Side sleeping with Quattro FX

[mdintx]

Hey Folks,

Haven't posted in a LONG time. I've been happily using my SoftGel but with the change(s) in the weather, my congestion has been the worst it's ever been. I need to make a FFM work for me. I've got a Quattro and a Quattro FX and both leak when I switch to sleeping on my side. The FX is the more comfortable of the two so I'd like to make it work for me. What have people done to tame leaks? Padacheek anti-leak strap? CPAP specific pillow?

Thanks!

[Jpaskett]

Just got my machine yesterday with quatro fx mask. How do you know if you're having leaks?

[mdintx]

Just got my machine yesterday with quatro fx mask. How do you know if you're having leaks?

Because the noise and the sensation would wake me up.

[b360155]

Hey Folks,

Haven't posted in a LONG time. I've been happily using my SoftGel but with the change(s) in the weather, my congestion has been the worst it's ever been. I need to make a FFM work for me. I've got a Quattro and a Quattro FX and both leak when I switch to sleeping on my side. The FX is the more comfortable of the two so I'd like to make it work for me. What have people done to tame leaks? Padacheek anti-leak strap? CPAP specific pillow?

Thanks!

Howdy fellow Texan! I'm using the Liberty hybrid currently but looking at getting a Quattro FX as I did the CPAP Library 1-week trial with one and got excellent results and found it to be very comfortable. Did you view the fitting videos describing the "swing and seal" technique? If I followed that, I was getting a very good seal without any other accessories sleeping on my back or my side. You do sometimes need to play with the headgear strap tension though. I do use Padacheek liners for my Liberty and they're a good quality product and I'll probably order some when I get a Quattro FX. I don't have any experience with the Padacheek anti-leak strap but it makes sense as far as keeping the mask from moving...also I've read about using ladies tights to similarly apply pressure on the mask against your face but have never tried that either. I use a TempurPedic contoured neck pillow that worked fine with the Quattro FX or another pillow that I used successfully is a Sobakawa pillow that you can get at Bed, Bath and beyond for under $20 with one of their coupons. Good luck!

[RationalEntropy]

My experience fleshed out this algorithm: turning the machine on, loosen the upper straps until silicone completely inflates, tighten until no leak is present. If leak occurs in bottom portion tighten them to comfort (inflation will not be as pronounced here). Repeat as necessary. If it seems that numerous repeats occur then either a new mask or the leak strap or silicone inserts will be useful. I've heard about some people using silicone earplugs or moleskin (the orthopedic product) to change the shape of the silicone cushion in the mask for a better fut,

I've honestly thought about switching to a hybrid because for the first two months of therapy (before asv was prescribed) my jaw and teeth were hurting from sleeping on my side.

I've heard good things about the leak strap, and about the silicone inserts that cross the nose, and upper mask interfaces (where most of the leaks are).

[freshair]

I sleep on both sides and sometimes on my back------several factors....clean mask cushion....clean your facial area....I have an elastic band that I bought at walmart in the sewing dept and it is attached to the ceiling and my hose is looped through it...this way when I move side to side I have no hose interference to tug at my mask...I still have to make adjustments to my headgear....that comes with the procedure....my pillows are king size feather ticking and they are fine.....I had the ffm mirage before the fx and this it is far superior.....good luck--FA

[ameriken]

Just got my machine yesterday with quatro fx mask. How do you know if you're having leaks?

Get software for your machine and download it daily and you can see your leak rate and AHI. Do a search on the forum for Encore Pro, Sleepyhead, Onkor, those are different types of software.

[mdintx]

Howdy fellow Texan! I'm using the Liberty hybrid currently but looking at getting a Quattro FX as I did the CPAP Library 1-week trial with one and got excellent results and found it to be very comfortable. Did you view the fitting videos describing the "swing and seal" technique? If I followed that, I was getting a very good seal without any other accessories sleeping on my back or my side. You do sometimes need to play with the headgear strap tension though. I do use Padacheek liners for my Liberty and they're a good quality product and I'll probably order some when I get a Quattro FX. I don't have any experience with the Padacheek anti-leak strap but it makes sense as far as keeping the mask from moving...also I've read about using ladies tights to similarly apply pressure on the mask against your face but have never tried that either. I use a TempurPedic contoured neck pillow that worked fine with the Quattro FX or another pillow that I used successfully is a Sobakawa pillow that you can get at Bed, Bath and beyond for under $20 with one of their coupons. Good luck!

I liked the Liberty though I could not get the pillows to remain seated as with the Swift LT. They just kept sliding out. Glad to hear it works for you!

I did the swing and seal and I've used the Padacheek liner with my SoftGel for over a year now (though I cut it up so that it just protects the bridge of my nose). I use a Sealy latex pillow and it has worked well with every mask (not to mention completely eliminating any neck pain) I've tried save the Quattro and Quattro FX . I would be open to a new pillow though.

I have some leftover liner material that I used and it sealed well. It was my first night with it so maybe some of leak was due to the cushion loosening up. I'll try RationalEntropy's strap tightening technique tonight.

[Janknitz]

Take a look at my "Taming the Mirage Quattro" tips in my signature below. The same technique applies to the FX, but I have to say of the two I CANNOT get the &^%$# FX to stop leaking directly into my eyes. I think it just doesn't fit the shape of my cheekbones or something.

The Quattro tends to leak here and there, but mostly around the chin if I shift my jaw position. I don't care about a cold chin. I hate a constant air flow into my eyes!

I always sleep on my side, and have become quite adept at snuggling my face into the pillow to stop a leak on the Quattro. I just need to shift my head a little most of the time. The thing does spring leaks during the night. I have a padacheek liner which makes it more comfortable, but I stopped using Padacheek's anti-leak strap when I realized I was having a lot of jaw pain from cranking that strap too tight to try to stop the chin leaks.

[cindjo717]

What are silicone inserts and do they sell them at pad a cheek? I just ordered a leak strap and a mask liner for my Quattro FX.. I really hope that it makes a difference, I spring a lot of leaks with this mask.. I tried the liberty full face mask with nose pillows. I could NOT get those nasal pillows to stay in my nares... so I switched back to the Quattro...

[mars]

What have people done to tame leaks? Padacheek anti-leak strap? CPAP specific pillow?

Thanks!

Hi mdintx

I had to use a combination of three things to stop leaks in my quattro.

1. A feather pillow that adjusted to my head movements

2. The right tension

3. A trimmed beard

Good luck

Mars

[Bennee]

Hi Mdintx,

I am in my first week of using the Quattro FX (and a CPAP for that matter). When I learned to use my FFM on Saturday, I specifically asked about side sleeping b/c it is my fav. way to sleep. Here's what I was told. The best way to side sleep is to tuck the pillow behind your mask-- it pretty much falls behind your ear. Either that or instead of sleeping with your cheek squarely on the pillow as many of us always do, turn to move your head so that it's more like your ear is only the pillow. This way your mask is off of the pillow. If I had any problem during the night, I put my hand on my pillow and if I felt my mask on my hand I moved it. This has worked for me. Of course, when you turn, remember to move your hose over your shoulder. This has been the thing that I have to remember... It's not been easy trying to remember everything.

Now I hope you can help me with a problem....

As I mentioned this is my first CPAP. I have found that the part that I take off to wash ever day seems very "flappy" (is that even a word??). When I go to put the mask on, I feel like if I don't really tighten the mask that 1) there mask is just so flappy and loose feeling and 2) there are lots of leaks

So I really feel that I have to tighten the mask. BUT Now my face is getting a bruised feeling b/c my mask is obviously too tight (The bruised feeling is where the upper tightening straps are.) Any thoughts?

The good part is that I have a 30 day trade in on my mask and I can try other masks. I just don't know about any other masks. I don't know if they are all "flappy" like that. Maybe I am just not cut out of a mask like this one? Maybe I need a hard plastic mask that doesn't "flow".

Good luck to you on your side sleeping.

[b360155]

Now I hope you can help me with a problem....

As I mentioned this is my first CPAP. I have found that the part that I take off to wash ever day seems very "flappy" (is that even a word??). When I go to put the mask on, I feel like if I don't really tighten the mask that 1) there mask is just so flappy and loose feeling and 2) there are lots of leaks

So I really feel that I have to tighten the mask. BUT Now my face is getting a bruised feeling b/c my mask is obviously too tight (The bruised feeling is where the upper tightening straps are.) Any thoughts?

The good part is that I have a 30 day trade in on my mask and I can try other masks. I just don't know about any other masks. I don't know if they are all "flappy" like that. Maybe I am just not cut out of a mask like this one? Maybe I need a hard plastic mask that doesn't "flow".

Good luck to you on your side sleeping.

It sounds to me like you're over-tightening your Quattro FX mask. If you haven't already done so, watch the videos either on YouTube, ResMed's website or CPAP.com that show how to fit the mask and describes the "Swing and Seal" technique. The "flappy" part that you speak of is designed that way with this mask because it fills with air to form a cushion after you turn your machine on which should seal without having to tighten down real tight. This mask is supposed to "float" on your face somewhat. Also, follow RationalEntropy's suggestions posted earlier in this thread. If none of that works, then definitely trade it in for another within your 30 days. Good luck!

[Janknitz]

Bennee,

Take a look at my blogpost "Taming the Mirage Quattro" in my signature below. Different mask but the same principles apply. These masks have an AIR cushion, and the air cushion cannot do its job when the mask is mashed tightly to your face. Furthermore, if you are on an APAP you must fit the mask at its highest set pressure. Otherwise you will have a blowout as the pressure increases during REM. sleep.

[peterg]

Bennee,

Take a look at my blogpost "Taming the Mirage Quattro" in my signature below. Different mask but the same principles apply. These masks have an AIR cushion, and the air cushion cannot do its job when the mask is mashed tightly to your face. Furthermore, if you are on an APAP you must fit the mask at its highest set pressure. Otherwise you will have a blowout as the pressure increases during REM. sleep.

I;d agree with avoiding tightening too much, as tempting as that is.
a home made mask liner help mine.

I have also had success with a piece of elastic under my chin and looped around the lower straps, which stops the mask from creeping up my nose bridge, where my leaks occur. I dont knot it tight (the elastic), just run it around itself a few times. it falls off itself when I take the clips off. works for me.

the issue is the lower strap clips, whilst conveniently projecting out to the sides, are pushed up when side sleeping, pushing the mask up. a buckwheat pillow can me shaped to avoid this (as above commenter says) allowing the clips to be in the air and not pushed up.