Quattro FX giving me headaches

[echo]

The Quattro FX is the only FFM that I've gotten to work for me even a little bit. The problem is that I need to over-tighten it to prevent leaks, and this causes excruciating pain in the back of my head in the mornings. It's a stupid design IMO, because the strap sits right at the base of the head/neck where it's soft, rather than higher up at the bottom of the skull (actually, this is a flaw in almost every single mask IMO).

Has anyone managed to create custom straps that sit higher-up on the skull? I tried all sorts of things with existing straps, but haven't actually gotten around to making my own.

Or, how do others deal with this problem? (and don't tell me to loosen the straps! it just doesn't work at higher pressures).

thanks.

[Sir NoddinOff]

Over-tightening is a very common thing with the Quattro FX mask (and the Mirage Quattro IMO). I'm not surprised you're getting headaches. Wish I had some easy advice but all I can say is keep experimenting with different masks. If you can tolerate nasal masks try the Wisp fit pack. Good luck in your search.

[echo]

thanks noddinoff. I don't have problems with my nasal mask (Activa) - I can leave it loosey-goosey and it never leaks. It's just a problem with the Quattro FX. And i've been through almost all the other FFMs, none of them work. I have a slightly receding chin and I think that's the problem. Every now and then I say a small prayer to Resmed to make a FFM using the same silicon & design as in the Activa.

[Sir NoddinOff]

thanks noddinoff. I don't have problems with my nasal mask (Activa) - I can leave it loosey-goosey and it never leaks. It's just a problem with the Quattro FX. And i've been through almost all the other FFMs, none of them work. I have a slightly receding chin and I think that's the problem. Every now and then I say a small prayer to Resmed to make a FFM using the same silicon & design as in the Activa.

I remember somebody with a receding chin saying a few years ago that if they wore a dental anti-grinding guard that it allowed their FFM to rest in the space the dental guard created above their chin. That of course means you'd have to get used to one more appliance on or in your face! That's a big drag I understand. I actually tried this technique for a short time and it sort of worked and allowed me to loosen the Quattro FX quite a bit. Plus there's this tip for the Quattro FX sliding up during the night:
Go to a bikeshop and ask to look at cuff straps. Select one that is approximately one foot long with lots of velcro for adjustment. When you've got your mask in place, run the strap up under your chin and loop it back so it loops just behind both quick release clips. In other words it will emulate RespCares mask system with built-in chin straps. I guarantee it will never ride up again, even if you keep it pretty loose.

Regarding your small prayer about the Activa, I say the same thing about PR making a FFM with the high sidewall and soft inner flange of the Wisp... man, that setup would be great for me.

[zoocrewphoto]

What pressures are you using? Have you watched the video on how to fit the quattro fx? It took me awhile to master it, but tightening CAUSES leaks.

I use my quattro fx at pressures of 11-17. If I have it fitted correctly, it doesn't leak unless I drool or the cushion is really old (over 6 months). It did take me several weeks to get the positioning right (too high and it would leak at my eyes, too low, and it would leak at my chin). I have a small face, so even the small is a little big for me. I also had to order the small headgear to help fit it better.

It is also possible that the mask doesn't fit your face well. We are all different, and mask fitting is very personal. You need to either master fitting without it being too tight, or find a different mask. Do NOT wear this mask too tight.

[johnthomasmacdonald]

i have the exact same problem as you - their: " just let it lightly "float" " - yeah RIGHT, if i did that i'd have the mask lifting off my face like a parachute

[echo]

What pressures are you using? Have you watched the video on how to fit the quattro fx? It took me awhile to master it, but tightening CAUSES leaks.

I use my quattro fx at pressures of 11-17. If I have it fitted correctly, it doesn't leak unless I drool or the cushion is really old (over 6 months). It did take me several weeks to get the positioning right (too high and it would leak at my eyes, too low, and it would leak at my chin). I have a small face, so even the small is a little big for me. I also had to order the small headgear to help fit it better.

It is also possible that the mask doesn't fit your face well. We are all different, and mask fitting is very personal. You need to either master fitting without it being too tight, or find a different mask. Do NOT wear this mask too tight.

I've used the mask at pressures between 7.5 and 10.5. Above 9/9.5, it leaks. It doesn't leak at lower pressures. Yes I've viewed the fitting guide. The silicon just doesn't stick on my face well (unlike the Activa cushion).

The Quattro FX is the only FFM that fits. I've tried almost all of them in the 6 years I've been on cpap: the original Quattro, UMFF, Hybrid, Liberty, Comfort Full, Comfort Gel, and all the F&P ones (and most of them in both the small and medium sizes). I don't have any more money to try any others. I've literally spent a fortune on masks. And I live overseas, so it's not as easy as going to a DME to try them on.

I've also tried them with and without chinstraps and the pap-cap. I tried washing the cushion, and not washing the cushion. I've used products to try and make the seal more sticky. Really, I don't think there's a combination of setups I haven't tried (except for the dental device, that's a good tip Noddingoff. BTW my problem isn't that it rides up - I wish it would. It squeezes the back of my neck too much.)

I actually want the headgear to be higher up on my head. I basically want headgear that sits higher up on my skull, rather than on my neck (neck isn't quite the right word, it's the stop just below the part of your skull that sticks out in the back).

[zoocrewphoto]

What pressures are you using? Have you watched the video on how to fit the quattro fx? It took me awhile to master it, but tightening CAUSES leaks.

I use my quattro fx at pressures of 11-17. If I have it fitted correctly, it doesn't leak unless I drool or the cushion is really old (over 6 months). It did take me several weeks to get the positioning right (too high and it would leak at my eyes, too low, and it would leak at my chin). I have a small face, so even the small is a little big for me. I also had to order the small headgear to help fit it better.

It is also possible that the mask doesn't fit your face well. We are all different, and mask fitting is very personal. You need to either master fitting without it being too tight, or find a different mask. Do NOT wear this mask too tight.

I've used the mask at pressures between 7.5 and 10.5. Above 9/9.5, it leaks. It doesn't leak at lower pressures. Yes I've viewed the fitting guide. The silicon just doesn't stick on my face well (unlike the Activa cushion).

The Quattro FX is the only FFM that fits. I've tried almost all of them in the 6 years I've been on cpap: the original Quattro, UMFF, Hybrid, Liberty, Comfort Full, Comfort Gel, and all the F&P ones (and most of them in both the small and medium sizes). I don't have any more money to try any others. I've literally spent a fortune on masks. And I live overseas, so it's not as easy as going to a DME to try them on.

I've also tried them with and without chinstraps and the pap-cap. I tried washing the cushion, and not washing the cushion. I've used products to try and make the seal more sticky. Really, I don't think there's a combination of setups I haven't tried (except for the dental device, that's a good tip Noddingoff. BTW my problem isn't that it rides up - I wish it would. It squeezes the back of my neck too much.)

I actually want the headgear to be higher up on my head. I basically want headgear that sits higher up on my skull, rather than on my neck (neck isn't quite the right word, it's the stop just below the part of your skull that sticks out in the back).

You may need to customize your headgear. But I can assure that it DOES work at higher pressures. My pressure STARTS at 11. And my leak line is usually a straight line at zero. It could be that your head shape is causing the headgear to fit differently. But really, it shouldn't be too tight. It doesn't need to be hanging off loose, but you should be able to feel it inflate as the air starts up.

[echo]

You may need to customize your headgear. But I can assure that it DOES work at higher pressures. My pressure STARTS at 11. And my leak line is usually a straight line at zero. It could be that your head shape is causing the headgear to fit differently. But really, it shouldn't be too tight. It doesn't need to be hanging off loose, but you should be able to feel it inflate as the air starts up.

I believe that it works for some people at high pressures, but it just doesn't work for me - just as most FFMs haven't worked for me. I suspect that it's due to the receding chin, because the angle on those masks are not made for that kind of facial structure. If I put it on normally, then the lower part of the mask barely touches my chin. If I jut out my chin to what it would be if my chin was "normal" and not receding, the mask seals fine and I have no leak problems (and that trick works for all the other FFMs I have lying around in my drawer). Obviously I cannot do that when asleep! I'm not the first person to complain about FF masks not fitting well due to a receding chin.

At lower pressures, for some reason, I am able to use it the way you describe. But it just plain does not work at higher pressures for me.

[also Issac]

Just in case it's not really the mask giving the headache, Try a few things to rule it out such as not wearing the mask tight as it should seal when the air is inhaled. Make sure the pressure isn't set too high for you and use your humidifier. I have never heard of the quatro FX giving headaches. I have heard of it breaking down the skin on the nose or causing the bridge of the nose to blister, but it doesn't even have a headrest to touch the forehead. That's why I think it must be something else.
If you have this pain every night after trying all the above and below, talk to your doctor. Bring your mask and machine in to be looked at and if it seems OK, he will most likely do a full work up and check your sinuses. But first : CHANGE THE FILTERS on your machine. Make sure the humidifier is clean and wash the hoses and your mask out well. The tubing can be rinsed out with alcohol and then water and then dried over your shower curtain. Follow the directions on washing the mask and humidifier, as it will probably say to use mild soap and water. Tainted air and water can make you very sick. Vacuum well around your nightstand and try letting a little fresh air in your bedroom for a few hours. Make sure your air conditioning and heating filters are changes every 30 days and the area is vacuumed well. Vacuum all your drapes and curtains. I say this because you may have allergies. If you have a pet, have the pet groomed and ask them to use no perfume. Stop using scented soaps and deodorants and any colognes, as well. I hope this helps you because I know getting headaches every night cannot be helping your therapy.

[Denial Dave]

Pad-a-cheek. Karen makes an awesome fleece cover for straps.

[echo]

thanks Issac. I am meticulous about cleaning etc etc. It's 100% from the mask straps. When I alternate with my nasal mask, which has loose straps, I don't get the headaches. I haven't had headaches for the 6 years I've been on CPAP except for nights I'm using the FFM.

dave, I use padacheek products for other masks, but I don't really see how it would help in this sitation. Basically over-tightening the strap is causing too much pressure at the back of my neck. The only work-around I see is if the strap would sit higher on my head, on my skull, rather than around my neck.

Hmm I think I need to check out the new versions of the pap-cap to see if I can connect the Quatrro FX directly to it...

[zoocrewphoto]

thanks Issac. I am meticulous about cleaning etc etc. It's 100% from the mask straps. When I alternate with my nasal mask, which has loose straps, I don't get the headaches. I haven't had headaches for the 6 years I've been on CPAP except for nights I'm using the FFM.

dave, I use padacheek products for other masks, but I don't really see how it would help in this sitation. Basically over-tightening the strap is causing too much pressure at the back of my neck. The only work-around I see is if the strap would sit higher on my head, on my skull, rather than around my neck.

Hmm I think I need to check out the new versions of the pap-cap to see if I can connect the Quatrro FX directly to it...

Usining the padacheek liner would allow you to fit the mask without leaks while keeping the straps loose enough to avoid the headaches.

[echo]

zoocrew, yes maybe I should try the liners... that's the one thing I haven't tried yet.

[charlesrshell]

echo, have you taken a look at the F & P Simplus? I don't have one yet, but it looks pretty nice. The higher upper strap might do the trick for you.