I FINALLY got an insurance-provided new mask and I HATE IT!

marymoon · Post by **marymoon** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 8:10 pm

I've been on bipap for just over 6 months now. My first mask was a Mirage Swift and because of sinus issues and an aquired immunity to Afrin, I bought an original (read: high leak rate) Hybrid off eBay. Insurance provides a new mask every 6 months and I requested a FF due to ongoing nasal blockages.

My sleep center is also my DME so I went over and tried several ff masks with an xpap set at my pressure to see which was most comfortable. I chose the Fisher & Paykel 432, I was sooooo excied to get it yesterday since ragweed is bothering my allergies and my Hybrid has started to blister my face.

I think I got about an hour's sleep last night before I ripped the stupid mask off my face. I woke with air blowing into my eyes and it was HOT with the exhaled air! I repositioned myself onto my back, but then my jaw dropped back and it started leaking under the chin flap. All this after fiddling with the straps/fit for over an hour before bed.

I eventually got another 5 hours sleep with the Swift, but I don't trust my sinuses to stay open while I'm sleeping. Anyone have suggestion for a proper fit for the 432? I've done a search and haven't found very much. I have a loooong day volunteering at my daughter's school tomorrow and I need some sleep tonight!

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 8:12 pm

Have you tried a sinus rinse to help the blocked sinuses??

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 8:17 pm

Did you call the DME to find out if you can swap it for something else?

I have read the 431 fits differently. Maybe that one?

SO SORRY!!!!!!!! BEST OF LUCK!
Babs

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 8:21 pm

Realistically from what I've read, the way to get a 431 from a 432 is to take the gray foam insert out.

marymoon · Post by **marymoon** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 8:21 pm

cflame1 wrote:Have you tried a sinus rinse to help the blocked sinuses??

I use a sinus rinse and 2 shots of Flonase nightly. I had sinus surgery to correct a deviated septum, remove polyps and reduce turbinates at the end of July, but I'm still having issues. I have an appt. with my ENT in a few weeks so we'll see where that takes me!

marymoon · Post by **marymoon** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 8:23 pm

[quote="Babette"]Did you call the DME to find out if you can swap it for something else?

I have read the 431 fits differently. Maybe that one?

SO SORRY!!!!!!!! BEST OF LUCK!
Babs

preemiern · Post by **preemiern** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 9:17 pm

You might want to check out the resmed liberty--I like that one way better than the hybrid, but it is on the same order as the hybrid. also--try taking out the gray insert on the 432 and see if you like it any better--I did that one night when I was sick of all my masks!! I actually kind of liked it that way!! But I LOVE my Liberty--I have finally found my perfect mask!

Cindy

marymoon · Post by **marymoon** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 9:37 pm

[quote="preemiern"]You might want to check out the resmed liberty--I like that one way better than the hybrid, but it is on the same order as the hybrid. also--try taking out the gray insert on the 432 and see if you like it any better--I did that one night when I was sick of all my masks!! I actually kind of liked it that way!! But I LOVE my Liberty--I have finally found my perfect mask!

Cindy

LavenderMist · Post by **LavenderMist** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 9:42 pm

I use the 431. As has been said, a 431 is simply a 432 with the foam insert out of it. The underchin design has been great for me. Did they give you all three size seals with the mask? I started out with a medium and it leaked like crazy, but switched to the small and tightened down a bit and it works like a charm. I do wakeup with lines on my face from the straps, but they don't hurt and there is absolutely no bridge discomfort that I have experienced with other masks.

marymoon · Post by **marymoon** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 9:45 pm

LavenderMist wrote:I use the 431. As has been said, a 431 is simply a 432 with the foam insert out of it. The underchin design has been great for me. Did they give you all three size seals with the mask? I started out with a medium and it leaked like crazy, but switched to the small and tightened down a bit and it works like a charm. I do wakeup with lines on my face from the straps, but they don't hurt and there is absolutely no bridge discomfort that I have experienced with other masks.

Unfortunately, I did not get all 3 sizes. The RT fit me for a medium and the box itself has a sticker labeling it a medium sized mask. I'm thinking a small would probably fit a little better, as well. I'll try taking the foam out tonight and see how it goes!

LavenderMist · Post by **LavenderMist** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 10:19 pm

If that doesn't work, then I'd definitely call and explain the problem and ask them to switch masks or seals. Since you just got this mask, they should accomodate you.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 11:12 pm

if you have a deviated septum, those pillow style interfaces can make the condition worse, it pushes on the end of the nose and can completely block the nasal valve depending on the severity.

So if you use that style interface and become more congested that could be why.

allergyridden · Post by **allergyridden** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:13 am

I have very bad allergies, allergic to everything except my boy friend. I use the sinus rinse nightly, (wish I had known about that years ago) & find the Bipap really keeps my nasal passages clearer. The congestion doesn't start until late afternoon now.
I always have bronchitis at the change of the season, but this year I seem to be fighting it off.
My DME has a 30 day exchange policy. I'm using the Quattro now because of sinus issues, but can't wait to get back to my Nasal Aire II.

SleepyScot · Post by **SleepyScot** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:25 am

In regards to the 431 vs the 432, I like the 431 better as well. The design differences aren't huge but they're noticeable to me.

One thing about it is that it does come standard with all 3 cushions so you can try the different ones and find out which works best over time. The 432 is sold by Fisher & Paykel with just a single cushion (which is why you got the Medium) but the other cushion sizes will fit in the same mask frame so you might ask your DME whether a different sized cushion might help. You can also buy replacements online for about $60.

oceanpearl · Post by **oceanpearl** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 7:14 am

marymoon wrote:
My sleep center is also my DME so I went over and tried several ff masks with an xpap set at my pressure to see which was most comfortable. I chose the Fisher & Paykel 432, I was sooooo excied to get it yesterday since ragweed is bothering my allergies and my Hybrid has started to blister my face.

I
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): bipap, mirage, swift, DME

Something else is going on here if your Hybrid is "blistering" your face. Did the DME assist you in the original adjustment of the mask? Are you using the correctly sized parts?
I had a lot of issues with Hybrid, but blistering or red marks were not problems.
What others have already said "NASAL RINSE"!

I FINALLY got an insurance-provided new mask and I HATE IT!

I FINALLY got an insurance-provided new mask and I HATE IT!

sinus issues

431 vs 432

Re: I FINALLY got an insurance-provided new mask and I HATE

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