legend is too small for me), Hans Rudolf has one, and Innomed makes the hybrid, which has nasal pillows (the others cover the nose).

If you think the Legen might fit you, PM me and I can send it to you, which would make me happier than seeing it sit in my nightstand drawer. It was used all of 20 minutes.

[Sillyme]

What happens when the seal breaks from my face is my mouth gets very dry. Last night I woke up during the night observing that the blowing wind in my mouth was drying it out like a hair dryer. I am not using a humidifier and do not think that is the problem with my mouth drying. So tell me your opinions. And thanks.

Even with a good seal I had the dry mouth problem when my mouth fell open at night. The 431 mask works very well for me and comes with all three size cushions. A simple fix to try with your current mask might be to tape your lips closed. Sounds awful but really isn't when done properly. Gentle paper tape, chap stick and rolling the lips in a bit when taping does the trick for me and there are no tape marks in the morning. You can do a search for more detailed instructions. It's no fun waking up with your tongue stuck to the roof of your mouth.

[BeachGirl]

[bbmiller]

If you want the seal to last longer, make sure you wash it every night, with only a vinegar water solution or a water and dish soap solution. Just a drop of dish soap, also make sure you are not using any cremes or oils on your face. those will cause the silicone to break down VERY quickly. if you need it to last longer than the three months due to finances (mask seals are designed to last 3 months) you can put a VERY THIN smear of K-Y jelly on the part that touches your skin, and it will protect your mask from any skin oils that cause breakdown. also, you will be able to keep a seal with the mask. just make sure you use a water based lubricant because anything else will not only break the mask down, but petroleum jelly based lubricants are flammable!

OK
I am not quite getting it. I thought K. and Y. jelly was a lubricant you're talking about what kind of lubricant to use with KY jelly. Could you explain more? Also would you wash it just by soaking it? Could you run under the faucet to rinse it or not? Do you need to pat it down with a towel very carefully to dry it?

[Stetson]

I use the Quattro and have a goat-tee. I found that if I don't wash it every day it leaks. I only have a preasure of 7 so I dont have to snug it down very much. It helps to let it ride up so the bottom sill touches the bottom of your lip. I just started using the cpap wipes from cpap.com. I will let you know how it goes. When I wash it I use baby shampoo, the yellow one. I have three other full face mask and the quattro has been the only one I don't get a leak while wearing. I will say, place it once and do not move it. Constantly adjusting the mask makes it leak worse. if it is leaking badly lift from face with the machine running and let it seat again. I have also been able to stop leaks around the corners of my mouth by running my finger under the area where it is leaking.

[bobbiesue2]

I have a really simple solution that will help those pesky air leaks, increase your comfort and are cost effective, buy yourself some Quietus CPAP Liners.

BSue

[BeachGirl]

[DoriC]

Your cushion is over 5months old, you probably need a new cushion and maybe the headgear is getting stretched. We use the UltraMirageFF and we need to replace it every 4-5months because it loses it''s seal.