xPAP Newbies - don't make the same mistake I did!

Just posting an experience in case it might help someone else.

I've been on xPAP for about 3 months, and have fought mask leaks every step of the way. I'm currently on mask #5. I don't have a local DME and have based every decision on feedback from this board and unfortunately, assumption.

The first mask I had was an Ultra Mirage FF, large size. It was the correct size for that model. However, it just wasn't the right mask for me and it leaked endlessly no matter what I did to correct it. So I switched to a Quattro FF, in large size. At that point I made a terrible assumption - that because my UMFF was large, and I am, after all, a big guy, why would I need any other size? So I spent the $$ on a Quattro large and decided it was going to be that, or forget xPAP altogether, as I was becoming more and more miserable from fighting the leaks night after night.

Along the way I've done (and re-done) the fitting exercise on cpap.com, which has confirmed with each try that "large" is my size.

A week ago, for reasons even now I can't exactly recall, I decided to go to ResMed's web site and download their fitting guide for the Quattro. Lo and behold - my face fits firmly into the medium range! In fact it's not far from being in the small range. I immediately went to cpapauction and found a NIW Quattro medium. I had my 1st night with it last night. My leak line was flatter, and my AHI number the lowest, of any night since my 1st night on xPAP.

In the case of the Quattro, the difference between large and medium amounts to ~3/8" in the vertical dimension - the width is the same. The leaks I had with the large were always near my eyes or my chin. Go figure.

So - don't assume when it comes to mask size! And unless you have a very reliable DME to help fit your mask, check the manufacturers' own web sites for fitting guides; don't rely on a generic one provided by someone other than the mfr.

I am going to my DME this morning to try to exchange a Quattro large for a medium.

I just started using cpap 4 days ago. It took me about a month to get my machine because I didn't want the one my doctor specified so I had to get the Rx changed. I did a lot of research and had specified the machine, humidifier, and mask. The problem is I did not specify the mask size. I did try the size template from the Resmed site and thought I would be a medium but being new figured I'd leave it to the experts. I expected that I would be fitted for the proper size when the machine was delivered. Big mistake! When the RT delivered the machine he had a large size mask. I informed him I thought I would be a medium and he replied that "they" had me listed as using a large mask on my sleep study.

The size difference between the large and small is minor, as you state, but I think it will make a big difference in fit. The large either leaks at the eyes or at the chin/cheek area. I think the reduced length of the medium will center the mask better and follow the contour of my face.

I guess the moral of the story is that if you do your own research and are confident in your facts, then stick to your conclusions.

I had a similar situation to Mike, from a medium Quattro, needing the large Forma. Mike's right, especially if you are buying online, be sure to check size for that mask.

JRI wrote:I guess the moral of the story is that if you do your own research and are confident in your facts, then stick to your conclusions.

Hear, Hear, JRI!!