Fisher & Payke's Flexifit Masks 431 versus 432l

ProfessorEd · Post by **ProfessorEd** » Sat Jul 07, 2007 5:30 pm

I have a Flexifit 431 (DE did not tell me the 432 existed) full face mask.

I notice they have a model 432 with the only difference being in the cushion, whether it was foam Cushhion (432) or air Cushhion(431). Anyone have a basis for choosiing? I was wondering if the foam might give a better seal or be more comfortable and whether to try to obtain a 431?

Since they look very similar, I was wondering if you could just buy the foam cushion and then it would fit on the maks (cheaper). Likewise, for the headgear (If the mask itself was different).

PaulGuy · Post by **PaulGuy** » Sat Jul 07, 2007 10:28 pm

I have a 432 and have never tried a 431. I don't believe you can simply put the cushion from a 432 in a 431. While the 432 is a comfortable mask it has been my experience that the cushion insert looses some of it's structural integrity after a month of use. At that time no matter how you adjust the headgear it no longer can maintain a seal and needs to be replaced. (My personal experience only, BIPAP @ 15/11 with a goatee, YMMV) At the absurd price they fetch for these things (replacement cushions) it becomes costly. I recently tried and really liked an Ultra Mirage II nasal mask. However I still need a FF for those times when a nasal mask is impractical. So I'm currently in the hunt for a FF which will work for me and doesn't need a new cushion every month. So just a heads up on the 432.

preemiern · Post by **preemiern** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 1:31 am

I've been using my 432 for 3 months now, and have no problems still maintaining a seal...my cushion still seems fine.

Cindy

Christy223 · Post by **Christy223** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 11:07 am

DH had to stop using the 431, it was killing the bridge of his nose. He went to a SwiftII and a chin strap.

Christy

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 8:21 pm

I have tried both ... the 432 is just a bit smaller than the 431 of the same size due to the foam cushion. For me, the large 432 was comfortable but because of my oily skin, I was unable to keep a seal for more than about 4 hours.

Also, I discovered that FF masks and nasal mask in genreal are just not for me because my sinuses are too sensitive of the pressure exerted by the mask seal against my face which causes me great congestion. I am therefore stuck with using nasal pillow and hybrid type masks.

DrowzyDave · Post by **DrowzyDave** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 7:50 am

ProfessorEd wrote: Since they look very similar, I was wondering if you could just buy the foam cushion and then it would fit on the maks (cheaper). Likewise, for the headgear (If the mask itself was different).

From the CPAP.com website . . .
HC431 cushions made after the end of April 2006: These cushions will also fit the HC432 frame.
HC431 cushions made prior to the end of April 2006: These cushions will not fit the HC432 frame.
HC432 cushions will not fit the HC431 frame

I have also been using the 432 for about 3 months. Silicone cushion still seems okay but I also have oily skin so I must clean the cushion daily to get a good seal. I use Johnsons Baby Shampoo. I also wash my face before bed and use Lansinoh on the cushion to help with the seal. This mask was a little rough on the bridge of my nose as well but after a couple of nights with a Band Aid on the bridge of my nose, the problem went away. I am at a pretty high pressure (10/16) so I have to have the mask pretty tight for it to seal well.

I used the 431 for a couple of weeks prior to switching. I think the 432 is more comfortable but it is a little crowded since the foam insert takes up a little room inside the mask. If you used a medium 431 you will want a large 432.

Dave

snoozeandlose · Post by **snoozeandlose** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 8:08 pm

I've been using the 432 for about two months--no problem with the seal. However, I took out the foam insert. I couldn't get a decent seal with it in. Really fits better without the insert. I prefer the ultra mirage II for a nasal mask.

John_M · Post by **John_M** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 9:14 pm

DreamStalker wrote:
Also, I discovered that FF masks and nasal mask in genreal are just not for me because my sinuses are too sensitive of the pressure exerted by the mask seal against my face which causes me great congestion. I am therefore stuck with using nasal pillow and hybrid type masks.

I am having sinus problems and didn't realize it might be related to my use of a Full Face mask.

Would you be willing to elaborate on this connection?

Thanks

John M

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 10:33 am

I got the 432 to try from my DME, they fitted me with the small when I was there, they tried the medium also but it leaked too much. When I tried sleeping with it, it pinched my nostrils closed so I took out the inner seal and it is very comfortable, doesn't pinch my nose and no leaks.
Eileen

Hosed All Night · Post by **Hosed All Night** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:11 am

I've been a 431 user for over 2 years with good results and recently tried the 432. I didn't like the interior foam padding because it irritated my nose bridge. So I trimmed out the foam to fit which helped some what. It works ok but found its difficult to get the foam padding to seal right and it's clumbersome to clean and reassemble. I went back to the tried and true 431. I think F&P are on the right track but the 432 needs more design work.

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:32 am

PaulGuy wrote:<snip> I recently tried and really liked an Ultra Mirage II nasal mask.<snip> So I'm currently in the hunt for a FF which will work for me and doesn't need a new cushion every month.

I've never used any of the Fischer & Paykel or Mirage masks. However, PaulGuy--if you like the Ultra Mirage II nasal mask, have you considered trying the Ultra Mirage Full Face (UMFF) mask? It seems that they might have some features in common that would meet your needs.

Ultra Mirage II Nasal Mask

Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask

Best wishes!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 3:03 pm

Been using the 431 a year now (CPAP 13 with C-Flex 3). Still using all original equipment (same headgear, same seal, same mask frame). Still working like a charm. No problems.

While the 432 is a comfortable mask it has been my experience that the cushion insert looses some of it's structural integrity after a month of use. At that time no matter how you adjust the headgear it no longer can maintain a seal and needs to be replaced.

Never had that problem with the 431.

Also never had the "can't keep a seal > 4 hours" problem, or the nose bridge irritation problem.

The 431 is superb. The 432, from what I hear, needs some more perfecting.

Hope that helps.

Machine	Mask

Fisher & Payke's Flexifit Masks 431 versus 432l

Fisher & Payke's Flexifit Masks 431 versus 432l

Re: Fisher & Payke's Flexifit Masks 431 versus 432l