My CPAP Journey

[RandyJ]

Some baby wipes have alcohol in them, which can damage the silicone. I wouldn't use anything but mild soap or special cpap wipes.

If you decide you want to stick with the Mirage Quattro, you may want to consider a mask liner from Padacheek.com. It was what finally made the mask work for me, getting leaks under control and making it more comfortable.

[caffeinatedcfo]

I'm surprised they described a sleep onset latency of 3.2 minutes as "normal."

What does that even mean? I never thought to ask.

[Denial Dave]

it's how long it took you to go from fully awake to fully asleep.

they were amazed that mine was just shy of 15 minutes.... you must have been exhausted to do it in 3.2 minutes!!

I'm surprised they described a sleep onset latency of 3.2 minutes as "normal."

What does that even mean? I never thought to ask.

[caffeinatedcfo]

Aaah! Yeah I haven't slept a full night through in over a year. But even so, I fall asleep very quickly when I'm ready ... as long as there is white noise in the room. I have heard that is why I am easily frustrated when I can't fall asleep quickly or get back to sleep quickly during my wakings.

[caffeinatedcfo]

Week 3 is almost in the bag.

So far my main issue has been with my mask and controlling leaks. I was getting a good night's sleep with minimal wakings when my mask (or cushion) was brand new, but my experience would diminish more each night after repeated use. I finally realized the hand soap I was using to clean my cushion each morning was anti-bacterial and was leaving some sort of residue on my cushion making it very smooth and slick. Based on advise received from some of you, I boiled my cushion with 1 tsp baking soda and voila! - a brand new crystal clear, tacky cushion!

I slept great last night and only woke once to use the bathroom. AHI was 1.28 and the only significant leaks were me pulling the hose a couple times to itch my nose and use the bathroom. THANK YOU! I FEEL AMAZING THIS MORNING!

[Denial Dave]

awesome news!!!

glad to hear things are improving for you!

[RandyJ]

Check out the Padacheek mask liners: http://padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html

I'm pretty sure this is a photo of a liner on the Quattro: http://padacheek.com/images/P7082799.JPG

They go between your skin and the mask cushion and (for me) really cut the leaks down. And it eliminates the daily washing of the mask cushion, since you can just wash the mask liner once a week or so. I bought 2 liners so that I could let one air dry after washing and I had another one to use.

[Kenwood]

Check out the Padacheek mask liners: http://padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html

I'm pretty sure this is a photo of a liner on the Quattro: http://padacheek.com/images/P7082799.JPG

Yes...thats a Mirage Quattro

[caffeinatedcfo]

Yeah I checked into the liners. Not sure I am interested since this mask already comes very close to my eyes due to my narrow nose. The images look like the cloth would be hitting my eyelashes and/or inner eye.

[RandyJ]

Yeah I checked into the liners. Not sure I am interested since this mask already comes very close to my eyes due to my narrow nose. The images look like the cloth would be hitting my eyelashes and/or inner eye.

Air leaking into my eyes with that mask was a big problem for me, and the liners acted as a gasket and prevented a lot of the leakage. But I can see your point about it being close to the eyes, it just wasn't a problem for me, and the cloth did not touch my eyelashes.

The big problem most people have with the Quattro is leakage... and the liners solved my leak issue, which is why I wanted to share it with you. The person behind Padacheek, Karen, is a long time forum member and makes great products; I've bought several different products for different masks that I have.

Good luck

[caffeinatedcfo]

Thanks, Randy, I truly appreciate the suggestion. I'll chat with her about the liners and see. Heck for the nominal price I may just buy one to see for myself.

[Kenwood]

My cat loved my Pad-a-Cheek mask liner soooo much.....I haven't seen it since the little bugger took off with it!

PM me your address - I can mail you a couple of those disposable mask liners (Remzzzs) another forum member sent me some to try. I have a couple left and I won't use em now that I'm a pillow user.