Review of Quattro AIR

Denial Dave wrote:I'm not sure the additonal length would have helped my issue with trumpet sounds coming out near the bridge of my nose

I also had a minor an issue with the width of it.... even with the large, it felt like it was forcing me to pucker up my cheeks and lips.

Resmed made a nice mask, but unfortunately it wasn't nice to me

Dave, I'm glad you posted! You confirmed what I just learned myself last night. Although the mask seemed to fit well and I got a green smiley face, the mask was making these same "trumpet","snorting" sounds and woke me up. This happened the first night too. I decided to watch for awhile and his lips seemed to be puckering and contorting as he slept and he seemed uncomfortable and frankly scared me a bit. I had to wake him up and change back to his QuattroFF and he did OK. I finally got some input from Mike, when I took the Air off his first words were "this thing is squeezing my face"! His facial contours are pretty normal, he's not a big guy, so I have to agree, I think this mask is made too narrow even though it fits well in length with a larger size. I'm disappointed but I can manage with his Quattro and UM although not perfect.

Yes, I agree. I test drove the medium for a few nights as that is supposed to be the correct size for me but it was too narrow and pinchy and I had leaks that I couldn't get under control. Tried the large for one night but it was completely unusable - just plain too big for me and the air farted out every direction. Seems like a very nicely made mask and I'm sure it will work well for many but not me.

happy to be of help Dori!!!

I could have lived with the pinching of my cheeks if that was the only problem that I had.... but the awakening trumpet sounds were unacceptable.

I get the same trumpet sounds out of my Quattro FFM if I have the forehead piece adjustment set too far out... but unfortunately, aside from tightening or loosening the strapts, there is no adjustment setting on the forehead part of the Quattro Air.

Dave

Dori, I'm sorry to hear that the Quattro Air isn't working out. I was really hoping that it would, seeing that I have had such a good experience with mine. But as we know, every face is different, and as some have observed, folks seem to love or hate this mask.
It appears that it may be too narrow for some people.
I'm curious, does Mike still use the Ultra Mirage, or does he mainly use the Mirage Quattro?

We mainly use the Quattro but after about 6-8 weeks with a new one, it starts leaking so I switch to the UM for about a month until we can get a new Quattro. He does about the same with either one but I like the Quattro better because it doesn't have the clips on the top strap so it doesn't protrude as much. But I think the UM has a sturdier cushion and doesn't wear out as fast. I also like to alternate because each mask sits a bit differently and doesn't leave the same marks on his handsome face!

Sorry to hear so many people having trouble with the Quattro Air. I'm using a size small mask and doing quite a bit better with it than with the regular Quattro. I use a cloth sleep mask (fabric type) and keep any stray breezes out of my eyes. I do get the noises occasionally in the mouth area but not enough to get any warnings. Leaks are very low with this mask and continue to be so. Twice, the mask has ridden up and my bottom lip was out. Overall, this mask is still treating me better than the regular Quattro. I'm getting towards the 3 month marker for using this mask. I will look at the bicycle Velcro and liners as possible fixes. I really appreciate all the tips.

DoriC wrote:We mainly use the Quattro but after about 6-8 weeks with a new one, it starts leaking so I switch to the UM for about a month until we can get a new Quattro. He does about the same with either one but I like the Quattro better because it doesn't have the clips on the top strap so it doesn't protrude as much. But I think the UM has a sturdier cushion and doesn't wear out as fast. I also like to alternate because each mask sits a bit differently and doesn't leave the same marks on his handsome face!

Hi Dori,
I've heard lots of people complain about the Quattro cushions not lasting too long. Oddly enough, I have a hard time with new cushions and it isn't till they are a few months old do the get flexible enough for me. Truth is I'm still using my first Quattro with cushions over a year old. Tried a new one last week and couldn't get it to stop leaking. Go figure.
J

I think there is a pattern developing in the unhappy versus happy Quattro Air folks.

Dori & I are using Bipap and much higher pressures...

Hmm! Care to venture a guess as to bipap vs cpap? I understand the higher pressures theory(although we're only set to 10/15/PS=3) and his highest is usually 14 and he stays at 11 for a good part of the night. That's about average isn't it? I'm curious about the bipap algorithm and how it might differ from cpap in terms of leaks and how if might affect the mask.

I'm running at 8.6 plain old CPAP with EPR at 3 and couldn't get a consistent good fit.

my theory is that on bi-pap, the cushions are flexing for 6 or more hours. When you add in facial oils & a few tossing and turnings during the night; you are bound to get leaks.

with the Quattro Air being narrower, it may be more conducive to leaks...

but again, it's just a theory of mine..

Denial Dave wrote:my theory is that on bi-pap, the cushions are flexing for 6 or more hours. When you add in facial oils & a few tossing and turnings during the night; you are bound to get leaks.

with the Quattro Air being narrower, it may be more conducive to leaks...

but again, it's just a theory of mine..

I've always wondered about that myself but there's no way for me to know personally if the mask lifts up a little with each inhale on bipap or for that matter with EPR or Flex. I've tried to watch but it's hard to tell from the outside looking in.

I'm new to CPAP treatment, less than 1 month. I have the Quarttro Air. I've experienced the trumpet sounds.
That was resolved with adjusting my mask. I believe tightening the bottom of the mask. I also learned the sound came when the mask was loose and I was at high pressure of 20, whatever the highest is. I'm a side sleeper, but will sometime roll to my back for a while. I also have chronic dry eye. Just received the eye goggles from eye co . They seem to be working well. This is my second night.

Wouldn't you know it, I sounded like a trumphet last night. I did discover my pressures were 19.3 at this time and my face was a little moist around the seal. Once I repositioned, the sound went away. I just gate that takes a minute or two for the pressures to decrease.

I have used several masks however, the medium QAIr mask is great as long as you have a dry oil free face. Also, I had to position the mask lower on the bridge of my nose and tighten the bottom straps. You have to cover more width of the nose to avoid leaks into your eyes. I love the light weight design.......peaceful sleep to all

SSD