Newbie needs advice

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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rlreklaw
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Joined: Mon Aug 27, 2012 2:34 pm

Newbie needs advice

Post by rlreklaw » Thu Sep 06, 2012 2:51 pm

Hello everyone,
I am a new CPAP user. I am having trouble finding a full face mask that works for me. I am prescribed a rather high pressure of 20/11. I have tried a Quattro FX mask as well as a Respironics Amara mask.
Both leak air pretty bad no matter what I try. Mostly around the bridge of my narrow nose. I have tried cushions, (home made as well as quietus) with little improvement.
I have read a lot of good things about the full face Quattro (I think it is called Mirage). Can anyone advise as to whether this mask, or any other, may help me?

Thanks for your help!

Bob

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KEQ5
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Re: Newbie needs advice

Post by KEQ5 » Thu Sep 06, 2012 4:23 pm

I use a Mirage Quattro and you might be able to get it not to leak. The main advantage over the QFX is the forehead stabilizer bar and different strap layout (more around the back of the head) which keeps it from being pushed upwards. That worked well for me (switching from the QFX to the MQ) so that I could side-sleep.

However, on my face, it's only a good fit as long as the pressure is below 17-18. At a pressure of 20, I had to tighten it down a lot (and/or may have needed a mask liner) to get it not to leak.

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rlreklaw
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Re: Newbie needs advice

Post by rlreklaw » Thu Sep 06, 2012 7:19 pm

Thanks for the reply. Are there any other masks I should consider?

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BlackSpinner
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Re: Newbie needs advice

Post by BlackSpinner » Thu Sep 06, 2012 8:44 pm

Masks depend on whether your face matches their specs. Many people prefer the respCare Hybrid mask because it is so flexible and does not come near the bridge of the nose.

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Xney
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Re: Newbie needs advice

Post by Xney » Thu Sep 06, 2012 8:47 pm

I've been unable to find a FFM that fits me so far, so I'm just using nasal pillows and taping my mouth. (Some people would never do that, but it's what works for now)

Pillows are definitely usable up to 20ish if you can stand the pressure, but mouth leaking can be an issue. If you mouth breathe then you need a FFM or a hybrid.

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