Headgear question

So, I have the Mirage Quattro and medium headgear. As most of you know, the mirage quatrro needs to be worn kinda loose to work properly. So, I have the top headstraps pretty loose but I have the bottom one a lot tighter for the seal. It doesn't hurt my face or anything but what I've noticed is I'm waking up with neck pain. I feel like the straps are pulling my neck forward all night! Am I doing something wrong like wearing it too low or Is this just another thing I have to get use to?

There have been many comments on this issue....unfortunately, that's the way it is. I have not seen any resolution to this issue. I have used the Quattro for over 3 years and have gotten used to it.

I was going to post a question very similar to this - I have a couple of degenerating discs in my neck and going through a flare up right now - has anyone tried padacheek's low neck pad for this?

http://padacheek.com/PAC-Neck.html

well I am also concerned that having my neck pulled forward every night is going to somehow mess it up. I feel like i'm going to have a disfigured neck and upper back, kinda like the hunchback of Notre Dame or something!

I've had the same problem Tonite I'm going to try the mirage quattro with the mirage fx headgear. I'll let you know if it works. The mirage fx headgear is more padded. I'll see what kind of seal I get with it.

I've had the same problem and am trying other masks that don't have headgear that goes across my neck. My opinion is that padding something that's too tight won't help a sore neck. If it were just the edges that dug in, then padding would help but not when the pain is deep inside.

I've used the swift fx headgear for the upper straps and a "floating" strap (the bottom cut off another headgear) for the lower straps with limited success on my Quattro fx. It changes the pressure point but doesn't eliminate it. I'm thinking a possibility might be something like the swift for the top and the bella for the bottom, but I don't know that my ears could stand it.
I did see a devilbis head gear that crossed in an "X" fashion in the back that looked like it might fall higher on the head and be more comfortable. I think it was for a mask with a forehead piece, though; so it might not adapt well to mask without one, but might work well for the Quattro.
As someone else said, I don't think a pad will work. Something like a cap which spread the force over the neck and head might, however.
I agree, it's a real problem and I would like to see a solution. Please post when you find it.

Jay

Here is my Mirage Quattro with a Quattro FX headgear. sill have issue with pressure point in the back.

I tried the mirage quattro with the mirage fx headgear......it's a fail I have a papcap plus in transit and will try it with the mirage quattro and see what we get I just can't stand that pressure at the base of my neck! Really want to like this mask.

well I'm a noob so I don't have a ton of things I can switch between yet. (like hoses and masks) I'd like to think that maybe the mask is more of the issue here. You have to pull it kinda tight at the bottom to get a good seal. I've been thinking about trying the forma fit life I thinks its called?! That might change the pull I'm getting on my neck!

When my doctor increased my pressure from 13 to 17, I had to really tighten the Quattro headgear to stop the leaks. After a few days of this, I was in serious pain during the day with recurring tension headaches and neck pain. I went back to the old pressure and modified the headgear to keep the straps completely off my neck. After a few weeks, I felt better.

If your neck is hurting, don't just wait for it to get better. Find a solution before things get really bad.

I'm still trying to figure out the best way to get a good seal without hurting my neck. The best thing I've found so far is this: I keep the lower straps loose. I use a Pad-A-Cheek anti-leak strap, which I keep fairly tight. I use a custom chinstrap similar to the RipVW100. And I use RemZzzs. The anti-leak strap pulls in and up, so the chin strap is needed to keep the mask from riding up. It's not the easiest arrangement to wear, but it works more or less. I'm still experimenting. If I find a better solution, I'll post it.

The main problem seems to be that the mask pivots on my cheek bones. I can get a good seal on the top or on the bottom, but not both, unless I really crank it down. I'd love it if I could find a mask that's shaped better for my face. I've tried plenty and none of them work well.

The headgear for my Comfortgel Full face mask is too long for my head. (one size, --doesn't)
Since the triangle at the back deforms if I only shorten the two side bars, I shortened the top bar as well.
It is more stable and more comfortable.
The folks at P/R don't believe in me--luckily I'm real, not Tinkerbell.
--Their lack of faith can not harm me.

Mirage headgear comes in small, medium, and large. But the medium is the default that comes with a whole new mask. Order the different size gear, going up or down as seems appropriate. Got zero support on this from my DME at the time, so just bought a small headgear. So much better, that I just keep using it and move it to a new mask when that time comes. The new DME will order me separately a replacement headgear in the right size, but if they order a mask, it will comes with a medium headgear. Such is the efficiency of our medical system.

I wish I could buy the Comfortgel Blue full face --without the headgear.
If only they made a small headgear; but I made my own, so whatever. . .

I used a Velcro cable wrap between the top and bottom straps while I was waiting out the last of my 6 mask allowance.

FWIW, the bottom strap on the Mirage Liberty headgear curves up over the base of the skull instead of sitting on the base of the neck. Of course, ResMed makes it virtually impossible to swap headgear or parts between different series masks. Gotta preserve that revenue stream