Quattro FFM help

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 10:46 am

Snoredog wrote:I think I got about $90 back when I sold mine, person that bought it from me couldn't use it either and I think they sold it to someone else (I think Wulfman has it now LOL)

Heh, heh......
I really don't think so....... What size was it? Mine is a Large and the person I bought it from said it was, for all intents and purposes, "unused" (I think he may have just tried it on as it appeared "unused")......and I actually paid a little less than $90 for it.

It's a nice, quiet mask.....once you get the elbow taped.......but I had a somewhat similar experience with (possible) CO2 retention as it has a lower "Vent Flow Rate" and I like a little more air flow inside my mask (without jacking up my pressure).

Den

carbonman · Post by **carbonman** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 10:52 am

Snoredog wrote:
As Den mentioned you have to be careful when tensioning up the straps on the UltraMirage cushion (Quattro is the same), if you over tension the straps it will crush the inner cushion leaving a "crease" in the membrane, when that happens air can escape from the crease rapidly.

Quattro may be a engineering marvel in your eyes, but if that engineering doesn't agree with your CO2 retention level requirements individually there may not be anything you can do to make it work where it leaves you feeling refreshed.

Then it started leaking from the elbow that is when I tossed in the towel on that interface. I paid $238 for it, so I don't throw that kind of money around easily.

Wulfman/SD, thanks for the input.

I will try to loosen the headgear tonight.
I don't know about the CO2 problem.
Just because of the price, I paid for the return insc. from cpap.com,
so, if it doesn't work out, I'm only out $40.

....and I am totally enamored with the engineering and aesthetics
of this mask. It is just a beautiful "thing".......but, in the
end, if it doesn't work....it doesn't work.

All just part of my journey down the cpap road.
I'm learning and I am engaged.

AdvansCPAP.com · Post by **AdvansCPAP.com** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 5:40 pm

carbonman wrote:
AdvansCPAP.com wrote:Hello,

From what I read, I understand you were using a nasal pillow mask and doing well. Then switched to a full-face mask and use a chinstrap at the same time and get poor quality of sleep?

If I'm correct, the first thing is to not use a chinstrap with a full face mask because it defeats the whole purpose of that mask. You're supposed to breathe with your mouth with that mask and not have it closed.

Full face masks are notorious for leaks compared to nasal masks or nasal pillows. Those are the last resort type of masks unless you absolutely cannot inhale through your nose.

I would suggest Nasal Pillows such as the Swift along with a heated humdifier and if needed, a chin strap. Most people are good to go after that. If not, go back to what you were using before, as the full-face mask will only cause more problems.

I also wouldn't rely on the data coming off your CPAP. They are not accurate and will never be for most. If anything it is just mediocre.

FWIW, I am a new pap'er. The only way to know what is going to
work for me, is to try it. I need to have a FFM option incase
I have a cold or sinus infection, sometime.
I need to know if, for me, a FFM is going to be better than
nasal pillows. Never know til you try.
I want to be as educated as possible and know about every
option I have available to me.

As far as data reliability, what would you suggest that
pts. use, to be involved w/their therapy, on a daily basis?

carbonman · Post by **carbonman** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 6:57 pm

AdvansCPAP.com wrote: That's great you want to learn and try out new things.

WOW...thanks for the vote of confidence.
Maybe you could send me a AdvansCPAP gold star to put on the refrigerator door.

Best thing to do if you want be involved with your therapy is to log how you felt in the morning after using what mask and if you had any issues with leakage or dry mouth. Also, if you tossed and turned alot or stayed still.

That is a good idea.

Key is to comunicate with your sleep specialist your problems or concerns.

Right, communicate w/a sleep doc I never saw,
a sleep lab that has never communicated w/me, with even a courtesy follow up call,
and a DME that is incompetent or liars, or both.

Reading the data off your machine will only get you more frustrated.

The only thing frustrating me is that I can't learn and do, fast enough.....but it will come.

I can see it happening already since you're coming to a forum for help.

....and just what brings you to this forum??

AdvansCPAP.com · Post by **AdvansCPAP.com** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 3:12 am

AdvansCPAP.com wrote: That's great you want to learn and try out new things.

WOW...thanks for the vote of confidence.
Maybe you could send me a AdvansCPAP gold star to put on the refrigerator door.

Did I insult you or something? Your sarcasm isn't appreciated since I was simply trying to help you understand why you're having problems with the FFM. Unbelievable

I can see it happening already since you're coming to a forum for help.

....and just what brings you to this forum??

I've been answering questions from people like you who ask for suggestions. Oh and you're welcome, BTW. Nevermind all the things I suggested in earlier posts. Apparently you are much more knowledgeable than I am when it comes to this topic..just keep on using that FFM with chinstrap and reply on your data.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 6:51 am

carbonman wrote:
AdvansCPAP.com wrote: I can see it happening already since you're coming to a forum for help.

....and just what brings you to this forum??

My guess is mostly business marketing of equipment.

In fairness, AdvansCPAP probably is sincere about attempting to help but unfortunately the help is dogmatic of the CPAP industry (ie. that machine data is useless and only sleep health professionals are capable of dispensing advice and focusing on snoring/arousals instead of hypoximic hypoxia).

Perhaps if AdvansCPAP (Louis ?) can break away from the dogma long enough to allow the experience of patients that have to use this equipment on a nightly basis to teach an old dog new tricks, real and useful help will eventually out-weigh the business marketing?