Quattro FFM help

[carbonman]

I received my new Quattro FFM yesterday, w/great antisipation.
Technologically speaking, this thing is an engineering work of art.
I read the instructions and got it fitted and tried it out.
It felt good. I like the micro adjustment on the forehead.
I had no problems adjusting for leaks or comfort.
I really enjoyed the night without the Polident glued mouth.

I had, what seemed a disturbing night. I woke up, numerous times and
tossed and turned......but did sleep. I chalk it up to adjusting to the feeling
of the new mask. For one night, this mask really felt good.

When I got up, I felt groggy and disoriented. Just didn't feel right.
The numbers are dismal.

With the Optilife pillows, my AHI has been below 2 for the past two weeks.
This is my first FFM.
Thoughts/comments/suggestions:
on increase in AHI.
Tweaks to make this mask work.

[amos]

C-MAN,

Did you adjust your machine for the change in masks?

Amos

[carbonman]

C-MAN,

Did you adjust your machine for the change in masks?

Amos

amos, what should I have changed??

[Wulfman]

Unlike the ResMed machines, you don't need to make any machine settings when you change masks.

However, you might want to bump up your minimum pressure.
Did you do the "Teflon tape fix" to your mask yet? (Wrap Teflon plumbers pipe tape around both ends of the elbow going into your mask)

Also, I sort of seemed to feel the same way wearing mine. I don't think it's got enough "Vent flow" (exhaust) for me. I don't know if that means I was re-breathing too much CO2 or what.

Don't cinch it down too tight......especially the upper straps.

Den

[carbonman]

However, you might want to bump up your minimum pressure.
Did you do the "Teflon tape fix" to your mask yet? (Wrap Teflon plumbers pipe tape around both ends of the elbow going into your mask)

Also, I sort of seemed to feel the same way wearing mine. I don't think it's got enough "Vent flow" (exhaust) for me. I don't know if that means I was re-breathing too much CO2 or what.

Den

I was thinking that a bump in pressure is what is needed because
of the increased volume of the mask.
I did pay close attention to the elbow leak problem.
I doesn't seem to be leaking and didn't make any noise when it moves around. Could they have fixed that problem??
It has three ribs on the mask connection that the elbow connector goes
over to create the seal. Is that new????

I am curious about back flow valve.....does that effect the ablility
of the machine to detect what is happening as I breath??

Good thoughts! Thanks!

[Guest]

Carbon,

The antiasphyxia valve shouldn't interfere at all. It's desigen to be kept open (ro closed?) whenever there is airflow through the mask. So as long as air is moving into the mask, the valve is essentially not there. At least that's my understanding of it.

RiverDave

[Wulfman]

As far as I know, they haven't "fixed" the flaw in the elbow.....it may just take a little while to loosen up......but if it never does.......good for you.

Den

[Guest]

Den/RiverDave, thanks for your thoughts/suggestions.

As far as cleaning these masks:
what kind of soap/cleaner do you use?
do you clean them everyday?

How does the thin seal on the inside of the mask hold up?

How has the mask,in general, held up?

[Wulfman]

Den/RiverDave, thanks for your thoughts/suggestions.

As far as cleaning these masks:
what kind of soap/cleaner do you use?
do you clean them everyday?

How does the thin seal on the inside of the mask hold up?

How has the mask,in general, held up?

I use Dawn dishwashing liquid when I wash my masks and headgear.

I only wash them a few times a year.....they last longer that way. I have over three years on my original UMFF (all parts) and it's still going strong.


Den

[jimbassett]

I have been using my Quattro straight out of the box for over six months.
I didn't pay good money to have to wrap up the elbows. If it leaks there then maybe that is part of the overall flow thru. Probably why you are breathing too much co2. The engineers who figured this all out are a lot smarter than I am so I just go with the flow and keep my numbers low and feel good high. Best Regards jim

[Wulfman]

I have been using my Quattro straight out of the box for over six months.
I didn't pay good money to have to wrap up the elbows. If it leaks there then maybe that is part of the overall flow thru. Probably why you are breathing too much co2. The engineers who figured this all out are a lot smarter than I am so I just go with the flow and keep my numbers low and feel good high. Best Regards jim

I got a real good deal on mine (over a year ago), so I figured I could afford to use another 10 cents worth of Teflon tape (which I already had) on that puppy. If and when they leak, it's one of the most annoying things you can experience when you're trying to sleep. It feels like it's coming from everywhere and will keep you busy during the night holding the elbow against the mask trying to make it stop.


Den

[Guest]

Carbon,

Wash my cushion daily becasue I have greasy shin
Wash the mask once a month
Don't remember ever washing the hose or headgear

All washing done with Dawn or the generic equivalent everything gets a final rinse in distilled water (no reason other than aesthetics - hard water here)

Mask has held up extremely well. Had the same shell for 14 months.

I replace my cushion about once every 4-5 months. It seems to lose its "stickyness" and gets a little bit flimsy. Actually, I keep two and rotate each day, so I don't have to clean as often.

As far as the teflon tape fix: It wasn't about the volume of air being lost through the elbow, it was the noise it made.

RiverDave

[amos]

C-MAN,

I yield to Wulfman's superior knowledge. I just find that on my ResMed when I change from a nasal mask to a full face mask or from a 6' hose to an 8' hose, I need to change the settings. Otherwise, I do not feel as I normally do in the mornings.

Amos

[SleepGuy]

Carbonman, I have a Quattro for use only when I have a cold (like last night). I had a miserable night with my Quattro, in part because of the cold and in part because of the Quattro--it leaks, it's noisy, it's uncomfortable. Good luck getting it figured out--I'm planning on trying a new FFM.

[carbonman]

Carbonman, I had a miserable night with my Quattro, in part because of the Quattro--it leaks, it's noisy, it's uncomfortable. Good luck getting it figured out--I'm planning on trying a new FFM.

SleepGuy, just goes to show that all things are like a box of chocolates.
I hope you find your "silver bullet" mask....as we are all looking for it, too.

BTW, I used my Papcap w/the Quattro.
My Papcap has just become a part of the routine.
I adjusted the chin strap just so it gave me some support.
I'm going to try it without the strap tonight.
I also use it because it keeps the head gear off my hair,
and the forehead support off my skin.

......plus, that voyager(Vger) pattern just puts me in a sleep mood.


Thanks! everyone for the info.