need mask advice

I have been using the Quattro Air and cannot possibly figure out how to stop leaks. So I asked my dme about a possible switch to a flexifit hc431 or the newer 432, but I was told that they don't have that mask. I will hopefully sleep better with this mask because of the under chin design. My dme told mgr I have till the 19th to exchange the mask, but should be stuck with that one for six months. I ess hoping someone could help me with some insurance things. I have one week too figure out what to do.

Basically I was wondering how or where I can get a mask through my insurance ( bcbs, ) there are no in-network dme in my city but there are some in the region in which I work (45 min away ).

I think this would be a better fit for me because I mouth breath and my jaw drops which leads to leaks which wake me up.

I don't know how to make the right decision for the next therapy for me. I don't know maybe I am being an idiot but I think this mask would mean less leaks for me.

Have you tried Remzzzs mask liners with your Quattro air. That helped my leaks a lot. Also with Quattro Air it is good to use your Mask fit feature if you have Resmed S9. So you fit your mask under the higher pressure you would feel during the night and then mark your straps with a laundry marker so you have a good idea of where to start each night. Of course you will still need to adjust it up or down. Also even with a full face mask you may need a chin strap. I used a chin strap with the quattro air because my mouth dropped below it. I keep it now for a cold or stuffy nose but I now use a nasal mask with a chin strap called ruby red.

Can you afford (and/or will your insce. pay for) masks from Cpap.com? They have so many different ones, at the cheapest online prices, and you can buy insurance - pay a fee - to test them out.

no Julie I cannot afford to buy without insurance. Tried looking online for the mask and accept my insurance found a couple, but I don't trust them.

Lukie I use that feature, but I cannot fake Joe mmHg jaw slacks and drops causing the leak. I have plmd which is mild but I flip flop and kick all night which also causes leaks. I have a chin strap coming I guess. Well told my dme to order one.

I also have BCBS for insurance. And while this insurance carrier has a number of different plans, my insurance also (only) covers a replacement facemask every 6 months.

I haven't tried the FlexiFit432.... but I did try the FlexiFit431 earlier this week (very similar to the432). The FlexFit431 does extend down a fit farther (to the chin line). Perhaps, this might be helpful if you have a lot of jaw dropping during your sleep? But that question could only truly be answered by trying it out. Ideally, it would be great if your local sleep med rep would allow you to take one or two different FM home on a trial basis for a week or so. (My rep has done that with me before in the past). But it may depend on local policy in your particular area, the quantities that they have in stock, or what they determine they can quickly gain access to from the warehouse....especially considering the insurance deadline.

Everyone's situation is different. And while I don't have a problem with jaw dropping in my sleep, I do not like the FlexFit431 for other reasons. It sits wide on the face and thus it feels bulky to me. Also the design of the headgear and clip seem a bit awkward. In my particular situation, I only tried the FlexFit431 to see if it would help with FM leakage problem due to my goatee. Unfortunately, (in that respect) it was not any better than the other FMs. And since I didn't like the bulkiness of the design, nor the headgear....I felt it was not a good option for me. (see my post regarding that issue)

I wonder if a chin strap would work for you along with your existing Quattro Air FM? Best wishes getting this worked out.

I have a jaw that likes to go south at night too. I am using a Hybrid mask (with built-in chin cup) that really does keep my jaw in position. Also, the overall shape of the mask with the chin-cup is a better fit for my thin face. My Quattro FFM always leaked around the jowls. I also use a Quattro FX when my upper lip needs a break, and knowing what I have learned, ordered an over-sized QFX so that it scoops under my chin instead of resting under my lower lip. This arrangement has been successful for my jaw-drop as well.

Hmm I am over chasing these leaks. But I cannot give up on cpap. I found some plastic foamy stuff similar to bubble wrap. Was gonna mange a home made liner out of it. It's all I can afford at this moment.

Guess at this point I have to stick with the QA, but will work to saving up for another mask. Maybe someone will come up with a facial hair mask

Thanx for all the replies they have been informative and helpful. I have listened to everyone's advice and at this point I want everyone offering advice that I am listening and am working towards using your advice, but right now I have to do something with these leaks to actually see if therapy is helping.I am even considering duct tape lol


I am getting desperate, but I don't see the sleep doctor till the, 17th. I don't know maybe I Am obsessing or something but I don't feel like I am sleeping it might be my flip flop kick sleeping style which I didn't do during either sleep study, which might explain why I thought I was awake the whole time. I wake up with a very dry mouth and s back do sore and stiff my body won't let me sleep anymore

When I started CPAPing 3.5 years ago I used the #431 and #432 full face masks. But they caused me lots of leaks. So I tried other full face masks and could not find any that stopped the leaks. Resmed's masks have an improved technology in their masks that other makers don't have. It's the double silicone flaps in the cushions. But I still have problems with the Quattro and the Ultra Mirage full face. I think that I resist letting my cheeks become like a chipmunk and not doing so causes the FF masks to leak. I can tell that if I try a FF mask and make a grimace with my face then the mask starts leaking. I wished that I could find a FF mask that makes me happy leak- wise. Then I could get rid of the chinstrap that annoys me. As to the nasal pillows that you stick into your nostrils I leave to the ladies posters, including the redhead Ms Pugsy. Although, some male posters also go for it.