First FF Mask

Sergey45 · Post by **Sergey45** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:13 pm

Ok,
I am about to try my first FF mask F&P 431 .(got it from bdp522, thanks)
I have a question –
All masks that I’ve tried before were attached to my nose only. So in case of power down or machine failure I am instinctively (in theory) opening my mouth and start breathing thru my mouth.
I case with FF mask both my mouth and my nose are perfectly sealed. So, if power is down….?

Lepeu63 · Post by **Lepeu63** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:20 pm

The 2 holes on the side of the elbow open and function as a vent. You'll wake up but you won't suffocate.

DrowzyDave · Post by **DrowzyDave** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:34 pm

Lepeu63 wrote:The 2 holes on the side of the elbow open and function as a vent. You'll wake up but you won't suffocate.

Yes, I believe they call it the "anti-asphyxia valve'. Isn't that a comforting thought.

Dave

Sergey45 · Post by **Sergey45** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 2:06 pm

DrowzyDave wrote:
Lepeu63 wrote:The 2 holes on the side of the elbow open and function as a vent. You'll wake up but you won't suffocate.
Yes, I believe they call it the "anti-asphyxia valve'. Isn't that a comforting thought.

Dave

OK,
Thanks. It is a comforting thought indeed

dinkytink · Post by **dinkytink** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 12:42 am

If it leaks on you, then try the 432 model. The addition of the foam cushion gives the silicone cushion some support which stops leaks and makes the mask comfier. It also makes the fit slightly smaller.

So if it's leaking because you're an inbetween size it'll help a lot. For reference, I'm between a small and medium in the 431 (closer to medium but it still blubbers a lot)... and wear a medium in the 432 (with no blubbering and I don't have to crank down hard on the straps to get a seal).

For me, 431 was unacceptable, but 432 is my favorite mask. Like night and day in fit, so don't abandon the Flexifit FF masks until you try both versions.

Another good feature is that they're essentially silent.

I breathe in mine for a minute or so before even turning my cpap on. Plenty of vent holes and like lepeu63 said, the elbow has special valves.

Sergey45 · Post by **Sergey45** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 9:47 am

[quote="dinkytink"]
Another good feature is that they're essentially silent.

I breathe in mine for a minute or so before even turning my cpap on. Plenty of vent holes and like lepeu63 said, the elbow has special valves.

DrowzyDave · Post by **DrowzyDave** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 10:50 am

Sergey45 wrote:
dinkytink wrote: Another good feature is that they're essentially silent.
Are you serious?
The one I have is noisy like steam locomotive. Thou, I’ve bought it used. It could be the reason.

I think he is serious. I currently have been using a 432 for about 3 months and a 431 for a week or so prior to that. There is only a very slight hissing sound from the vent holes on either mask. I don't really notice it unless I am listening for it. My pressures are 16/10 and both masks are darn near silent like he said.

Dave

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 12:20 pm

I've been using a 431 for a year now. It's silent, it seals perfectly, and it does its job all night with no problems. It just works.

If the 431 and/or all of its cushions just can't be made to fit your face correctly, try the 432.

As for the power going out, it's happened to me. You just wake up. Big deal.

Truly a great mask though... the "glider strap" keeps it stable even if you turn your head a lot or put pressure on one side of the mask... the crown strap on the headgear adds more vertical stability... the under-chin design is absolutely SUPERB for stability down in that area (I can't imagine using a mask that seals under my bottom lip, ugh!) and the very thin, very flexible nose-bridge section (called the "FlexiFit" system) means red, irritated nose bridges are nearly or totally eliminated.

Only slight downside is the famed "forehead spike", the single, narrow forehead support with a small contact area with the skin (meaning considerable pressure is applied) and a pretty laughably pathetic "pad" to cushion that pressure. I solved this completely by getting some toilet paper and folding it over several times (making it say, 8 or 16 layers thick), and placing it between the "spike's" pad and my forehead. My pal uses a sock (although that's a big large for the purpose).

Hope that helps! You're probably gonna love the 431. Good luck!

Pad A Cheek · Post by **Pad A Cheek** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 12:27 pm

There are solutions to the problem you describe. I will leave let you know more if you want to PM me.

Karen Moore

dinkytink · Post by **dinkytink** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 7:41 pm

These masks are so sturdy that I wouldn't think that buying used would make much difference. I bet they're a polycarbonate.

I'm trying to figure out the sound. Where is it coming from? Vent? Elbow? Perimeter of cushion where it meets the mask? Blubbery farting of the cushion where it meets the face? (That was my problem with the 431.) Crack in your hose?

And do you have a high pressure? For reference, mine is set at 12 and neither the 431 nor 432 make noise. I have to put my hand up to feel the air coming out of the vent.

First FF Mask

First FF Mask

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