Quattro Mirage Mask issues

It has been one week since CPAP. The Quattro Mirage face mask is really starting to annoy me. Last night, it kept on leaking in various places like around the eyes or near my lower jaw. I tried tightening up the straps but that then makes it too tight and makes the nose bridge sore. I had to get out of bed 5 times which then started to waken me up and make more more frustrated.On most nights it takes me about 2 times to get a correct position to stop the leaks. On the Resmed video they tell you not to overtighten but that it usually the only way to stop the leaks from around the eyes. Last night was the final straw since it took me about 1 1/2 hours to actual get to a point of being to reduce the leaks and to get to sleep. It is 1am and I was woken up with the mask still leaking, what a pain.

This morning, I am going to call the doctors office for advice as this is making me want to stop using the CPAP machine. Hopefully, they will allow me to try another mask. Sorry for venting but I have woken up cranky and unrested.

Sounds like you're a prime candidate for trying a different FF Mask. Based on feedback I've seen on this site (and not from personal experience), I'd try the Ultra Mirage FF Mask. But try something else. Understand cpapauction.com has masks at reasonable prices if you get flak from your DME.

GaryG wrote:Sounds like you're a prime candidate for trying a different FF Mask. Based on feedback I've seen on this site (and not from personal experience), I'd try the Ultra Mirage FF Mask. But try something else. Understand cpapauction.com has masks at reasonable prices if you get flak from your DME.

Thanks for the input. I believe the main problem that I am having with the Quattro is the bump on my bridge. I also have a very high bridge. It is very frustrating to spend part of your night trying to eliminate these leaks. My sleep doctor is the DME so I will call them this morning. I still within my 30 days with this equipment as it is on rental. If they give me any problems, then I will ask for my prescription and take it to a local DME that some friends use. The main problem with no sleeping is that it has been raising my blood pressure. This morning, it was about 149/99 which is very high. My doctor has already put me on blood pressure pills. I believe that it is all sleep related and not have a good mask is making the blood pressure stay high. Hopefully, it will get sorted out. Have to wait another 2 hours before their office opens.

First question: Did you get your DME to fit the mask?
Second question: If so was there a trial time to see if you were happy?

Make sure the top straps for the support are snug, if not it will lift off and cause leaks. Some wash face before putting on mask, some don't. I get a better seal without washing. Try lifting the mask out a little and letting the air fill out the skirt. Have had this mask for two years, have had some bad nights. Mine leaks around my beard but is generally acceptable.

Apparently my post went on line around the same time as your last post. Yes, a mask with leaks is frustrating and this can raise your blood pressure. Work with your DME and try not to settle. This system is vital to your health at this time, it has made a big difference in mine.

Bigburd2008 wrote:First question: Did you get your DME to fit the mask?
Second question: If so was there a trial time to see if you were happy?

Make sure the top straps for the support are snug, if not it will lift off and cause leaks. Some wash face before putting on mask, some don't. I get a better seal without washing. Try lifting the mask out a little and letting the air fill out the skirt. Have had this mask for two years, have had some bad nights. Mine leaks around my beard but is generally acceptable.

Yes, the DME did fit the mask. They spent about 30 minutes showing me the CPAP machine and how to put the mask on. They gave me no selection and instead used the same mask that the sleep lab put on me during my 2nd study.

I have tried lifting the mask up but it never reseals correctly. Luckily for me I don't have a beard and had just shaved my moustache off so that the mask would not leak. I will see what the DME who is also the doctor will say about the issues that I am having. It is very frustrating for me and is causing my blood pressure to go back up. The bad thing is I go back to my family doctor Monday to check on how my blood pressure is doing since he prescribed me Micardis.

To help me better get accustomed to CPAP, I have also been taking Benadryl to assist my sleep.

fsmitty wrote: The main problem with no sleeping is that it has been raising my blood pressure. This morning, it was about 149/99 which is very high. My doctor has already put me on blood pressure pills. I believe that it is all sleep related and not have a good mask is making the blood pressure stay high. Hopefully, it will get sorted out. Have to wait another 2 hours before their office opens.

Smitty what I think can make this period so frustrating (and I hear ya loud and clear) is that first of all, you're fighting this horrible OSA thingie, and above and beyond that you're getting even less sleep as your nose bridge is aching. And in your case, a triple whammy with the blood pressure. Gotta hang in there. Easy to say, hard to do. I'm right there with ya, bro. Just keep us all informed,and folks here a lot more knowledgeable than me can assist you with tweaks on your therapy once you get past this awful stage.

I have similar problems with the quattro. I usually get it to seal fine at the beginning of the night, but then the oils from my skin cause it to start leaking at 3am. I've had to get up and wash it and my face. And yes I do wash my face before going to bed, it's just that it doesn't take long for my skin to be all oily again. The quattro also dries my eyes out. I think it has tiny leaks. The really bad/sad thing is that I've tried several different FF masks and the quattro is the best of them. I try to use the simplicity more often, but lately I've had such bad congestion that I have to use the quattro.

Just called the doctor's office and they will see me this afternoon. I told them about my issues and they will change masks for me.

That's great. Keep trying. thanks for letting us know.

I am glad you are trying a different mask. The Quattro seems to be a love/hate mask. Many of us - myself included - have never been able to get the dang thing not to leak. Others think it is the greatest mask ever.

Don't limit yourself to full face masks even if you are a mouth breather. Nasal pillows (or even nasal masks) often leak less and are very comfortable if you think you can train yourself to breathe through your nose. Or, there's the Hybrid masks which combine nasal pillows with a mouth-only mask. These also tend to leak less than FFMs - at least in my experience.

Let us know what you are trying next and how you like it!

I have a high bridge too. I LOVE the Quattro and don't have any trouble at all. The secret is to get it to "float" on the face. When I first got my Quattro (2 years ago) I adjusted it during the day. I had a red bridge too from the mask but got it to adjust. I'd sit on the side of the bed and get it just right by laying down in all positions. Then I would take naps and adjust it. It takes awhile (as do all masks)...but when you get it, it's GREAT! It's one of my favorite masks. A super clean face before bed also helps and keeping it clean.

Just got back from the doctors office, who is also my DME. They were very polite at suggesting some alternatives to the Mirage Quattro. I asked about the Mirage Liberty which they were able to show me. The other mask they had available was a Fischer Paykel Full Face mask. The full face mask has some type of foam seal. It seamed to sit lower and cup around the bottom of your chin. It didn't feel uncomfortable like the Quattro. She did mention that I could trying the different types until I find one that works. You can't ask for better service. I decided to take home the Mirage Liberty as it has the benefits of covering the mouth and has the little plugs to go up ones nose. It felt a lot less restricting that the Quattro.

Well, I am at home and I briefly attached the Mirage Liberty to my CPAP and layed down on the bed. It didn't appear to leak when laying on my side which is good. It will take some getting use to breathing all that air being forced through the nose. Tonight will be the real test, keep my fingers crossed. I am going to take a look at the saline gel she mentioned that can prevent your nose from drying out.

I did ask them about people on this board who suggested that I get a data capable machine. She said that she could order anyone on the internet. They do carry the Resmed S8.

I think you made a good decision to try the liberty. I was going to suggest the hybrid, which is very similar.

I started out with the Quattro, which is a very fine mask. But I found that it would start to leak after about 4 hours of sleep due to facial oils. (I, too exude a lot of oil.) I did not like getting up in the middle of the night to clean face and mask. It is also hard on the seal, which was failing after less than 30 days. By comparison, I got 150 days or so on the first hybrid mask seal. I'm hoping the second will last longer now that I know how to care for the seal better.

fsmitty wrote:Just got back from the doctors office, who is also my DME. They were very polite at suggesting some alternatives to the Mirage Quattro. I asked about the Mirage Liberty which they were able to show me. The other mask they had available was a Fischer Paykel Full Face mask. The full face mask has some type of foam seal. It seamed to sit lower and cup around the bottom of your chin. It didn't feel uncomfortable like the Quattro. She did mention that I could trying the different types until I find one that works. You can't ask for better service. I decided to take home the Mirage Liberty as it has the benefits of covering the mouth and has the little plugs to go up ones nose. It felt a lot less restricting that the Quattro.

Well, I am at home and I briefly attached the Mirage Liberty to my CPAP and layed down on the bed. It didn't appear to leak when laying on my side which is good. It will take some getting use to breathing all that air being forced through the nose. Tonight will be the real test, keep my fingers crossed. I am going to take a look at the saline gel she mentioned that can prevent your nose from drying out.

I did ask them about people on this board who suggested that I get a data capable machine. She said that she could order anyone on the internet. They do carry the Resmed S8.

Go very careful with those barrel connectors on the top straps with the Liberty mask. They are very fragile and can easily snap off.