Need suggestions!

[mitzi83]

I am using the Fisher & Paykel Flexi Fit 432 full face mask, size medium. In order to avoid leaks I have to adjust the straps so tight that I am waking up with strap marks across my cheeks, red lines down either side of my nose, and am developing skin irritation across the bridge of my nose. I have tried the ultra mirage full face mask with no success. Any ideas on how to avoid the damage to my face with this mask?

[StevenJ]

Mitzi83, my first mask was an F&P FlexiFit 407 (nasal mask). After 2 nights with that mask the bridge of my nose was so badly irritated I could not wear it another night. Very red and sore, with some oozing. Also had the same irritation on my forehead where one of the headgear pads made contact. I traded it for an F&P Opus 360 (nasal pillow mask) and have had no further irritation problems.

I have the strap marks too, regardless of mask type. For me to get a good seal, the marks go with the territory. There is a product called "padacheek", produced my one of the members on this forum and can be found at http://www.padacheek.com) It covers the headgear straps to provide some relief. Do a search on this discussion board to learn more. I havent' got around to ordering any yet - made some myself to get me over the hump. They help some, but aren't great. I'm going to try the padacheek product to see if it's better.

[Ms Piggy]

you could try wrapping the straps with something, moleskin, foam tubing , whatever. or better
still maybe get a mask made out of a different type of material. Can't think of anything else.
good luck

[CorgiGirl]

Mitzi, I'm using the 432 and have a couple of suggestions. The RT at my DME thought I should use the medium, but I really need a large. (I have a long, narrow face.) The medium gave me sores on the bridge of my nose and the large doesn't. Check with your insurance to see if you're eligible for a new cushion and seal and order a large this time. Mine allows one per month. If your insurance won't cover a new seal yet, they're only about $55 online.

The large is just a little bit too large and I get leaks around my eyes. I have used various things to clip the top of the seal closed. I've been most successful with a plain old clothespin, which I slide down through the forehead pad. The issues I'm having with the clothespin is that it's big and bulky and inflexible. It's not a perfect solution, but it has cut down on the eye leaks. I'm still looking for a better option, so anyone with clip ideas, please send 'em my way.

Good luck, Mitzi!

[ofarchesandants]

another option is to do what i did with my 432 which is also medium. i had major leak issues so i took the grey foam piece out and cut it in half so that it was evenly divided in two sections. one being the top or nose piece and the other being the bottom or chin piece. i replced only the nose piece. That allowed the silicone to form better around my chin while still giving support by the nose. It worked much better. You could also leave all grey foam pieces out though that didn't work for me. Or you could leave only the chin piece in or you could modify the foam in some other way. With what i did, you can still use the full foam if you found that using only a portion did not improve things.

For me though, it turns out an even far better option was to get a mirage quattro medium. best of luck,
gregg )