Mirage Quattro high pressure seal life?

[Denial Dave]

I'm on bi-level 21 IPAP 15 EPAP..... I've had my mask for 2 months now.... followed "taming the Mirage Quattro" guidance. Everything has been going really great.

But over a few recent nights, I have been fighting leaks unlike anything that I''ve had since getting the mask.

Last night, I put in a new seal and all the leak issues are gone and things are great again.

is it possible that due to my higher pressures that the seal only lasts 2 months!?!//?



Dave

[Pugsy]

Might be related to pressure and might also simply be related to break down in silicone from facial oils and washing and general whatever.

[LSAT]

Pugsy makes a good point. When I first started to use my Quattro almost 4 years ago, I washed the silicone every 1-2 nights. I found that after 1-2 months I needed to replace the seal. After about a year doing this I started using CPAP wipes and only washed my seal every 7-10 days. I found that the seals lasted 3 months and kept the seal much better. I have even boiled my seal at 3 months and made it last longer.

[DoriC]

I follow the same routine as LSAT(except for boiling) and find the seal lasts 3-4 months also. The headgear needs to be adjusted occasionally as it stretches a bit.

[ClayL]

My seal is about a year old. I wash it maybe once a month. As stated above the headgear needs to be adjusted from time to time especially if you wash it.

[Denial Dave]

Thanks !!

I wash my seal once a week in hot soapy water. I'll give the boiling process a try to rejuvinate the old seal.

In additition major leaks, I was getting the sensation that the old seal was completely collapsing. It felt like the mask frame was pressing into my cheekbones. Even with the straps fairly loose.

[squid13]

I'll give the boiling process a try to rejuvenate the old seal.

Be sure to add a little baking soda when you boil the cushion. Helps to cut the facial oils that's on the cushion.

[FoxNewsFan]

Hi Dave,

I use the same mask as you do.

Have you tried PadACheek's mask liner?

It cuts way down on my leaks plus I like the feel of the smooth fabric on my face, rather than the rubber/plastic feel of the seal.

I change my seal every 3-4 months mainly because I get them for free.

Since my face never touches the seal, there's no deterioration from oil so theoretically, it could last forever.

It's a little pricy but it's well-made and shows no wear after several year's use.

Karen also sells fleece covers for the headgear where it touches your face. Feels cozy and no red marks in the morning.

Regards,

Ed

[Denial Dave]

Thanks for the suggestion Ed.

I've been using pad a cheeks for a while. Which is why I am questioning the 2 month life span of my seal.

But It does go some major continuous flexing each night because of my higher bi-level pressure..

Dave

[Always tired]

Dave,
I picked up a mirage Quattro about a week ago and like it although I still switch back and forth with my nasal mask. I like to keep some spare parts on hand just in case and I am assuming that your reference to the high pressure seal is the Cushion and Clip for about $54? Since you may not be on Medicare maybe someone that is can answer the question below.

I printed out the ResMed Reimbursement Fast Facts for Medicare--am I reading this correctly? A7031 Face mask interface replacement--1 per month?? Medicare will pay for this?
https://www.cpap.com/productpage-replac ... dgear.html

Thanks
A T

[FoxNewsFan]

Thanks for the suggestion Ed.

I've been using pad a cheeks for a while. Which is why I am questioning the 2 month life span of my seal.

But It does go some major continuous flexing each night because of my higher bi-level pressure..

Dave

Dave,
When I see someone with such high pressure I recall my nightmare. What I should do is read all your previous posts to see what you have gone through but I'm too lazy/busy.

You can see from my sig. that I went to an incompetent sleep lab and an incompetent sleep doc. Read my previous posts if you have time.

What saved me is that someone gave me an S-8 Auto and I determined my pressure myself.

I'm not saying that you should do this but if you could borrow or rent an Auto.......

Regards,

Ed

[FoxNewsFan]

Dave,
I picked up a mirage Quattro about a week ago and like it although I still switch back and forth with my nasal mask. I like to keep some spare parts on hand just in case and I am assuming that your reference to the high pressure seal is the Cushion and Clip for about $54? Since you may not be on Medicare maybe someone that is can answer the question below.

I printed out the ResMed Reimbursement Fast Facts for Medicare--am I reading this correctly? A7031 Face mask interface replacement--1 per month?? Medicare will pay for this?
https://www.cpap.com/productpage-replac ... dgear.html

Thanks
A T

AT,

I fully support CPAP.com and appreciate their support of this forum. The last time I checked they didn't accept insurance. That is why

I have done business with Liberty Medical for the last 4-5 yrs.

They contact my doctor, fill out all the forms and send the supplies at no cost to me. Free shipping. Every 3 months they call me and say "You are entitled to Blah, blah, blah. Would you like us to ship it to you?" All I do is say YES. I have never paid them a nickel.


One time they sent the wrong mask. When I called, they sent the right one that day with a free UPS label for me to send back the wrong one.

Here is the schedule-

Medicare Replacement Schedule
Medicare has a set schedule for replacement of each part of a CPAP machine. For example, your full face mask, CPAP mask or oral interface can be replaced as often as every 90 days, but the cushion of your face mask can be replaced every 30 days. Nasal cushions, replacement pillows, tubing and disposable filters can also be replaced as often as every 30 days. Headgear, chinstraps and non-disposable filters can be replaced every six months. The CPAP machine and humidifier can be replaced every five years.

The day that CPAP.com decides to change their business model to the same as Liberty Medical, I will switch to them.

Regards,

Ed

[Always tired]

Medicare Replacement Schedule

Ed,
Thanks for the info, I also ordered the chin strap and liner from Pad-A-Cheek
A T

[Denial Dave]

I've been on the hose for 80 days now. (thank you sleepyhead for telling me)

I'm on BCBS and have Crapria as my DME... I'm not sure what BCBS replacement policy is for parts, cushions, filters, etc.. The plan is to call today and get that information.

Anyway, after switching to the Quattro mask not long after starting this journey, my leaks have been pretty much under control.

The majority of nights, my AHI is between 1 & 2, but sometimes it will spike to 3-4.

Even at 3-4 it's an improvement of my sleep study AHI of 31.

The better news is that my PLM is gone! I had 111 PLM's during my sleep study.

So all things considered Bi-level / Bi-pap seems to be working for me.

My very 1st appointment since going on the hose with my sleep doc is on the 18th of this month. It's also my compliance review... I've only had 1 night of less than 4 hours use. YIPPEE

My hope is that she will lower my pressure at the appointment. If she doesn't, I plan on doing some experimenting on my own with the pressures & see what happens to my AHI.

Thanks

Dave

[JamesW6175]

Started to get leaks, and itching face where the mask was touching my face. I boiled the silicone part of the mask yesterday, and it improved the leaking - none during the night. Had a good night sleep. I put a little baking soda in the boiling water also, it helped.