Update: Could F&P Flexfit 432 be the one?

[GaryG]

I've been switching around lately between the Activa LT and FitLife. Activa LT is a nice mask, but then I mouth breathe periodically. Activia LT leaves a mark on the bridge. Switch the FitLife FF. But that leaves a mark on my chin. Get a good seal with both.

However, I was invited to participate in a study at my sleep center. Seems like everyone is into looking into ways to save money. And they're conducting a trial to see how the Repironics Remstar Auto M Series A-Flex machine does a titration versus the equipment at the hospital. Hope is to do more home studies than in hospital studies. And I was asked to participate. For me, this was also a great chance for a free titration, as my original study was not conclusive, cos at the time I couldn't tolerate a pressure of 7cm, so my study was somewhat limited.

Anyway, as part of the study, I got a Fisher and Paykel Flexfit 432, and it was defintely more comfortable than the FitLife. Quattro, or Comfort Gel FF masks I tried in the past. But it left a small mark on the bridge of the nose. Anyway, I'll plan on at least using this in my rotation for the while.

Also, the good news is I felt great after the overnight study. Can't wait for the results. Hesitant to change my settings until I get them, hopefully early next week.

[DoriC]

Gary, I'll be most interested in the followup of your sleep study and any differences between the 2 machines. Keep us posted. Hope you found THE mask! Dori

[carbonman]

However, I was invited to participate in a study at my sleep center. Seems like everyone is into looking into ways to save money. And they're conducting a trial to see how the Repironics Remstar Auto M Series A-Flex machine does a titration versus the equipment at the hospital. Hope is to do more home studies than in hospital studies. And I was asked to participate. For me, this was also a great chance for a free titration, as my original study was not conclusive,

Gary, I would like to know more about your study's.
Did you do an in lab sleep study and then use an Mseries at home??
Are they then going to compare the results??

Just curious.

[GaryG]

However, I was invited to participate in a study at my sleep center. Seems like everyone is into looking into ways to save money. And they're conducting a trial to see how the Repironics Remstar Auto M Series A-Flex machine does a titration versus the equipment at the hospital. Hope is to do more home studies than in hospital studies. And I was asked to participate. For me, this was also a great chance for a free titration, as my original study was not conclusive,

Gary, I would like to know more about your study's.
Did you do an in lab sleep study and then use an Mseries at home??
Are they then going to compare the results??

Just curious.

Both were done at the same time in the sleep lab. The whole point is to see if the lab software is tracking the same as the machine.

[GumbyCT]

Both were done at the same time in the sleep lab. The whole point is to see if the lab software is tracking the same as the machine.

On the same nite? Or diff nites?

[GaryG]

Both were done at the same time in the sleep lab. The whole point is to see if the lab software is tracking the same as the machine.

On the same nite? Or diff nites?

Same night. All night. Same time. Hooked up to both the lab equipment and the Remstar machine.

[wlbecker]

I wrote this a few months ago- still true.
There is not much written about the Fischer & Paykel 432 mask. I have finally found the one mask for me-after 5 tries. All the others leaked like crazy or hurt (those are the two choices: too loose or too tight). This mask is surprisingly under-rated, or just not discussed. A tech recommended it at my last sleep study. I like it because you can move your mouth or smack your lips/jaw without punishment. It does not press hardly at all on my forehead- this was a huge plus after waking up with red/painful forehead marks or bruises.
All the masks seem to leak when I am on my back, but as a side sleeper, this one is nice. I like to bury my face in the pillow- you can rock it so it is presses harder on the up side and the pillow helps prevent leaks on the down side. It has a way wider, thicker silicone part that seals the mask and there is not much turbulence in the mask to tickle my nose or face. The only down side (no pun intended) is that it comes under your chin.
I don't work for them, but I really like this mask. Are there any other tricks I am missing with this mask? Does any one else use this mask?

You can slide it up or down to stop the red mark on the bridge of your nose.

[cinco777]

wlbecker wrote

I like it because you can move your mouth or smack your lips/jaw without punishment. It does not press hardly at all on my forehead- this was a huge plus after waking up with red/painful forehead marks or bruises.
All the masks seem to leak when I am on my back, but as a side sleeper, this one is nice. I like to bury my face in the pillow- you can rock it so it is presses harder on the up side and the pillow helps prevent leaks on the down side. It has a way wider, thicker silicone part that seals the mask and there is not much turbulence in the mask to tickle my nose or face. The only down side (no pun intended) is that it comes under your chin.

I have used the F&P 431 FF mask and the F&P 432 FF mask for the past 6 months and fully agree with your benefits summary. I have posted comments on my liking the F&P FF mask "under chin" design because it stays put and doesn't move around even after being bumped extra hard. I am a side-sleeper and also bury my face in the pillow (regular not a specialized CPAP pillow) when I sleep. It does not develop leaks as a result of being pressed against my pillow. If I feel a leak into my eyes after laying down, a little movement of the mask up or down the bridge of my nose makes it go away. My leak lines are flat and my leak rate is either right at or one step higher than the intentional leak rate of the mask at my pressure setting.

Its only negative is that I have pressure marks on my face each morning from the tightness of the mask against my face. Any mask that I have worn has created pressure marks or worse so I don't hold this against my F&P FF masks as they are comfortable to wear - I sometimes wake up thinking "where is my mask" until I realize that it is on my face working as designed.

I noticed that the F&P 432 with its inner cushion supporting the outer silicon seal requires different sizing. The large #432 is a tad too small for comfort and leak control whereas the large #431is just right for me. I suspect that an xtra-large F&P 432 is what I need.