Help Needed with ResMed Full FAce Masks

[DaveL]

Edit: change the title. I've tried 6 masks! Brought 4 home.

This question was about "First Night with Quattro FX FFM (Full Face Mask)


Well...I'm not sure.

First off I had trouble getting comfortable with it. Seemed I had to do it up too tight. And perhaps that makes it less comfortable.

Woke up feeling moderately refreshed! (There's Hope!)
However, my wife said the jet from the exhaust port woke her up, and made her so uncomfortable she couldn't get back to sleep.

Any suggestions appreciated. I have had a ResMed nasal mask for the last couple of years. However, sometimes I mouth-breath and have had to use a chin strap (cpap-cap).

DaveL
Toronto

[avi123]

Hi Dave, I assume that you're from the Hearing Aids post. If you like your mask then this kind of mask by Resmed comes in several kinds. On the Activa LT mask I read this:

Improved Diffusion Vent. The Activa LT also comes with a new diffusion vent that disperses air softly and quieter than before. The exhalation ports are configured in a circular design that greatly reduces the audible sound of exhaled air and redirects the airflow away from your bed partner.

Does your mask have similar features?

As to tightness, I keep the straps on my mask very lose. As a matter of fact the head gear is so lose that if I lie on my sides and not on my back then the cushion around my nose starts leaking.

[Pugsy]

The venting direction for any mask can present a challenge for spouses. With a FFM there simply is a very limited way to redirect the air flow. Mainly we have to put up some sort of blocking agent to block the air flow from hitting the spouse like maybe a small pillow or the bed covers...or try to sleep without the mask point at spouse.

Have you seen Jan's hints on how to fit the Quattro?
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/taming ... e-quattro/
When it comes to these masks that need to inflate to seal well sometimes less is more in terms of tightening the mask.
Over tightening creates more problems and people tend to tighten all masks too much in an effort to reduce mask leaks.

[DaveL]

Very very helpful...thank you.
I shall take a look.
My cable reel kept bouncing on the wall last night. Found this out when I was trying to direct the hose over my head and behind me...need to try today when I'm not so tired!
DaveL
Toronto

[DaveL]

Well I'm computer challenged, and have a Mac. Perhaps I can look at those at work, where I'm chained to a pc.

[DaveL]

Follow up...took the mask back. Sounded like a trumpet! Enough is enough!

Another full face mask out on trial. Here's hoping...

[DaveL]

That was the ResMed Quattro. It's gone...failed. Rolling on my side it snorted and hooted worse than I did.
This is getting serious now.
Frankly the instructions posted above for the Quattro were scary. Antii leak strap (PadACheek)--bless them. What more do we have to wear to be able to stay leak free, and allow our spouses to sleep too?

History:
nasal mask with cpap-cap--3 apnea events per hour with cpap set to reduce pressure on exhilaton.
nasal mask with above, but constant pressure--2 apnea events per hour (same old mask)
Quattro FX FFM--no apnea events; sounds like a trumpet when it leaks! (I would soon be a homeless person...or banished to the basement to sleep.
Quattro FFM--1 apnea event per hour; leakage and noise when I roll on my side

I don't like buying masks!

[imfletch]

You know Dave, none of those AHIs sound that bad.

You have not said if you have tried nasal pillow masks (like the Swift FX). They are designed to allow people to sleep on their side. Actually, for you, the older Swift LT might be better because it allows you to direct the hose over your head so there is nothing between the side of your face and the pillow.

[DaveL]

Jim thanks for your response.

My nasal mask is due for replacement. I wear it and a cpap cap because of mouth breathing. I have been compliant for 15 years and used a Breeze for 4...nasal pillows. Lots of leakage and fragile. That was my first mask.

I have been very tired lately. Fell asleep at work. Priority is to find a new sleep doc. Doc Inyoue is only concerned that I wear the gear. He has not helped in my treatment

I noticed a great feeling of sleep-success when using the Quattro FX the first time. Very welcome! However, it sounded like a trumpet when I broke the seal. And it's blow-away could force me out of the bedroom! My wife objected.

Dave
Toronto

[DaveL]

Follow Up.
A mask I can live with. Slept right through the night!
Mirage Ultra.
I'll try it again tonight, and see how it goes. (tried 6 masks in a week; took 4 home, but two didn't leave the shop.)

Finding a good supplier is hard.
Sleep Management Group -- a 3-1/2/5
They've done well for me, but have to be encouraged to do their best.

[johnthomasmacdonald]

new wife?

[DaveL]

We have been married 20 years. She is the most exciting person I have ever known!

And I am a cranky, sleep deprived old f-rt. I am very, very lucky where I am!

[DaveL]

Bad night with the Mirage Ultra

[MagsterMile]

Hi Dave:
I've been on the Mirage Liberty for two weeks now. I've been dealing with occasional mouth leaks but overall I really like the mask. The nasal pillows sometimes need to be adjusted but it's no biggie. My leaks according to sleepy head are very light and the AHI, although a little higher than when using the FFM, are still very reasonable. Last night 1.5. I've been running a little less than 1.0.

[DaveL]

Hi Dave:
I've been on the Mirage Liberty for two weeks now. I've been dealing with occasional mouth leaks but overall I really like the mask. The nasal pillows sometimes need to be adjusted but it's no biggie. My leaks according to sleepy head are very light and the AHI, although a little higher than when using the FFM, are still very reasonable. Last night 1.5. I've been running a little less than 1.0.

I am very greatful you posted.
I have so much to learn.

Last night was better. I can't see my results without going to my DME to have my history unloaded.

This OSA treatment is challenging. S8 Elite II with an unskilled user.

DaveL
Toronto