mirage Quartro full face mask

[piggy mask girl]

I have had this mask for 3 weeks. I will start up my machine slowly building pressure and then I will get little puffs of leaks right along the chin area where the mask rests. I have tried to then adjust the straps but end up with welts on my face and discomfort. The only way I find it does not leak is to not lay on my back and just sleep side to side. Being a mouth breather I know when I snore my mouth will drop open when I am on my back and I think it drops enough to break the seal slightly. I have a small chin and a small bridge to my nose there is also the possibility the mask can slip ever so slightly. Any other suggesstions would be helpful. I meet with my technician in a week.

[Rustyolddude]

You can go to the Resmed site and watch the video on fitting the Quatto. Tighter is not better. Also,I'd highly recommend printing out the sizing template and checking to be sure you've been sized corretly. DME's are notorious for just guessing.

[mars]

Hi Piggy Mask Girl

Some time ago there was a wonderful post by someone on how to fit a mask, and I cannot remember the name of the poster or the thread.

What I do remember is something I have used since, and works well for me.

I put the mask on, straps already adjusted to be firm, but not overtight. Switch the machine on, and let the air flow. Then I lift the mask completely off my face, and slowly replace it, using the pressure to sit the mask properly. If I still have a leak I raise that part of the mask, and slowly sit it down again. It may not stay that way all night, but it is a good start. And if it leaks during the night, I reseat it by using the same method.

My thanks to the original poster for this. I have been unable to trace the post, but others will remember it, and might be able to direct you to it.

cheers

Mars

[Patzee]

Howdy Piggy Mask Girl (and welcome!),

Mask dynamics is such that the seal is affected with may variables - including varying pressure. So re-adjust your mask after ramp-up to your desired pressure is complete. "Set it and forget it" is non-existent in our CPAP mask world. Even the most optimally fitting and sealing mask will require some adjustments during the night.

Once you've reached desired pressure, kind of wiggle your lips back & forth and your jaw up n' down a few times then press a finger onto the cushion at the offending leak area for a second or two till the leak ceases.

Are we having fun yet? Say "Y-E-S".

patzee

[karessamom]

I had troubles with that mask last night at my titration. Every time they bumped my pressure I ended up waking up because the mask would leak.
Thanks for the suggestions--if I end up with that mask, I will try them out.

[Roberta]

I sleep on my side but being a mouth breather I was having problems because when my jaw dropped the mask no longer fit properly. On another thread I read about this and it has helped me. I roll two hand towels together by laying one flat and laying the second one on the end of the first before rolling. I then attach a piece of elastic with safety pins on each end and pull it over my head before putting the mask on. Another person used a neck pillow backwards which I tried but it was too large for me.
Respironics has a new mask called the full life mask which you can read about in another thread plus there's a blog that has a pretty thorough review. I'm on Medicare so have to wait another 3 months to get one but I think it will help us mouth breathers.
Good luck and hang in there.

[Maple Leaf]

I use a $2 sweat/head-band from walmart to stabilize my jaw.... works great.

Rick

[KSMike]

Also,I'd highly recommend printing out the sizing template and checking to be sure you've been sized corretly. DME's are notorious for just guessing.

+1. Every other mask I've tried was a large, so when I bought the Quattro I assumed and bought a large. It turns out that the Quattro sizing is quite a bit different. Using the sizing guide, I was shocked to see that I was at the bottom end of the medium range, nearly into the small range. I've had much better luck with the medium than I did with the large.