Report on use of new padacheek anti-leak strap

DoriC wrote:

PADACHEEK wrote:Ok,
I now have the website updated and you can see the pictures of the strap. It does not look like much, and it is pretty amazing that it works like it does. It may be the fabric or it may be the fact that it does not move much when you move your neck around. I am very pleased that it does seem to do what I intended it to do.
If you do not use a Quattro or a Ultra Mirage Full Face mask, this is not the right one for you. We will be working on some other designs as time permits.

Karen
http://www.padacheek.com

Karen, is there a way to avoid it covering the ears? I'm wondering if it would have to take some getting used to and can one hear just as well while wearing it? Thanks.

Dori,

It doesn't cover my ears (but I just saw on Karen's site that on her manequin it does ?) - I can't see the strap staying in place unless it does as I do & goes above my ears ? . I will post a link to the photos I took + will point out how the strap bunches over my ears (again no really big deal but am sure Karen can come up with a way to ease that).

Here is a permanent link to a set of the pics + I will add some or all in another post.

http://www.internetage.ws/cpapdata/anti-leak-strap-1/

DSM

Again, here is the 5 pics as a slide show ...
http://www.internetage.ws/cpapdata/anti-leak-strap-1/


Here are the thumbnail (small) pics themselves ...



This pic shows my quattro std that was fitted with a new seal and then brand new headstrap ...



This pic shows one end of Karen's strap (with the velcro pad) and the hole that is placed over the hose fitting (this anchors the strap) ...



This pic shows the full strap which has a silky feel & is non stretch ...



This pic shows the spots where it bunches as it fits above my ears (the fact it goes above my ears is why I think it works so well!) ...



This pic shows how the strap is added after the mask is on & how the ends velcro together ...



DSM

Country4ever wrote:I'm a little confused.
Are we talking about a cushion that goes around the face straps, or are we talking about a liner that stops leaks?

At the Pad-a-cheek site click on the 'anti-leak strap' listed in the menu on the left.

Cheers

DSM

http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_AntiLeak_Strap.html

unadog wrote:The VPAP ASV is **tough** on leaks!

I have the same mask. New strap helped, but I have it cranked down tight on my face! I have like 2 inch grooves from the mask in the am.

It hurts a bit. So one night I loosened up the staps closer to a "normal" fit. Same fluttering leaks and a really bad nights sleep! Great machine, but the pressure changes are tough on the mask seal. I have mine reigned in quite a bit on the high pressure too.

Let us know when we can buy this! Also interested to know how it works.

Cheers,
Michael

Michael,
The VPAP ASV is **tough** on leaks!

Amen amen !!!.

I have had this on again off again challenge for close on 2 years in dealing with the mask leaks & the Vpap Adapt SV. I would keep reverting back to my Bipap Auto SV which is far more leak tolerant.

What I have concluded over the past 2 years of using both, is that when I can control the leaks on the Vpap Adapt SV, it delivers the most effective therapy I have ever been able to sustain. But when the mask leaks, the machine due to its precise & rapid pressure control, exacerbates the leaks & cause me to keep being woken which messes up therapy.

I am now delighted that this simple strap from pad-a-cheek, has tamed the mighty Vpap Adapt SV / Quattro combination. I suspect very strongly that many people who feel their cpap therapy is not working, either have mouth leaks (& don't always know it) or have F/F mask leaks & don't appreciate how much these leaks mess up therapy.

One other factor that proves to me just how well this strap works is that in the past I would wash my face (early in the evening) and *always* wash the seal on the mask every day. But as a test, for the past week I have *not* washed my face or the mask seal, just given the mask seal a wipe with a tissue, and it has still performed as well as can be seen in the data.

DSM

Thanks dsm. What keeps it from falling down in the back of the head?
I'm looking for some sort of nasal prong anti-leak thing too.

Country4ever wrote:Thanks dsm. What keeps it from falling down in the back of the head?
I'm looking for some sort of nasal prong anti-leak thing too.

Easy - My ears

Hence my comment as to how the strap may work effectively if my ears don't hold it up

DSM

Thanks for the photos. So I guess having ears is a good thing! Now I just have to convince hubby that this added strap is a good thing too.

Country4ever wrote:I'm a little confused.
Are we talking about a cushion that goes around the face straps, or are we talking about a liner that stops leaks?

Neither "Country"

If you haven't done so yet, go to the Padacheek website and click on the anti leak tab. It has full pictures.

The strap is quite "ingenious" in it's simplicity. It has a hole for the breathing tube and that hole fits over the tube. you loop the strap over the top of your ears and back around to velcro it for tension.

It is like taking your hand and pushing "gently" on the center of the mask (for now only the Quattro) thus giving a better seal.

I ordered one and I can't wait to try it. I have to have an FFM and leaks drive me crazy

Cheers,

Dave

Oh Boy, Thanks DSM for the posting! Not sure if this will make my ears hot (I wish that she was making a silk version but I digress) but, I read this and just ordered one!

Here's hoping for a better "Hose Head" night's sleep (that is also less disturbing for my "significant other")!

Cheers

This is as awesome and revolutionary as the papcap. I suspect this should also work exactly as intended with the ZZZ full face as well. I intend to order one and try it out.

Fantastic Karen!

This strap & results are certainly intriguing! Why do you think using the strap is any more effective than simply tightening the mask's straps and adjusting the nose bridge knob?

plr66 wrote:This strap & results are certainly intriguing! Why do you think using the strap is any more effective than simply tightening the mask's straps and adjusting the nose bridge knob?

It's less about leak in any one static position, and more about mask torque. As you turn through the night, the strap keeps the mask in place, regardless of how your face turns. Increasing the stress on the plastic parts of the mask via nose bridge knob does not offer the equivalent torque reduction.

I just ordered mine. If this strap works as well as the papcap does for my nasal mask, I'll be thrilled. I don't have too much problem with leaks on my Quattro, but for $10 it's worth it. I just picked up a new cushion also. I find that they need to be replaced at 3 months or sooner.

Thanks for posting.
I'm interested when you have product for nasal, not full-face, masks.
Thanks
DaveL

I also ordered one this morning. The idea certainly makes sense and the price is very reasonable.