FlexiFit 432 size question...

[JimmyTheGeek]

Hi all...

First off... what a treasure this forum is! I'm a new bi-pap user and have had so many questions answered just by perusing through the great posts! Thank you all!

As I said I just got my equipment 2 weeks ago and so far have not had any major issues. I get right to sleep and sleep through the night, wake up refreshed, and the dogs have already gotten used to me wearing the headgear! Bottom line... it is working, although mask size is really bugging me.

I'm curious about mask size. The supplier determined that I needed a Small size, which surprised me a bit as I've always considered that I have a large head. The FFM F&P FlexiFit 432 (size Small) is working, but I have nothing to compare to. It just "feels" too small. I have a dent on my nose even with the bottom of my eye, and the chin part settles just below my bottom lip. The mask has to be in a 'perfect' position to avoid leaks and tends to pinch my nose when I try to fit it according to the manual.

I originally had the Forma and took it back the day after because of poor fitting. At that time I asked for a Medium, but the lady insisted that I needed a Small. She gave me the Flexifit 432 and assured me that it tended to be wider than the Forma.

I just printed out the sizing guide template from F&P and it sure looks like, at a minimum, I need a medium.

Am I missing something? Would a larger size make it harder to seal? Or should I go back and insist on a medium or large size?

[GumbyCT]

Hi all...

First off... what a treasure this forum is! I'm a new bi-pap user and have had so many questions answered just by perusing through the great posts! Thank you all!

As I said I just got my equipment 2 weeks ago and so far have not had any major issues. I get right to sleep and sleep through the night, wake up refreshed, and the dogs have already gotten used to me wearing the headgear! Bottom line... it is working, although mask size is really bugging me.

I'm curious about mask size. The supplier determined that I needed a Small size, which surprised me a bit as I've always considered that I have a large head. The FFM F&P FlexiFit 432 (size Small) is working, but I have nothing to compare to. It just "feels" too small. I have a dent on my nose even with the bottom of my eye, and the chin part settles just below my bottom lip. The mask has to be in a 'perfect' position to avoid leaks and tends to pinch my nose when I try to fit it according to the manual.

I originally had the Forma and took it back the day after because of poor fitting. At that time I asked for a Medium, but the lady insisted that I needed a Small. She gave me the Flexifit 432 and assured me that it tended to be wider than the Forma.

I just printed out the sizing guide template from F&P and it sure looks like, at a minimum, I need a medium.

Am I missing something? Would a larger size make it harder to seal? Or should I go back and insist on a medium or large size?

The mask fit is the most critical part of the therapy. A good RT (experienced) may be able to look at you and tell the right fit, if they are familiar with certain masks.
The 431/2 are notorious for leaking, esp. around the eyes and chin.
The 431 was my very first mask - before they had the 432. Because of the foam insert the 432 feels so much smaller and runs about 1 size smaller than the 431. If you take that foam insert out you have the 431. If you ask for the 431 (new) it will come with all 3 sizes s,m,L. This makes it much easy to find the correct size.

If your RT does not have a place for you to lay down with your mask on AND at FULL pressure either ask for them to come to your house (so you can) or find another where you can try it before you buy it. Many sleep centers offer this service but it must be ordered by your doc so they can get insurance to cover the mask fit. I think they call mask "desensitization".

And yes the more surface area the mask seal touches the harder it is to keep it sealed. Nasal Pillows are the easiest and don't let the RT tell you if you are over 10cm you can't use pillows - I do at 18-20cm.

[chunkyfrog]

The flexifit and forma masks are supposed to fit UNDER your chin. The small is WAY too small if it does not go under your chin.
You need to insist on the medium--which they probably have to order; but are too lazy.
Remember, you should have 30 day exchange with local providers--if they refuse, they are not playing by the rules.
Good luck.

[GumbyCT]

The flexifit and forma masks are supposed to fit UNDER your chin.

That is true. The chin should be placed in the cup 1st then the mask is lifted up to meet the face. The 431 was a very comfy mask for me - I could just never get it to seal. The 432 I found to confining. Nasal pillows are like sleeping nekid

[resp1962]

Take, or send it back ASAP and demand to be refitted. The flexifit 432 is a good interface. A medium may fit better but you need to be refitted. Congrats on your new BIPAP. Your'e well on your way to SWEET DREAMS.


Chris, RRT

[JimmyTheGeek]

Thank you all for the speedy replies.

You've confirmed my suspicions, it was my understanding from the fitting instructions that the mask should fit under my chin. There is no way that can happen with size Small on my face!

I'll be paying a visit to the supplier on Monday

[GumbyCT]

Thank you all for the speedy replies.

You've confirmed my suspicions, it was my understanding from the fitting instructions that the mask should fit under my chin. There is no way that can happen with size Small on my face!

I'll be paying a visit to the supplier on Monday

The 432 only comes with one mask seal size for each mask where the 431 comes with 3 mask seals S, M, & L.
Either ask for the 431 to get your choice of sizes or do some research this weekend and go in with a list.

Don't let them yank you around, get educated here.

[chunkyfrog]

I second that!

[JimmyTheGeek]

Just a follow-up...

I took the size small Flexifit 432 mask back today along with the sizing template. I felt like the woman was offended that I doubted her mask sizing abilities. Although she could clearly see that I needed a large size rather than small, she got defensive. But after a minute of trying to work herself out of the corner she'd painted herself into, she agreed with my assessment.

She didn't have a large or medium in stock, so I settled for a Mirage Quattro in Large. What a difference it is to have a mask that fits! After adjusting for leaks and eliminating the pharting sounds, I had her crank up the pressure to my high setting. A little leakage around my eye, but an adjustment on the screw fixed that.

I came home and tried it for an afternoon nap... seems just fine! It's comfortable, but I'm thinking any mask would be more comfy than one that is two sizes too small!

[GumbyCT]

Good job...glad it worked out. And Happy Birthday to you!

[cflame1]

Happy Birthday Jimmy!