Mask leaks at new higher pressure

[leakybob]

Hi. I've used a CPAP machine for 9 years. I got a-fib and then a pacemaker and an ablation. Started at 9 in 2005 then 11 and currently I'm on BI-PAP at 17-21. I have trouble staying on this new higher pressure because my lungs feel like I've been racing outside in cold air (they hurt) and I get nose bleeds. The humidifier runs out of water about 5 hours into my sleep and my mouth gets extremely dry and numb. Not a pleasant experience. My mask is a Quattro 4 and is the only one of 3 I've tried lately that even comes near not leaking extremely loudly.

When I went in for a recent sleep study, they failed to get me into REM sleep at 21 bpi but had to stop. The Dr set it at 17-21 which required a BI-PAP machine. I still have my original machine.

The Quattro 4 mask seems to lift right off my face though I have tried all kinds of combinations of tension on the straps. Right now, the air blows so hard that it pushes my lower lip right out from underneath the bottom of the mask and it leaks badly.

Periodically I go back and use my original machine at 14.5 and can sleep all night. I end up taking a nap during the day but otherwise function fine. My lungs don't hurt and I don't get nose bleeds.
Is my mask too small (It's a medium) for a 255 lb man?

leakybob

[SGearhart]

A search for your mask only returned a Quattro FX. This would suggest that you've had the mask for some time. One possibility is that it is worn out and needs replacing. As far as your question about the size; The only sizing guide that I could currently obtain is for a Quattro FX. I don't know if this is a similar design to the Q4.
Quattro FX Sizing Guide:
Measure from the point at the top of the nasal bridge down to the indention below the lips and above the chin.
Large = 4 3/8" (111mm)
Medimum = 4" (101mm)
Small = 3 9/16 (90mm)

I hope this may help.

[AlabamaAl]

I don't know how old your headgear is, but I have noticed that it too loses some of its elasticity with time, especially at those higher pressures. You might try replacing the headgear and cushions.

[ChicagoGranny]

Periodically I go back and use my original machine at 14.5 and can sleep all night.

When you use your original machine, what does your CPAP data show about how you are breathing and how your CPAP process is performing?

I end up taking a nap during the day

Do you use the machine? If so, which one?

[Ogeo]

Hi. I've used a CPAP machine for 9 years. I got a-fib and then a pacemaker and an ablation. Started at 9 in 2005 then 11 and currently I'm on BI-PAP at 17-21. I have trouble staying on this new higher pressure because my lungs feel like I've been racing outside in cold air (they hurt) and I get nose bleeds. The humidifier runs out of water about 5 hours into my sleep and my mouth gets extremely dry and numb. Not a pleasant experience. My mask is a Quattro 4 and is the only one of 3 I've tried lately that even comes near not leaking extremely loudly.

When I went in for a recent sleep study, they failed to get me into REM sleep at 21 bpi but had to stop. The Dr set it at 17-21 which required a BI-PAP machine. I still have my original machine.

The Quattro 4 mask seems to lift right off my face though I have tried all kinds of combinations of tension on the straps. Right now, the air blows so hard that it pushes my lower lip right out from underneath the bottom of the mask and it leaks badly. leakybob

My pressure ranges from 21 to 25 inhalation and the biggest problem I had was finding a mask that worked for that pressure range. I ended up trying 4 FFM and 4 different pillow mask before finding one that worked best. This was all in my first two & half months on the ASV machine. Each person is different on what mask works for them so my suggestion is to keep trying a different mask until you find the right one for you. If it keeps you up with leaking issues then you are not getting optimal sleep.

[LSAT]

I don't know how old your headgear is, but I have noticed that it too loses some of its elasticity with time, especially at those higher pressures. You might try replacing the headgear and cushions.

I know everyone is different, but I have been using the same Quattro headgear since I started using my current mask about 14 months ago. It has not stretched one bit (of course I only washed it once in that time).

[CPAPIST]

It has not stretched one bit

Could it be that your head is swelling?

[M'ohms]

I am on ASV also with pressures hovering around 25 each night. I also use a Quattro FX and found the best strap for high pressures to be this one:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/softca ... onics.html

It distributes the tension evenly across your face so it is very comfortable. The straps are strong enough to keep the mask on your face. The problem I had with the QFX headgear is that, when I cinched the mask to my face, the "O" in the headgear would stretch over the back of my head and end up pushing against my ears. Ugh! With this headgear, there is no creeping forward so your mask stays put.

I was fitted with a Med. QFX, but my mouth kept falling out the bottom, so I decided to move up to a Large. The bottom of the mask cups against my chin, which keeps it from riding up on my nose. I also have a lot of room to cough, smile, or just let my jaw drop while asleep without breaking the seal.

Back to the headgear: I used a Med. QFX headgear so I purchased a Med. Respironics Softcap Mesh Headgear. I think a Small would fit me better. I ended up cutting about 5 inches off each strap and resewing the Velcro ends back on in order to make the headgear adjustments more convenient. Good Luck!