Flexifit 431 Full Face Mask

Kenv · Post by **Kenv** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 3:54 pm

Has anyone tried the Fisher and Paykel Flexifit 431 Full Face Mask. This mask fits underneath the chin which, they say, makes for a better seal. If anyone has tried it can they tell me if this mask would allow the wearer to breath through the mouth in the event of a blocked nose?
Thanks Ken

aok · Post by **aok** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 6:28 pm

I have that mask. It does go slightly under the chin and is designed to keep your mouth closed. You can open your mouth slightly if your nose is blocked, but it is not very comfortable and it causes the mask to leak in the chin area.

Kenv · Post by **Kenv** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 7:11 pm

Thanks for than info. I really like the idea of this mask but it is essential that I am able to mouth breathe because my nose now blocks frequently due to Vasomotor Rhinitis. Apart from that issue is it a comfortable mask to wear?
Ken

Masked Ranger · Post by **Masked Ranger** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 7:38 pm

As a semi mouth breather I've been using it for about a month and find it's ok and allot better than the Full Comfort mask I had at first. The Full Comfort was anything but comfortable and leaked badly. I like the under FF chin support as I tends to open my mouth... it keeps it closed, but I can still breath through my mouth if necessary. The biggest problem is minor leakage around the bridge of the nose and lack of forehead appliance adjustment. I finally heated the plastic forehead support and slightly bend it to "adjust" it for better nose seal. To be honest... none of the masks are worth the money they charge. The problem is most masks are a spin off product from CPAP manufactures. Even the best and newest xpap machine are uselss if the mask isn't right. I just ordered a Han Rudoph and will let you know how it works.

Kenv · Post by **Kenv** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 8:14 pm

Thankyou Masked Ranger for that input. This forum is a real help in a situation like this. That lack of adjustment for the head support would bother me I think - it would probably be best to go to some sleep clinic where I could test fit the mask to see if it would do the job. I really like the Resmed Ultra Mirage FF mask in every was except one - the problem I have there is the great gust of air which comes out of the vent! Not only is it noisy but the blast of air blows over my wife and its a bit cold for her.
One day someone will develop one which is perfect in every way!!
Thanks again Ken

ProfessorSleep · Post by **ProfessorSleep** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 8:25 pm

I got a Hans Rudolph after reading all the raves here - the raves were well earned, IMHO, compared to some other FF masks. I wouldn't give up my Swift for it, but for a FF mask it seals very well, allows some mouth breathing, sits lower on the nose so it doesn't crush the bridge, is very well made, all soft plastic (no hard plastic at all except the hose attachment area), etc. Definitely worth a look if in the market for a FF mask. Severeena has posted many times about the HR.

Kenv · Post by **Kenv** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 9:15 pm

Thanks, I had a look at the Hans Rudolph and it looks very good. Unfortunately it is not available in this country, New Zealand but I guess I could probably buy it from their website and have it shipped here, shipping costs could be high though. Trouble is you need to get the correct measurements for the face.
Is the air venting on the HR reasonable, by that I mean in comparision to the Ultra Mirage which I find objectionable. Also does it fit the standard hose? It might be worth my while sending them an email.
Thanks Ken

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:31 am

Look at their dealers.pdf - they seem to have a cpap equipment dealer in Australia - wouldn't that be cheaper?

CPAP/NIV
(Excl)
Baobab Medical Technologies
Pty Ltd
P.O. Box 8068
Northland Centre
Victoria 3072
Australia
61 3 9471 0579
61 3 9471 4466

O.

ProfessorSleep · Post by **ProfessorSleep** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:05 pm

You can do a search on Google for the mask and look for other vendors that sell it, too. I've seen it on a number of sites, not just from the listed dealers.

elliejose · Post by **elliejose** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 6:20 pm

I am also in the market for a ff mask. I have already tried the Ultra Mirage small and medium as that was what me DME had in stock. Neither worked for me. I want something for the time that is surely coming when I will have a cold. Also, some nights, even with the sprays that my MD prescribed, I cannot get my nose unblocked.
DME is supposed to be checking to see if they can get Hans Rudolph. Also ordering a shallow Ultra Mirage for me to try. Said they usually keep them on hand, but were just out.

So if anyone knows any secrets to getting these to work better, Please post.

ProfessorSleep · Post by **ProfessorSleep** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 8:09 pm

Severeena must be busy - she usually picks up on the FF mask threads. Severeena? Where are you? She's our guru and leader on the HR and steered me toward one.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:59 pm

I would try sending Severeena a PM so it will show up in her email that she has one waiting. She is definitely the resident HR expert!

Kenv · Post by **Kenv** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 12:55 am

Elliejose, from what I have heard of the Hans Rudolf I think that would not be a bad way to go - if I could get one in this country I might go that way but I'm not prepared to buy one from overseas when it might not suit me. I am going for a test fitting for the F&P Flexifit 431 next week and I've been searching the web for comments - I have come across quite a lot of positive comment about it. The Flexifit is made by Fisher&Paykel which is a New Zealand company and they are made here, what I don't understand is that they cost $NZ380 here when you can buy them in the USA for the equivalent of $NZ165.00 - why they are screwing their own people is beyond me.
Ken

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 1:58 am

Just be warned.. HC 431's are NOT for everybody. Mine has caused me nothing but pain and worry. It leaks like a sieve unless the straps are so tight they leave permanent (all-day and all-night) marks on my face. It has even made my chin bleed.

Unfortunately, getting other people's opinions on masks is easy, but telling if one will work for you based on that is difficult at based. There's always at least one person that says "I hate it!"

You just never know until you try it, unfortunately, and that can be an expensive prospect with masks. I wish you the best of luck!

Flexifit 431 Full Face Mask

Flexifit 431 Full Face Mask

flexifit full face