Quattro is a Winner

Hi, all.

Been using the Activa successfully for several years. But, recently the puffing has become so annoying that I re-tried my full-face masks: FP 432, Hybrid, and Ultra Mirage. (Puffing: when the seal at the base of your tongue fails and your cheeks inflate and you puff out the air. I've lost 25 lbs. so maybe my tongue is not as fat )

The Ultra Mirage is the only one that I could wear all night. The other two leak too much. The Mirage also leaks at my cheeks, but I can tolerate it.

But, I wanted you to know that my new Quattro seals very well. I've used it 3 nights and I'm very pleased with it. It has a wide, thin membrane on the cushion that seals very effectively. There is some slight whisping of air on one cheek when I lie on my back and turn my head slightly (away from the cheek that leaks). I can correct it by parting my lips and allowing the air to inflate my cheeks. But, I sleep on my sides mostly, and their is no leakage, then. I'm getting to sleep faster and sleeping uninterruptedly, except for, you know. That's what we want, isn't it?

It's a continuing quest, isn't it? The DME told me about a full -face mask that Respironics was going to introduce in November that had an accordion-type seal like the Activa. I've been wondering why Resmed didn't introduce one, as the Activa seals so very well without tightening the straps very much. Anyone know anything about the new Respironics mask?

Just to update you: I don't check my smart card anymore. The sleep doctor does it every 6 months and the AHI is always low. I'm still using 9 cm of pressure which I settled on after the 'study' I did: viewtopic.php?t=6234. I did change the Cflex from 1 to 2 and the ramp from None to 6 > 9 in 30 minutes to try to work around the puffing problem, but it didn't help. So, I'll change it back. I thought the ramp might allow me to get to sleep without puffing since the pressure of 6 was lower than 9, and the increase in Cflex (exhalation relief) might reduce the tendency to puff.

[Den, don't give me a hard time about neglecting the needy on the forum and RG, it's good to see you are still helping the 'needy'.]

Jerry69 wrote:[Den, don't give me a hard time about neglecting the needy on the forum........ ]

Wouldn't think of it, Jerry.

It's so good to see you post again. Glad to hear the Quattro is working well for you.

Please don't stay away for long. Or, better yet, spend some more time here, instead of on the golf course......

Take care, my friend.

Den

Jerry69 wrote:Hi, all.

Hi, Jerry.

Are you ever mistaken for Ed Koch?

Jer, it's so good to see you posting.

Jerry69 wrote:I've lost 25 lbs.

You kind'a tossed that cool bit of news in there offhandedly, didn't you. Mr. Nonchalant? Congrats!

After being miserable with the Quattro during my titration, and suffering through an Activa, Swift LT and FullLife, I came full circle and I'm using the Quattro again. I think the people setting me up at the sleep center didn't do a good job fitting it because they normally push nasal masks on their patients and I specifically asked for a Quattro.

At any rate, last night was the first night after using it for two weeks that I had some minor nose bridge soreness. More or less, I'm pretty happy with it (just gotta order some addons from Padacheek to make it even more comfortable!)

BleepingBeauty wrote:

Jerry69 wrote:Hi, all.

Hi, Jerry.

Are you ever mistaken for Ed Koch?

Has been suggested.

Cygnusia wrote:After being miserable with the Quattro during my titration, and suffering through an Activa, Swift LT and FullLife, I came full circle and I'm using the Quattro again. I think the people setting me up at the sleep center didn't do a good job fitting it because they normally push nasal masks on their patients and I specifically asked for a Quattro.

At any rate, last night was the first night after using it for two weeks that I had some minor nose bridge soreness. More or less, I'm pretty happy with it (just gotta order some addons from Padacheek to make it even more comfortable!)

Give yourself some credit. Although less than successful in your bait and switch game with the masks, you learned a lot along the way about checking for leaks, and learning to adjust masks. So glad to hear you're on the right track!!!

rested gal wrote:Jer, it's so good to see you posting.

Jerry69 wrote:I've lost 25 lbs.

You kind'a tossed that cool bit of news in there offhandedly, didn't you. Mr. Nonchalant? Congrats!

Saw right through it didn't you, RG? I figured, why not brag a little. Funny thing is, no one notices or comments here at home. Someone once said, "It's like losing a life boat off of the Queen Mary."

Okay, so here's the complete picture: Swoon?

And, BTW, the Quattro worked okay, again, for the 4th night.

Hey Jerry,
Welcome back!
O.

Jerry69 wrote:Okay, so here's the complete picture: --- Swoon?

Lookin' good, Jerry! Trim and fit!

Is that a Virginia Tech banner flying in the background, perchance?

rested gal wrote:

Jerry69 wrote:Okay, so here's the complete picture: --- Swoon?

Lookin' good, Jerry! Trim and fit!

Is that a Virginia Tech banner flying in the background, perchance?

I've always appreciated you, RG, and now, after identifying the VT flag, watch out!

Give yourself some credit. Although less than successful in your bait and switch game with the masks, you learned a lot along the way about checking for leaks, and learning to adjust masks. So glad to hear you're on the right track!!!

That's what it's all about, isn't it. After almost 4 years on CPAP, I can say that my main concern has been the interface. I settled in with the Activa for a couple of years because it sealed so well and was very comfortable—wait, better, not uncomfortable. But, the puffing became more incessant ... and disturbing ... so, I am trying a full-face masks, again.

Refresh me, please: Is that why folks begin taping: to avoid the puffing? But, don't your cheeks inflate? And, don't you swallow the air? And, doesn't that cause problems with aerophagia? Frankly, I'd try taping with a little encouragement, because the Quattro is NOT as comfortable as the Activa. If you suggest I try it, please recommend a tape. I'm somewhat allergic to the adhesive on tapes, but maybe it wouldn't be a problem for only 8 hours at a time.

See there: I'm still on the quest.

Jerry, what's really neat, is to go to the Pet aisle in the supermarket and pick up a 20 lb bag of kitty litter and realize how that represents the weight you've lost. (well close). That's really cool.