Less sleep with Cpap Mask leaks bad

I finally started treatment and can't sleep. The mask works great for the first hour then leaks 90% of the air and sounds like an explosion. The air starts squirting my eyes and proceeds to wake my wife. I can't do anything to get the mask to seal. This is the mask that they used during the sleep study and it worked fine there. I have a pressure of 17 with a 20 minute ramp. I guess the pressure will make it hard to find any mask that will actually work.
I had a dream of a good nights sleep and beginning the rest of my life and now I am just more frustrated. I will take a look at the data later, but I know it will only tell me what I already know.
Do they make custom masks that actually seal, or should I get out the duct tape?

a custom mask is an expensive thing... last I heard over $1K

You might want to try the older Quattro FFM. I found it to be much sturdier than the FX.
Do you fit your FX according to the directions? I understand you put it on a bit differently.
Otherwise it's just experimentation with facial placement and strap tightness or try another mask/style of mask.

Good luck

You may need to try another mask. Get with your DME to check out other options. In the meantime you might try adding a mask liner or DIY anti leak strap.

I have a friend who uses the Quattro FX with same pressure as you are using. It was a mighty struggle to get the mask so it wouldn't leak but it is doable. When you initially fit the mask do you use your full pressure? If not, you need to. Bypass the ramp for a bit and make adjustments based on full pressure.
You may already but doing this but I will mention it just in case.

Many members have had success adding a mask liner and/or Padacheek's anti leak strap.
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_AntiLeak_Strap.html

My friend had better luck with a DIY strap made out of old panty hose.
Poor quality photo but the best we have. Her leaks were worse at the top near the eyes so she came up with this.
[img]http://i1081.photobucket.com/album ... .jpg[/img]

I need to find a solution without experimenting with fifty masks. I have a good job which I will lose if I can't get some sleep and get my brain back in order. I am struggling to accomplish basic things and wouldn't blame them if they let me go.
I have used the mask fit test and checked it with full pressure. The problem is the mask only fits if I don't move my mouth. The second I cough or open my mouth it leaks. I have sinus problems so I do breath through my mouth.
The hybrid mask that Cflame1 is using looks interesting. I think I would do better with nasal pillows instead of a full mask.
I wouldn't want to use a used mask but how are you supposed to find the best fitting mask without using it. The sleep study only had ten masks to choose from and none of them fit perfectly.

The Hybrid mask might suit you better. Less surface to have to deal with sealing. In the meantime in is the weekend and Quattro FX users can offer some ideas. We actually had a rather long thread a while back with all sorts of hints and all sorts of "this mask just wouldn't work for me".

You might try the DIY panty hose trick or some similar material to give the mask a bit more stability.
Also try making your own mask liner from an old T Shirt. I can't find the link explaining how right now but you can search for it. I am short on time a the moment.

If you don't have nasal congestion issues, try a nasal mask.
Mirage Micro come with two sizes and it's cheap.
Download and print the sizing guide and buy the one (S, M/L, LW/XL) that better fits you.
A nasal mask is smaller than a full face and so it has less leaking room.

There are all sorts of liners that you could try to stop the leaks. It doesn't sound like you have given these a try.....They worK!!!
http://padacheek.com/
http://www.remzzzs.com/Default.asp

have you tried the mask library? It's a chance to try out a new mask without having to buy it.

noSLEEPforYOU wrote:I need to find a solution without experimenting with fifty masks. I have a good job which I will lose if I can't get some sleep and get my brain back in order.

If you lose your job because you weren't willing to experiment with masks, how are you going to feel?

You usually have 30 days to exchange masks from a DME. Don't let your trial period end without trying another mask.

Why do you have a full face mask? Were you offered any nasal mask choices?

I have the same exact equipment as you. Do you have the right size mask? My DME guy said that the quattros run small and although my order called for a medium, he felt that the large would be better and he was actually right.

josh73 wrote:I have the same exact equipment as you. Do you have the right size mask? My DME guy said that the quattros run small and although my order called for a medium, he felt that the large would be better and he was actually right.

I found the opposite...I was measured as a Lg and had all sorts of leaks. I exchanged it for a Med and I've been a happy camper for 3+ years
Mine is a Quattro...Yours is a Quattro FX....Not the same.

josh73 wrote:I have the same exact equipment as you. Do you have the right size mask? My DME guy said that the quattros run small and although my order called for a medium, he felt that the large would be better and he was actually right.

I was measured as Medium (as Resmed sizing guide).
It fits perfectly. No leaks and comfortably.

Fortunately, there are MANY, many masks out there.
If you look under each type in the cpap.com site, you might see something that looks like a possibility.
Note that most masks can be purchased with return insurance--at an additional fee;
(or your DME can get one for you--if they can/will)
Or you can try one from the library. No problem with a gently used mask.
My husband is currently wearing a used fitlife donated by a wonderful forum member.
Now that we know it fits--(and his numbers/comfort are amazing)--we can invest in a new one.