Quattro FF - first nite problems

I am trying the Quattro FF For Her since I am trying to cure my mouthbreathing. I have been on CPAP for 12 yrs, but this is my first try at a FF mask.

1. I had a hard time getting it to seal.
2. When finally sealed it kept waking my hubby.
3. Final & worst problem it made me nauseaous - very sick with serious abdominal bloating, gas & belching.
(Yes I know that last sentence was very unladylike, but as the saying goes, more room outside than in).
Removed mask at 3am, its 4:39 pm now & still sick.

Anyone have suggstions for any of these ?
Jen

Hi Jen--Last night was my first night too! Sorry, I don't have much input on your first night problems. I had a few problems with the mask--took me a few minutes to figure out which way was up and down. Realized if I looked at the head strap and positioned the mask so the writing on the head strap was readable I was ok. My mask insert is a new style, my tech said, and it seems to almost force me to get it seated properly.

I woke up with a sore throat (post nasal drip). I was using the humidifier/heater with my CPAP unit as was prescribed. Only two things I could come up with that I could have done wrong. First, I didn't think about washing the humidifier container and hose before the first use I've washed it in prep for tonight). Second, I used regular tap water in the humidifier last night. I know the tech said to only use distilled water but I haven't got a car and won't have a ride to the grocery store until tomorrow. The mask was laying next to me in bed, CPAP still running when I woke up this morning...so I took it off at some point in my sleep.

I know the symptoms of sinusitis and allergy and this seems to be more allergic (I'm not running a fever for one thing)...I live in a duplex and I've been having allergy symptoms since cold weather hit and the furnace kicked on. I suspect the landlord hasn't changed the furnace filter in ages and emailed that it needed to be done monthly if she hadn't. I've been drinking liquids all day...warm things like coffee and tea seem to be soothing.

Hope some experienced users can weigh in with some advice!

Forgot the specifics: I'm using a Philips Respironics REMstar Auto A-Flex unit with their System One Heated Humidifier. My mask is from Fisher & Paykel--It's a Pilairo Nasal Pillows Mask.

Hi Frannie,
Just remember there are other masks if the FF is not for you. Go to cpap.com & browse the masks so you may be familiar with what you think might work for you when you next see or talk to your DME. I've been using nasal masks & nasal pillow masks for 12 years, and was shocked to find the FF mask so different.

I have read here that one of the keys to getting this thing to work is not getting it too tight. I could not find the right level of tightness, too loose would not seal, too tight still would not seal (I'm going to try the t-shirt trick I've read about here - tonite). My face is small, but I got the small size mask, that didn't seem to help either. Even with nasal masks, I cannot use anything braces on my forehead, since it blows in my eyes. Well, this blew in my eyes last nite, no forehead cushion, so I'm doing something wrong there.

If you are a brand new CPAP user, don't worry if you took off the mask during the nite the first time. It does take getting used to any mask style. As a veteran of other mask styles I was shocked when my hubby woke me & I had to switch masks in middle of the nite. I was further shocked to have experienced nausea. I have heard of others with that problem & thought 'never me' -- well, never say never.

Knowing the difference between allergies & sinusitis puts you way ahead of the game. Getting your landlord to change that filter will help. If landlord doesn't respond well, get a note from your dr. A friend of mine had a crappy landlord & she had to do this periodically. Keep drinking the warm stuff, cofffee & tea. If you are into tea, English Breakfast & Constant Comment are two that work well for my allergies, sinuses, throad & post nasal drip.

Welcome to the world of CPAP users & this forum, you will find a wealth of knowledge here & I know someone will comment on my thread and on your problem as well.
Jen

Frannie wrote:Forgot the specifics: I'm using a Philips Respironics REMstar Auto A-Flex unit with their System One Heated Humidifier. My mask is from Fisher & Paykel--It's a Pilairo Nasal Pillows Mask.

Frannie,
The Piliaro is my favorite mask! It may or may not be the right mask for you, but give it a chance. If it doesnt' work, look at this board for several veteran posters & see what masks they are using, it will give you an idea of what you could try next. I do hope the Piliaro works for you, but one of the most popular masks (popular since it works for so many people) is the Swift FX nasal pillow mask. Keep that one in mind just in case.

However, I'm trying to combat mouthbreathing, so I'm trying the FF (full face) mask in that effort. I think I will probably end up trying another type of chinstrap with the Piliaro, since the FF caused me a very odd problem. Once you get used to having something on your face, you will leave it there all nite. Also, getting the data from your machine after you have slept with it a few nites is important. I went 12 yrs before I found out I can get my own data. Once you download the software for your machine (search software & look for the one that matches your machine to lead you to the download link), you will be able to tell if you are having issues with your therapy, or if it is working well for your. That, along with how you feel after wearing your mask all nite for several days/weeks, will be your best indicators as to how effective your therapy is.

If you have any trouble finding your software to download, post a thread asking for software help & your machine name. There are many wise & helpful people on this forum who will help you.
Jen

Thanks for your helpful information Jen. I will look for that software and download it right away. The tech showed me the data card when he delivered the unit and I figured there must be a way for me to see what it's recorded...just felt crummy and hadn't made the effort to research it yet. I am a mouth breather and so I will call my tech and ask about a chin strap on Monday. I know that I am always miserable when I have a cold and breathe through my mouth and my throat gets sore. I'll fiddle with the adjustments on my mask too, as it feels really tight to me. What do you think about getting a heated hose--will that make a difference?

Hadn't thought about some types of tea being more soothing than others. I usually drink peppermint tea when I have a sore throat and congestion but I'm not supposed to anymore as I also have reflux issues.

Frannie

Yes Frannie, heated hoses help alot to prevent 'rainout' the condensation of water inside the tubing that can make you uncomfortable. You can also use a hose cozy

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/snuggl ... cover.html

this is just one example of those available.

The heated hose depends on your machine, below is a link to a discussion of which machines are the best to purchase, since you are just beginning, there may be time to change if you got stuck with a less than desireable machine.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/snuggl ... cover.html

Also, be sure to fill in your info on the user control panel, it lets other members know your equipment and helps when we answer your questions. Feel free to PM me if needed,.
Jen

I've had the flu for five days now and have a horrible headache during the whole time as well as all the congestion that comes with it. I used the Pilairo, since it's the only one I have. I don't know how the air went thru but somehow it did since my AHI was below .5 as usual. That's amazing to me. I am one of those people who refused to get a flu shot due to the small percentage of mercury that comes with it and its possibility of causing harm. Still haven't made up my mind about the flu shot.

I find the quatro also gives me more gas. I used the Innomed Hybrid most of the time but even so, if I sleep on my back I end up swallowing air.

The hybrid has nasal pillows and a cover for the mouth with a flap at the chin. I find it very effective to keep my mouth closed. But if I have a cold/flu I can't stand it.

jencat824 wrote:I am trying the Quattro FF For Her since I am trying to cure my mouthbreathing. I have been on CPAP for 12 yrs, but this is my first try at a FF mask.

Jen

If you're using the For Her mask I believe it's the Quattro FX with no forehead straps, right?

DoriC wrote:

jencat824 wrote:I am trying the Quattro FF For Her since I am trying to cure my mouthbreathing. I have been on CPAP for 12 yrs, but this is my first try at a FF mask.

Jen

If you're using the For Her mask I believe it's the Quattro FX with no forehead straps, right?

You are quite right, it is the Quattro FX, I chose it because of the no forehead straps. I learned early in my CPAP days that forehead cushions & straps did not work for me. They don't fit on my face where they are supposed to. I have a small face & my eyes are close to my nose. With the forehead straps, I had a several serious corneal abrasions before I figured out the air was blowing in my eyes each nite, both causing eye problems and I am sure imparing my therapy.

Now I'm trying different things to combat mouth breathing. I'm going to try this mask again next weekend. For my hubby's sanity, I will use one of my regular's during the week. He gets up real early for work & the Quattro kept him awake Friday nite, last nite I wore it for a little while (with a little more success), so will try again next Fri.

I'm glad you corrected me, I would have put the wrong mask in my info.
Jen