mirage quattro leaks with changing positions

nobody wrote:

DoriC wrote: IMHO, I'm sure Den and all the other "pros" here have researched this problem before recommending this fix so I trust their advice. My husband just started using the Q recently and seems to be doing OK. Dori

I saw absolutely nothing in the archives here that even considers that if you seal an inherent leak in a mask it might just change the way the mask expels your exhaled air. There was a post a while ago where someone came up with this "fix" and posted about it and everything since then has referred to that. Maybe I've missed something, who knows, but I don't think it even crossed anyone's mind. It only crossed mine because the mask seemed exceptionally stuffy after I tried that "fix". I removed it and the air is much fresher. I'd rather have a mask blowing in my face than to be suffocate in my mask. I hope your husband wears an oximeter. Good luck.

I did the "teflon fix" to both the elbow ends: the one that snaps into the mask and the end that snaps in to the hose connection. Those two fixes have nothing to do with venting exhaled air as far as I can tell. There is a valve within the elbow that allows airflow in and an opening in the elbow that vents the exhaled air. I usually put my mask on after I've washed my face and wiped off the mask cushion, then I hook it up to the hose. I can breathe just fine wearing the unconnected mask.

My AHI, AI and HI are looking good and getting better. So, I don't think a little teflon tape is a problem. We all have our opinions and comfort level, so whatever works is good.

Nancy in AZ

rippersmom wrote: I did the "teflon fix" to both the elbow ends: the one that snaps into the mask and the end that snaps in to the hose connection. Those two fixes have nothing to do with venting exhaled air as far as I can tell.

For the part that snaps into the mask, why would you need to put teflon tape on it if it didn't leak? A leak would, by definition, be pushing air (including your exhaled air) out of the mask.

nobody wrote:

rippersmom wrote: I did the "teflon fix" to both the elbow ends: the one that snaps into the mask and the end that snaps in to the hose connection. Those two fixes have nothing to do with venting exhaled air as far as I can tell.

For the part that snaps into the mask, why would you need to put teflon tape on it if it didn't leak? A leak would, by definition, be pushing air (including your exhaled air) out of the mask.

It DID leak, both ends leaked. I wouldn't have used the flippin' tape if it didn't leak.

I have been unable to detect any leaks in the elbow/swivel area after using my Quattro since September.

It would be interesting to compare designs of Quattro masks... those with known leak issues around the elbow/swivel and those with no leaks detected.

No differences may be noticed so perhaps the issue can be attributed to manufacturing variations.

I wouldn't think they would intentionally make a swivel joint leak to vent the mask. The vents are the small holes along the nose bridge. Make certain they are fully open and not blocked by loose plastic, the tape or by dirt. I have mine taped and have no problems at all.

If a person is willing to do a forum Search on the word "Teflon", they will find that using Teflon tape to fix mask leaks goes back to 2005. If I remember correctly, the Quattro mask came out around the beginning of 2007. Numerous users were reporting leaking from the elbow area. Someone (or a couple of users) either remembered the Teflon tape from years earlier or came up with it on their own and posted it here......and people started using that method for fixing the leaks.
I also acquired a Quattro (from a forum member who didn't want/like/couldn't use it) towards the middle of that year and decided to see what all this "leaking" was about, so I waited to see how long it would take and experience it for myself. Well, it didn't take too long and it was very annoying to have that elbow leaking during the night......it would change upon person/mask movement and it sounded like it was coming from EVERYWHERE......so, I taped the elbow of my mask, too.
Since then, there have been many, many people report leaking from the Quattro masks. So, I have tried to mention the "Teflon tape fix" to anyone reporting leaks from their Quattro masks as a routine notification in case that's where leaking may be coming from.
It was reported by some that SUPPOSEDLY ResMed had made some design changes in the Quattro, somewhere along the way......and they may have.....and those reporting NO LEAKING, may have some of those newer masks......but in case the users still have some of the older masks......the Teflon tape may solve one of their problems.

And, for those naysayers who think that it's part of the vent flow/leak rate and don't believe it should be taped, I challenge you to TRY TO SLEEP with one of those leaking bastards for a night.


Den

Den, that is a great synopsis of what I have been reading about the Quattro. Thanks for posting all that.

Den, thanks for explaining the history of the "teflon fix" to all us newbies here. I'm glad we took your advice about the fix and my hubby has adjusted well to the Q so far this week. Dori

Quattro leaks with changing positions. . . . and so do the Respironics, the Fischer Paykels, and other makes.
Why put it all on ResMed products?
Further insight into the problem is really required, since Leaks are caused by motion and slipping headgear.
Unless you are on a paralytic when you sleep... Do a measurement of your headgear when you first acquire the product.
Oils from the body do something to neoprene. Has there not been a study done on the increase in headgear length over time.
Okay, so, maybe my statements are that of a quack. Then, again, maybe not!

Headgear patterns: Lets take a look at the Resmed Quattro Headgear:

Although this image is the nasal mask, it really makes little if any difference in explaining the problem.
1) Pressure to the posterior aspects of the head with any motion are going to create a significant pull in opposition to the mask... Result? Leaks.
2) You adjust your mask and headgear and its better.
Lets take a look at the Fischer Paykel:


1) In this example, More Bulk = More Leaks.
2) How Easy is this to put on and take off when you have to get to the bathroom in the middle of the night, or
other nocturnal needs?

Alternatively,
<Images Removed per Admin>

A little less troublesome. Single posterior strap reduces mask leakage by countering opposition from strap pressure
(upper/lower). Turn to the Left, Stomp. Turn to the Right, Stomp.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB9e7qCzMY0