flexfit 431

[bipapper]

Should I put the mask on and fit it ...then...turn on my machine or turn on the machine first then put on the mask? The instruction sheet isn't clear but I read somewhere that the cushion is inflated so it won't hurt your nose and to be sure the air is there so it will cushion your nose....? That's why I quit my quattro full face because my nose....looks terrible! Help....what to do?

[Julie]

Always get the mask on before starting the machine, but once it's started, lift the mask away from your face (from somewhere in the middle of the frame) and let the cushion inflate... if you can't do it, the mask is too tight, and needs loosening.

[WindFlyer]

What I usually do is turn on the machine right before I put on my mask. Try it both ways and find what works best for you. One thing about that F&P FlexiFit 431, when I had mine I found it would seal great everywhere but the bridge of my nose. I think there's a model 432 out there that has a little piece of foam inside at the nose bridge portion of the mask that will help keep a better seal in this area. But everybody's different and you may not have that issue at all. One thing I always recommend is to practice setting up your mask well before you go to bed like while you're sitting watching TV in the evening. This gives you ample amounts of time to shift the mask around on your face, tug n' snug on the straps, and just get things to where they're just right. That way when it's bedtime all you need to do is mask up and go to sleep- you're not sitting there worried about how well the mask fits.

Good luck to you.

[avi123]

I tried both the #431 and #432 for six months and they did not give me good treatment results because of the many leaks around the masks. For the nose bridge I used the Resmed Gecko Nasal Pad and it stopped the soreness. I switched to a nasal mask and a chinstrap and I get much better results events wise.

[greatunclebill]

you need to find a picture of the 432 or look at the cushion and pad set at sellers that sell the cushion and pad. the inner pad fits into the mask shell and then the cushion goes over it. the pad holds the cushion about 3 quarters of an inch away from the plastic mask shell all the way around the mask, not just at the nose. when you look it's confusing because they list 432 and 432hc, but you mostly see 432hc. it think they are the same cushions. i bought 432hc for my 432. the seller said they're interchangeable. i don't know what the 431 is. definitely give the 432 a try. for me it was comfortable and not many leaks. understand that all full face masks will leak. some of us do not have a choice and must use full face. for me the 432 was the best overall.

remember, your favorite mask could be my worst mask and vice versa. we are all built differently and have different sleep habits.

[bipapper]

I tried the 432 greatunclebill but the foam just felt too hard and ungiving. So I went to the 431...it appears to be same the thing just without the foam. I get the sore nose with both and the mirage quattro (use a bandaid) but I really like the 431 and the quattro. I think if I keep tweaking the 431 I'll really like it. Just so irritating getting there. One night it does great and you think you've got it then the next night....LEAKS GALORE!
I finally got the top really loose and got the floating effect someone was talking about. It was wonderful but lasted no time! Guess I'll just keep trying. Thanks for the advice. Alway ready for more!!