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Full Face Mask Issues - marthaabernathy - 02-11-2013
First off, this is my first post
Go easy on me. I have a S9 Autoset with ResMed Mirage Quattro mask. I did something REALLY dumb. I got the unit and used it for a few weeks...then stopped. Thought it wasn't helping. So I emptied it out and packed it up and it up. Well, needless to say after a few months of really bad sleep, I'm back on the machine.
After the first time I used it since packing it away (with new distilled water and cleaning the mask, of course), I developed a stuffy nose and sore throat. The humidity level was set on 3. It might just be coincidental, but should I be concerned? I did feel better that day, despite the sore throat. I felt more awake with more energy. I still feel better than I did before.
Also, any tips on mask fitting? I'm having trouble finding that happy medium between a good seal and not getting a headache from the top of the mask.
RE: Full Face Mask Issues - trish6hundred - 02-11-2013
Hi marthaabernathy,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
It's good to hear that you are back on the machine.
The mask can be the most difficult part of CPAP therapy. You might try a different type of mask as full-face masks (FFMs,)are quite proned to leaks.
As far as your humidity goes, you could turn it up a bit more and see if that helps.
I know CPAP therapy can be trying at times, but I encourage you to stick with it.
Hang in there for more suggestions and best of luck with your CPAP therapy.
RE: Full Face Mask Issues - DocWils - 02-11-2013
Martha - while it is true that bacteria can colonise your hose and mask if you don't clean them, if you left it for several months after only a short usage, the chances are that any bacteria would have died out as the mask and hose dried out. So, most likely a coincidence. However, let it act as a good reminder to you as to how important good device hygiene is.
Getting a good fit for a full face mask can be tough, and I am not the person to ask, since I use nasal pillows, and am so very glad of that, especially this last week, when I had a severe rhinovirus with strong cough - I cannot imagine how it would be to wear a full face mask in such a situation.
However, one thing I have observed is that tight isn't necessarily better - it can increase leaks - there is a happy medium you should be able to find if you work with the mask, finding the right combination of tensions at each anchor point. Stick with it - as uncomfortable as it can be at first, it gets better, and it is better to be a hose head than to be dead.
RE: Full Face Mask Issues - IDRIck - 02-11-2013
Welcome! I'm also relatively new to the process, having used my setup for about 2-1/2 months. I love my quattro mask but it was a process to get everything the best it could be.... I suggest reading this article on how to the tame the quattro: http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/taming-the-mirage-quattro/
I saw significant improvement in leaks and ability to sleep on my side after trying the anti-leak strap from Pad-a-cheek. The strap was $20 but can be used for a long time before replacement and can be easily washed without problems.
If all else fails, ask Ren (aka TheWerkz on this forum), he has been very helpful to me for all things related to the quattro... :-)
RE: Full Face Mask Issues - AuntElizabeth - 02-11-2013
Hello and welcome. I'm fairly new here and always find excellent info and advise here at this forum. I've recently been having success with living with my Mirage Quattro FF Mask. I used to wipe the mask everyday with a baby wipe and wash in soap water about once a week. Now I dropped the baby wipe and wash every day in soap and water. I really believe it helps me the best. I just started tightening the straps once I'm in the bed. This seems to help me a lot. If I need to loosen or adjust a strap, I'm able to do it now without getting up. I'm using a different pillow. It helps a lot since I'm a side sleeper. Not using the memory foam pillow since it was always as hard as granite and the new pillow does a better job of fitting around my head.
RE: Full Face Mask Issues - marthaabernathy - 02-11-2013
(02-11-2013, 10:35 AM)trish6hundred Wrote: The mask can be the most difficult part of CPAP therapy. You might try a different type of mask as full-face masks (FFMs,)are quite proned to leaks.
Thanks. The only problem is that ,oddly enough, I tried all the other possible masks when I had my sleep study and the FFM was the only one that didn't cause anxiety, or worse leak because I'm a really bad mouth breather.
(02-11-2013, 12:40 PM)wilorg Wrote: Martha - while it is true that bacteria can colonise your hose and mask if you don't clean them, if you left it for several months after only a short usage, the chances are that any bacteria would have died out as the mask and hose dried out. So, most likely a coincidence. However, let it act as a good reminder to you as to how important good device hygiene is.
You're right. I agree. I work in a hospital so it's more likely I picked up this at work, than my CPAP machine. I tried upping the humidity to 6 and my throat is no worse today.
(02-11-2013, 02:06 PM)IDRIck Wrote: Welcome! I'm also relatively new to the process, having used my setup for about 2-1/2 months. I love my quattro mask but it was a process to get everything the best it could be.... I suggest reading this article on how to the tame the quattro
THANK YOU!!! I love the power of forums for stuff like this. That blog really gave me some ideas on where I'm going wrong and it's odd but I look forward to going to bed to fix it!
(02-11-2013, 02:24 PM)AuntElizabeth Wrote: Hello and welcome. I'm fairly new here and always find excellent info and advise here at this forum. I've recently been having success with living with my Mirage Quattro FF Mask. I used to wipe the mask everyday with a baby wipe and wash in soap water about once a week. Now I dropped the baby wipe and wash every day in soap and water. I really believe it helps me the best. I just started tightening the straps once I'm in the bed. This seems to help me a lot. If I need to loosen or adjust a strap, I'm able to do it now without getting up. I'm using a different pillow. It helps a lot since I'm a side sleeper. Not using the memory foam pillow since it was always as hard as granite and the new pillow does a better job of fitting around my head.
Funny thing is that I'm not a side sleeper. I thought I was, and generally I start out on my side, but the tech at my sleep study said that I started out on my side, but spent most of the night on my back. Any suggestions on the type of pillow to get? I'm probably going to buy a new pillow anyway, suggestions on the type of pillow that works best?
RE: Full Face Mask Issues - zonk - 02-11-2013
(02-11-2013, 10:21 AM)marthaabernathy Wrote: Also, any tips on mask fitting? I'm having trouble finding that happy medium between a good seal and not getting a headache from the top of the mask.
Quattro fitting instruction video from ResMed
also lots more videos about the S9 and adjusting humidity using slimline and climateline tubing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caKvxANKaVc&list=UUwjFC_AikD4--KeVnU7mbJg&index=81
RE: Full Face Mask Issues - AuntElizabeth - 02-11-2013
Funny thing is that I'm not a side sleeper. I thought I was, and generally I start out on my side, but the tech at my sleep study said that I started out on my side, but spent most of the night on my back. Any suggestions on the type of pillow to get? I'm probably going to buy a new pillow anyway, suggestions on the type of pillow that works best?
[/quote]
There is a product review section on the home page. You might look around there for ideas and tips. Since I'm a side sleeper, I'm not sure what would be the most helpful for you since you sleep mostly on your back.
RE: Full Face Mask Issues - trish6hundred - 02-11-2013
Hi Martha,
I sure do understand, everyone is different, so a full-face mask is probably just what you need.
Best of luck and hang in there with it.
RE: Full Face Mask Issues - TheWerkz - 02-11-2013
Hi Martha,
You've already had some good suggestions here along with excellent resource links from Rick & Zonk.
The only thing I would add is to always wash your face before bed and don't use any moisturizers or facial cream since the mask silicone cannot create a seal against your face if there's any oils present on the mask or your face.
Let us know how it's working for you.
Ren