Experiences with a Fisher and Paykel HC431 Full Face Mask

LilBuckaroo · Post by **LilBuckaroo** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 1:42 pm

I am looking for experiences (good or bad) with an F&P HC-431 FF Mask.
I am asking about fit, comfort and leaks.

I am currently using UltraMirage FF masks. I have nothing against them, but if the F&P is better, I may try one.

I realize that opinions are just that. I want to hear from users about their experiences with this mask.

Thanks for you input.

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 2:54 pm

LilBuckaroo,

PROS:
I like the head gear on the 431 the velcro secures nicely and it has a self centering feature for the bottom strap.

It comes with three seals (small medium and large) so you don't have to worry about buying the wrong size.

It seems to work well with high pressure.

CONS:
Each face is different but if I relax my jaw it will slide off I think i have this fixed with a piece of moleskin on the chin part of the mask.

I have only had one other mask the comfertfull 2 and it chewed up my nose. My DME rep sized me for a medium on this mask,I think I would have done better with a large.
My doctor has signed me up for a cpap class that will let me try on just about every mask that is made. i am hoping to find my "perfect mask" but until then I am overall satisfied with the 431.
I almost bought the UltraMirage mask before the 431 but I would rather wait to try one on so i'm sure I get the right size.

chdurie2 · Post by **chdurie2** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 3:33 pm

harold:

the pros are that it initially feels comfortble, and the silicone feels particularly soft. i do not have to try for a tight seal in order for it to stick. the cons are that i do not like the release mechanism to take it off. it is a cord that you have to pull hard and i feel like it could break the mask. why they didn't use a simple unbuckling device as on the UMFF, i don't know. more upsettingly, and this may just be as we go to sleep when it is cold and wake up when it is warmer, i have found myself waking up very early in the a.m. and sweating from the heat of all that silicone on my face. it is a suffocating-like feeling, and i have pulled off the mask without that darn cord to do its inefficient thing. because you have a silicone extending under the chin, you are enveloped in a lot of silicone. i hope this was just a chance, freakish couple of encounters, not to be repeated, but not too pleasant either. if it continues, i would just stop using the mask.

caroline

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 5:17 pm

LilBuckaroo,
I used the 431 Full-face for awhile; purchased it myself because the nasal masks weren't doing the job since I was a mouth-breather, and hadn't taped my mouth at that point. At first it was very comfortable, then due to leaks (small face), I found that I needed to cinch it tighter and tighter, and it left a definite imprint on my face. (during this period, the flow was increased from 5 to 12, which may or may not make a difference, or it could have been my error in adjustments). I also didn't like all of the straps (I even cut my hair!). I actually liked the panic-strap, which always worked for me.
I don't know the rules of the forum, but I would be willing to send you my mask (cleaned), and let you try it out before you purchase one for yourself. Feel free to Email me. I did like the way it fit around the chin.

Darth Vader Look · Post by **Darth Vader Look** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 1:24 am

I too tried the Flexi-fit 431 full face mask. I thought the under the chin idea was a good one. I used the large cushion which was about a quarter of an inch shorter than what I would have liked. The mask top rode on the bridge of my nose which caused soreness and leaks. I had most leaks around the top of the nose into the eye area. The fact that the mask goes under the chin does nothing to prevent you from opening your mouth. In fact if you do open it you could get more air leaks by shifting the mask. The moleskin does come in handy for the leaks as Gidgie can surely attest to. I found the panic strap was the best way to remove the mask but pulling it backward just doesn't work great. The better method is to pull the cord perpendicular to the clip while holding your thumb against the side of the clip. The cushion goes in and out of the mask quite easily. I still prefer the UMFF but I wish they would make it with an activa style cushion.

pokey · Post by **pokey** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 8:27 am

I agree with almost everything thats been said here. It started off good and went downhill from there.....quickly. The worst part for me is that it digs into the bridge of my nose unlike any other mask Ive had.

Gidgie · Post by **Gidgie** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 10:24 am

Hi......you might try the moleskin fix on that........Gidgie......(a small round face in a fat head)! Aside from the moleskin, I really do like my f&p431.....Ask any one here........The 'ripcord'? Just rip it down......or out . It's meant to take it.....For me it;s second nature.

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 2:52 pm

the cons are that i do not like the release mechanism to take it off. it is a cord that you have to pull hard and i feel like it could break the mask. why they didn't use a simple unbuckling device as on the UMFF, i don't know.

I thought the same thing at first but then realized pull the cord towards the mask not towards the back of your head.Now i think it's better than the comfortfull 2's snap in ball setup.

CheezWiz · Post by **CheezWiz** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:25 pm

This is the first mask I have used so I offer no comparisons.. Just observations..

Likes:
I can pop-off the elbow and drink through a straw without removing the mask.

The release mechanism works with very little effort once I finally read the instructions. (If you were standing up looking straight ahead, pull straight down towards the floor)

Of the three I tried on, this one offered the best view. I can read a magazine with this mask on.

Dislikes:
Single pressure point on forehead takes a few days to get used to.

A dropping jaw results in leaks at the bottom without tightening lower strap to what feels too tight.

The vents blow away from the face from directly between the eyes. This causes circular eddy currents over the eyes that dry them out. The mask does not have to leak around the nose to cause this.

The exhaust at the anti-rebreathing valve discharges at a 90 degree angle to the hose which can result in it blowing directly on your face after some twisting or turning in bed. That requires popping off the hose to rotate the valve. Since it has two portals at 180 degrees of each other, there is a fine tweek point for that.

I will add more to this post if I think of anything else..

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Gidgie · Post by **Gidgie** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 9:41 pm

Haven't tried drinking through a straw yet.......I usually just forgo any drinking so I can keep my lazy ol' bones in bed!

joemz · Post by **joemz** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 3:43 am

I just got the 431 and totally dislike it.

I wrote to FP about the leaks, and they said that since my bipap pressure was 17/13 there may be nothing i can do to prevent leaks.

a real unpleasant experience

Mask

Additional Comments: Large mask collection

Experiences with a Fisher and Paykel HC431 Full Face Mask

Experiences with a Fisher and Paykel HC431 Full Face Mask

Doesn't work for me