Fitting Quattro Air- System 1 Shortcoming

Hi everyone,

I'm a new APAP user, and have been relatively successful. Only recently I came across a problem in which the bridge of my nose is developing a blister and getting really sore and red, a common problem for FFM it seems like.

I can only assume I've been adjusting the mask too tight, as I just saw the directions for fitting my Quattro Air for the first time today. The idea behind the official instructions is to put on the mask, turn on the air, and then decrease the tightness on the upper straps so that it is just tight enough to make sure theres no leaking.

The problem with this, is the fact that my APAP (Respironics System One 560) starts out at a low pressure, and there doesn't seem to be a way to turn it up temporarily so I can fit the mask properly. Apparently the Resmed S9 has a setting that puts it on full pressure for this very purpose.

Does anyone know of any workarounds? At this point I almost feel like going as far to try to turn in my respironics machine for a resmed s9.

Thanks!

I thought that there was a Mask Fit check setting available in the new 60 series machines. My 760 has it.
Needs to be turned on in the Clinical set up menu....do you have the clinical manual that describes all that?
If not you can request it here

http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p ... tup-manual

There doesn't seem to be a Mask Fit check setting anywhere , that would be nice to have. I found out how to access the clinical menu online and tested it out. I can change the mode to CPAP mode with my highest pressure (which is set to 10, minimum- 5). It takes so long to switch between the menus though, I don't think it'll be a viable option to do every night. However at least I can do it once in a while to get a feeling of how tight to set the mask.

I'll probably request a new machine that has a mask fit check feature as I'm only renting the one I have right now (through insurance).

wholesum wrote:There doesn't seem to be a Mask Fit check setting anywhere , that would be nice to have. I found out how to access the clinical menu online and tested it out. I can change the mode to CPAP mode with my highest pressure (which is set to 10, minimum- 5). It takes so long to switch between the menus though, I don't think it'll be a viable option to do every night. However at least I can do it once in a while to get a feeling of how tight to set the mask.

I'll probably request a new machine that has a mask fit check feature as I'm only renting the one I have right now (through insurance).

It has a mask check setting. You press the ramp button with the machine off, and it activates the mask check system. When it completes, the machine turns on as normal.

The pressure sores could just be that it's a bad fitting mask or a design that doesn't work with your nose. You usually have 30 days to try another mask without being charged.

hyperlexis, you're right, it does have the feature! For whatever reason, the mask check mode was set to "off" in the clinical menu. I have no idea why they would want to give me the machine with that set off and no instructions on how to access the clinical menu.

Thanks for everyone's help!

For the bridge of my nose, I have used "Mole Skin," a totally synthetic product which comes in small sheets which is sticky on one side (like a band aid) and soft furry on the other. One cuts out the size one needs with scissors. Available in the foot care section of pharmacies and grocery stores.

I think Padacheek has a product for helping the bridge of the nose. She is a well respected individual on the forum who sells products related to Sleep Apnea.

Also true is trying to reduce the side to side pulling on the mask by using a Hose management system. I have a "Hose Buddy," from our forum sponsor, cpap.com. However just tying the hose to the head board with a bit of string would be helpful. Also helps to make sure I do not drag the machine off onto the floor.

As you probably know by now. Which mask(s) work best for you is a totally individual things. Some masks work great for some, and lousy for others.

purple wrote:For the bridge of my nose, I have used "Mole Skin," a totally synthetic product which comes in small sheets which is sticky on one side (like a band aid) and soft furry on the other. One cuts out the size one needs with scissors. Available in the foot care section of pharmacies and grocery stores.

I tried the Mole Skin without a lot of success, too thick and caused leaks... I then switched to 3M NexCare multipore 1" tape. It has tiny holes in it and allows the skin to breathe, yet is super thin and doesn't interfere with the mask seal. This solved my nose problems until my skin toughened up. Also the Pad a Cheek suggestion in the same reply is a good one, tho you should get your injury healed first.

As a man, it sounds bizarre but I used panty liners to soften the creases and lines caused by my old QFX. They were very effective in absorbing pressure from the mask without being so thick they caused leaks. The sticky side of the pad was very easy to clean off my face but held up to eight hours of my facial movements and pillow positions.


Before using the pads I cut them in half and thus they were only a couple inches long.


Whatever works we'll use!

DEX, I've got to know!! Did you buy the panty liners yourself??

Sir NoddinOff wrote:

purple wrote:For the bridge of my nose, I have used "Mole Skin," a totally synthetic product which comes in small sheets which is sticky on one side (like a band aid) and soft furry on the other. One cuts out the size one needs with scissors. Available in the foot care section of pharmacies and grocery stores.

I tried the Mole Skin without a lot of success, too thick and caused leaks... I then switched to 3M NexCare multipore 1" tape. It has tiny holes in it and allows the skin to breathe, yet is super thin and doesn't interfere with the mask seal. This solved my nose problems until my skin toughened up. Also the Pad a Cheek suggestion in the same reply is a good one, tho you should get your injury healed first.

I've used both of these myself, but the best thing I've tried (for me at least, it's very individual) is a plain old band aid. A little more padding that the NexCare tape but not as thick as the moleskin.