Quattro FX -- Please post feedback on it

[SleepingUgly]

OK, friends, the RT just left. I measured between a small and a medium (of course ), but she kindly left me both to experiment with. The small seems to come a little too close to my mouth, but I need to mess around with both of these. I'll report back with my results.

[trytryagain]

GoodLuck! SU

[Beach_Lad]

When I first went on CPAP back in March, I used the PR FullLife. It leaked a lot, so I kept tightening it. I ended up gouging a trench across the bridge of my nose. I then started using the Liberty, which I really liked but had problems with the nasal pillows dislodging. My doctor recommended I try the Quattro FX.

I got it about a week ago. I had problems with leaks the first two nights. I then read about loosening the mask in this thread. I tried it but found the upper straps on the headgear were way to short to loosen. Even at their most extended position, they held the mask tightly to my face. I switched the headgear with the headgear from my Liberty. I was amazed at the results. I thought I had it way too loose and would tighten it accordingly, but I only had a few small leaks. I then loosened it more, and the air in the cusion sealed the leaks. The last four nights, I have only expereinced minor leaks twice. Another time, when I rolled over to my side the mask dislodged when it hit my pillow. I have been able to sleep on my side without moving the mask other times though.

Overall, I've had a very positive experience with the FX. Although I do wish they would lenghten the headgear straps. I wonder if I would have had better luck with the FullLife if I had loosened it rather than tighten it.

[SleepingUgly]

I went to bed with it as tight on the top straps as I could make them and still have room for the velcro to attach to the strap. I had a seal. But I woke up about an hour later with it leaking into my eye. I can see if loosening it will make it better, I only know that when it was looser, it leaked more and when I tightened it, it leaked less. The video says "firm, but not tight" or something like that. Part of the issue may be that the Medium is probably a little too big for me and the Small may be too small. I'll have to invest more time in this.

[trytryagain]

Does anyone else feel that the head straps on top are too short for optimal adjusting?

[SleepingUgly]

Does anyone else feel that the head straps on top are too short for optimal adjusting?

On the top straps, I've pulled the velcro tabs as far back as I can and now I'm out of fabric to attach it to. So, if I understand what you're asking, I think we're having the opposite problem.

[Uncle_Bob]

Mine arrived on Friday from cpap.com just 2 days after ordering it on the Wednesday.



Its is interesting how Resmed are shipping it with the sizing template now and are not offering a free shipping of a template.

I notice that the section containing the template is detachable from the mask bag by tearing along the perforation. This leaves the actual mask as brand new and intact in its own bag. I think it would be a good step for Resmed to allow returns on the new mask if patients discover they have ordered the wrong size mask. According to the guide i was clearly a medium, which i was in the regular Quattro FFM.

My first night with the mask was a nightmare, i must have put it on incorrectly some how. It was too tight and i pitched it after 2 hours sleep. It did not appear to leak during fitting but my leak line went through the roof during that 2 hours.

As other people have mentioned I feel this masks headgear is maybe a tad too small. I run out of room on the top straps so i cannot try a looser setting on them, so the mask is very snug across my nose. Overall i was disappointed with the fit of headgear, its just not as comfortable as i hoped.

Last night was better. I got zero leaks My AHI was high at 0.6. I am suffering from some congestion again and woke up twice during the night with a dry mouth.
I have my H5i on auto and a set it to my room temp of 71 but i don't think its giving me enough humidity with this FFM. I may have to switch to manual and see how that goes.

So the jury is still out ...

[Guest]

Any more good or bad reviews?

Thanks
Sudsy

[snoozysue]

I have been using FX since mid December and for the first 2 weeks it was great and then I seemed to get lots of leaks near the eyes even though I had not changed the strap positions. I struggled and even went back to the supplier and got her to check the fit - all OK. I wanted it to work so I ordered a new cushion - thought maybe that was the issue as the supplier said 2 others had returned their masks with the same complaint and new cushions had fixed their problems.
When I picked up the new cushion the supplier would not accept payment as she had spoken to the Resmed Rep. and asked if there were any problems with the cushions - she wanted to know why so many people were having problems ( by now a few more people had also had problems). The Rep told her that there had been a problem with the manufacture of some cushions and to send them back for replacement!
Everything seems OK with the new cushion although I do seem to need the mask tight for a good seal.

[drj130]

I have been using FX since mid December and for the first 2 weeks it was great and then I seemed to get lots of leaks near the eyes even though I had not changed the strap positions. I struggled and even went back to the supplier and got her to check the fit - all OK. I wanted it to work so I ordered a new cushion - thought maybe that was the issue as the supplier said 2 others had returned their masks with the same complaint and new cushions had fixed their problems.
When I picked up the new cushion the supplier would not accept payment as she had spoken to the Resmed Rep. and asked if there were any problems with the cushions - she wanted to know why so many people were having problems ( by now a few more people had also had problems). The Rep told her that there had been a problem with the manufacture of some cushions and to send them back for replacement!
Everything seems OK with the new cushion although I do seem to need the mask tight for a good seal.

Really, now that is nice to know. I might have to talk to my DME about this as well. I keep getting leaks around the eyes as well. I want it to work. Thanks for the information snoozysue.

David

[Uncle_Bob]

I'm having problems with the head gear, its impossible to get a comfortable fit with zero leaks.
The medium mask ships with standard sized headgear which is too small. I have had several resmed masks and never had a problem with range of adjustments i can get out of a medium sized masks headgear. I might purchase the larger headgear.

My insurance allows headgear every 3 months and new mask every 6 months. Does anyone know if the purchase of a new mask counts as a purchase of a new headgear as well or are they truely seperate in the replacement schedule?

-UB

[sleepgem]

Initial feedback based on 4 days of use:

- Fewer leaks than I used to get with Mirage Quattro
- Fewer parts of mask to deal with (for cleaning,etc.) and bit smaller in than Quattro. I use small size.
- I still get slightly sore and redness on nose. I am new to full face mask (less than a month since started using) and still struggle to put it on properly and without help. I face challenges as the pressure is fairly high in my case.

- The outer attachment (to hard shell mask) feels flimsy and not tough. I wonder if it will start creating leaks as mask is used out over the period of time.

Overall, I like it more so far than Quattro.
HTH.

[CruzTerri]

Today I see my RT at the DME to swap out the first mask (EasyLife Nasal Mask) for a Quattro FX, while I'm not a mouth breather, I find that air is getting into my mouth requiring me to expel it. RT said that happens sometime with high pressures like mine. I have attempted to keep my mouth closed off with my tongue, using the tips I have found on this site but, once I fall asleep that doesn't work any more. Thus, I don't believe that a chin strap will stop what's happening with the air getting into my mouth.

In addition (this morning was the worst), I've been on therapy for 2 weeks, my sinuses are very much inflamed. I have a feeling of congestion very similar to a head cold, breathing through my nose is very difficult. But this morning, not just evidence of blood, but very bloody mucous/discharge when I blew my nose. I've turned up and turned down my humidifier. The air has been very cool blowing into the mask, even with the heated humidifier on 3 & 4; I've been using a sinus rinse as well, about 1-2 hours before bedtime. This morning I used it hoping it would soothe my sinuses.

I have ordered (waiting on delivery) a longer hose, hose hanger and a hose cover. It is my hope that the hose cover will help to keep the air warm. I've read also, someone's doctor recommend heating the water before filling their water tank. I'm going to give that a try too.

I'm really hoping that the Quattro FX will help calm down my sinuses and allow me to sleep on my side

[DoriC]

I'm having problems with the head gear, its impossible to get a comfortable fit with zero leaks.
The medium mask ships with standard sized headgear which is too small. I have had several resmed masks and never had a problem with range of adjustments i can get out of a medium sized masks headgear. I might purchase the larger headgear.

My insurance allows headgear every 3 months and new mask every 6 months. Does anyone know if the purchase of a new mask counts as a purchase of a new headgear as well or are they truely seperate in the replacement schedule?

-UB

UB, I'm pretty sure that with Medicare it's opposite with new mask every 3months and Headgear every 6months, and our DME doesn't bill for the headgear when you're replacing the mask at 3months. They may be able to get around that somehow but I've only seen headgear billed separately with a 6month mask replacement.

[Uncle_Bob]

I'm having problems with the head gear, its impossible to get a comfortable fit with zero leaks.
The medium mask ships with standard sized headgear which is too small. I have had several resmed masks and never had a problem with range of adjustments i can get out of a medium sized masks headgear. I might purchase the larger headgear.

My insurance allows headgear every 3 months and new mask every 6 months. Does anyone know if the purchase of a new mask counts as a purchase of a new headgear as well or are they truely seperate in the replacement schedule?

-UB

UB, I'm pretty sure that with Medicare it's opposite with new mask every 3months and Headgear every 6months, and our DME doesn't bill for the headgear when you're replacing the mask at 3months. They may be able to get around that somehow but I've only seen headgear billed separately with a 6month mask replacement.

Thanks Dori,

I've just placed am order in with cpap.com for the large headgear and will live and learn on the insurance billing