Quattro (or any other) seal question

[tonycog]

Hi
I use a Quattro, but I think this question applies in principal to any mask. I purchased a replacement seal on ebay for my Quattro. I didn't pay close attention to the ad copy and didn't notice that the seal had been used. When I received the seal, it was obvious that it had been used quite a lot. There did not appear to be anything wrong with it, it was just well-used. I cleaned it and sterilized it with Control III. While I had the solution mixed, I decided to sterilize the mask and seal that I am currently using.

I got the 2 seals mixed up and didn't know which was which. This didn't bother me much. I simply chose 1 and put it back in my mask. I used it for 2 or 3 night and the mask gave me fits trying to keep it sealed. I switched to the other seal and have had 2 good nights again. I'm assuming that my troubles are related to the ebay seal that was well-used.

Thus my question: Is it possible that a seal appears to be just fine and in good shape but is somehow worn out enough that it won't work properly and stay sealed?

Thanks,
Tony

[Hawthorne]

Yes, a mask cushion can be worn out enough not to seal well anymore and still look fine. The surface will be worn and perhaps, the cushion thinner, but this would probably not be visible.

I expect the ebay one was well used.

[OldLincoln]

If you are inclined to continue using the worn cushion, you might try something a little sticky on it. I've used Citrus wipes - low stick; apple juice - med stick; pancake syrup - bell ringer stick. One thing about the pancake syrup, be sure to put it on thin - like on a paper towel then wipe a thin smear. You don't want to get it on the sheets. I put it on thin and did not get it on the sheets, but know it could get difficult to explain with a straight face. Oh, and be sure to wash the cushion with detergent to get all the oils off first.

[Rustyolddude]

I recently replaced my Quattro seal as well, visually no difference between the two but there seemed to be a difference in elasticity. In the mean time I used the old one to experiment with, tried cutting away some of the seal in the bridge area to see if I could get rid of the morning red mark. Also found out that it's best to wash the new seal before using it, figured it being new in the bag, it was sterile & good to go, the next morning I had a nice rash-ring around my face.

My guess would be that skin oils seep into the silicone and cause it to soften.

[muskyjack]

The seal cushions seem to slowly lose their seal slowly over a period of a few months during the time can look perfectly fine up to the point they get a warped appearance. Putting stuff on them to make them seal better is a stop gap measure that seals for 1/2 of night and then the seal is pretty much shot and time to toss.
I noted that the sticking quality of seals vary even if just new out of the package so wonder if it is a quality control thing and/or what temperature the seal was stored at prior getting it.

[sagesteve]

As the gel ages, the material gets "softer" ( a break down of the material at micro level). It can look perfectly good, but it will "feel" different. As it softens, it collapses down onto your face more and more. You need "some" resistance in the gel material. Keeping your face squeaky clean and the seal oil free before you put it on helps...as the night wears on you'll be making oil and water and salt on your face. When I have some over-producing nights I have Witch Hazel next to the bed. I just put some on a tissue and wipe down the mask seal and the mask area on my face and I'm good to go. I've got the perfect tension on my Quattro now...took a good year to get it just right. But I really have no leaks and I use it very often for a GREAT nights sleep. I religiously replace the gel when needed.