do new masks need to be broken in?

[FamilyNature]

Hello,

I finally settled on a machine and mask of my own (I'd been using a loaner for 2 months). I got a bran new Quattro yesterday and I hate it. It feels different that the Quattro I had with my loaner machine despite being the same size and model. I'm wondering if it will get any better as I'm using it.

Last night I had to keep fiddling with it all night long. It made me crazy. My chin drops as I sleep, so the mask leaks at the bottom. So as I fall asleep, it starts to leak, I wake up, fix it. I start to fall asleep again and it wakes me up again. My machine doesn't show any large leaks but that's because I'm waking up once it starts leaking. I feel like I woke up a hundred times last night!

At one point in the night, I realized that I had the mask so tight that it was giving me a head and neck ache. I tried loosening, tightening and every possible adjustment with no luck. I ordered a new mask today but it will be a few weeks before I get it so I have to figure out how to make this one work until then.

I spent much of the night on my sides but I woke up so achy because I just can't sleep for a long time on my side without it hurting.

I was in tears this morning because I was so frustrated. My husband (although understanding), thought I was a lunatic! "Don't worry honey, we'll figure it out. We'll get you a new mask."

Thoughts? Advice?

FN

[Pugsy]

I hear you. First time I tried the Hybrid I was in tears just trying to get it on. Once I finally passed that hurdle and slept with it I had the worst case of aerophagia I have ever had. I didn't even try again.

To answer your question. There shouldn't be any "breaking in " time for these an of these masks. If anything they should be able to seal better when new.

Has anything changed other than the loaner machine, pressure, brand of machine? Etc.

[Xcat9]

I guess I fall on the other side - I do think there is a bit of break in. I found with new ones - sometimes I would have to switch off masks during the night until I got used to it.

But that might just be me

[LSAT]

janknitz...another member put this excellent piece together on how to adjust the Quattro mask
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/taming ... e-quattro/

I personally use the Quattro and have never had a problem with a new mask or a new cushion.

[Pugsy]

I guess I fall on the other side - I do think there is a bit of break in. I found with new ones - sometimes I would have to switch off masks during the night until I got used to it.

But that might just be me

Might not be just you. I have heard of others saying it takes a bit of time breaking them in but mainly they seemed to be talking about the odor of a new mask. Some people are more sensitive to the odor of a new mask.

A different type of mask I might think would take some getting used to but a mask I had used before with success I would be wondering about it. I have very short patience when a mask doesn't work.... But as you said, that might be me..

Many people complain of leaks as the mask gets some age on it. Some people are able to gets months of use out of a mask though. It could be simply that this is an "individual mileage may vary" thing as with most of cpap therapy.

[Wulfman...]

Hello,

I finally settled on a machine and mask of my own (I'd been using a loaner for 2 months). I got a bran new Quattro yesterday and I hate it. It feels different that the Quattro I had with my loaner machine despite being the same size and model. I'm wondering if it will get any better as I'm using it.

Last night I had to keep fiddling with it all night long. It made me crazy. My chin drops as I sleep, so the mask leaks at the bottom. So as I fall asleep, it starts to leak, I wake up, fix it. I start to fall asleep again and it wakes me up again. My machine doesn't show any large leaks but that's because I'm waking up once it starts leaking. I feel like I woke up a hundred times last night!

At one point in the night, I realized that I had the mask so tight that it was giving me a head and neck ache. I tried loosening, tightening and every possible adjustment with no luck. I ordered a new mask today but it will be a few weeks before I get it so I have to figure out how to make this one work until then.

I spent much of the night on my sides but I woke up so achy because I just can't sleep for a long time on my side without it hurting.

I was in tears this morning because I was so frustrated. My husband (although understanding), thought I was a lunatic! "Don't worry honey, we'll figure it out. We'll get you a new mask."

Thoughts? Advice?

FN

Didn't you get to keep that original mask? That seems kind of strange if you didn't.
Assuming that it IS the same size, it sounds like you'll have to tweak it a little more till you get it right.

I'm not sure about a "break-in" period.......but I DO feel strongly that the one I've been using (UMFF) for almost six years keeps getting better with use.

Make sure you wash a new mask before using it. I made that mistake in the beginning of my therapy.....just took it out of the package and used it......they can irritate one's skin if not washed first. (I use Dawn dishwashing liquid)

I'm glad to see "janknitz" recommends the same basic fitting/adjusting procedure I've been advocating for years.


Den

[FamilyNature]

Didn't you get to keep that original mask? That seems kind of strange if you didn't.
Assuming that it IS the same size, it sounds like you'll have to tweak it a little more till you get it right.

I'm not sure about a "break-in" period.......but I DO feel strongly that the one I've been using (UMFF) for almost six years keeps getting better with use.

Make sure you wash a new mask before using it. I made that mistake in the beginning of my therapy.....just took it out of the package and used it......they can irritate one's skin if not washed first. (I use Dawn dishwashing liquid)

I'm glad to see "janknitz" recommends the same basic fitting/adjusting procedure I've been advocating for years.


Den

The original mask was a loaner. They have a stock of masks in different sizes ans styles and you get to borrow one with your loaner machine. I went back several times to switch the mask because of leak issues. Once you decide on a mask and machine after your loaner period is done, you get a brand new version of whatever mask and machine you want. I should say, you have to BUY whatever mask and machine you want. The problem is, they didn't have many full face masks -- I tried every one they had, and in different sizes too.

I looked at the fitting procedures posted and I will give it another try tonight. I'm not very hopeful though because last night no matter how tight or loose the mask was it leaked at the bottom once I started to fall asleep.