Are Fisher & Paykel full face mask noisy?

[bbmiller]

Hi- I was thinking that I needed a full face mask which will tolerate a little more mouth opening and my present one does. There is another thread where a woman who uses a Fisher & Paykel full face mask said is quite noisy and it's known for that. I tried to check this out by searching this site but I'm still not sure. So I very much appreciate if you could answer my poll.

[Sillyme]

I use the Fisher & Paykel 431 and I love it. It actually works best for me when sleeping on my side - probably because my mouth opens more when on my back. I have not had to use a chin strap or mouth tape because of the built-in chin support as long as I stay on my side. I get 0 leak. I find it very quiet compared to most others I have tried. I can feel air blowing on my chin but it is not unpleasant and easy to get used to. It comes with all three size cushions so it's easy to get a good fit. I'm hoping to find others to swap extra cushion sizes with. The Pillow Exchange on this site doesn't seem to have F&P's. Anybody have a mediun to swap for large or small? PM me.

[Eureka]

I use the F&P 431 -- actually nine hours a night!!! I got it in case I needed it for congestion, but upon trial I liked it and now use it all the time. I like the ease of use -- wipe it down with a wipe, then wipe my face, slip it on and that's it. I like the under chin support so that taping is not necessary. I have used a nasal mask, pillows mask and the 431. I'll take my 431 anytime.

[KimberlyM]

Hi- I was thinking that I needed a full face mask which will tolerate a little more mouth opening and my present one does. There is another thread where a woman who uses a Fisher & Paykel full face mask said is quite noisy and it's known for that. I tried to check this out by searching this site but I'm still not sure. So I very much appreciate if you could answer my poll.

That was me. The rep from the DME brought over a new one and a lot of my problems with the Forma have been resolved. For one thing, the size I was originally fitted with was a small and I needed the medium/large. The leaky elbow on the old mask must be a defect, because the new mask has just slight air flow there and is not loud at all. There have been a lot of complaints about the elbows, so if you can try it before you buy it, that would be good. Here is some threads in regards to that.

viewtopic.php?p=455904
viewtopic/p519686/Flexifit-431-Annoying ... Valve.html

There is also another forum that you can read about that on, but I don't know that they want that posted here.

I haven't worn the mask yet, so I am not sure about the comfort, but it seems like it will be pretty good. Good luck!

[Sillyme]

I woke before the alarm this morning and did some experimenting with the 431. I tried laying on my back. The mask leaked every time my chin dropped down towards my neck. It just broke the seal. Raise my chin a bit - zero leaks. I can even open my mouth with no problem. I realized that when I'm on my side my head is supported by the pillow in the same position. With my chin raised the airway is also more open (remember CPR?). I've been wondering how this mask can be so awesome for some and not work at all for so many others. Maybe it depends on sleep position. I want more people to use this mask so we can get a cushion exchange going. The replacement cushions cost $60.00 and I'll have two leftovers every three months that someone else could be using.

[Thomas F.]

I use the F&P Forma mask and it's very quiet. I switched from the Quattro FFM to Forma because it's quieter and more comfortable.

[bbmiller]

I am going to look at KimberlyM post above again and the link after I eat something. But just for now on another link somebody said use KY jelly to improve your seal and make it last longer by stopping skin oils from deteriorating it. The seal improvement, with my present mask, seems to help some but is not perfect. Just thought I would share that now.

[howkim]

I find that when I substitute my Activa nasal mask (that I love but can't use much or often due to mouth breathing), it's MUCH louder than is my F&P 431.

[DreamOn]

I occasionally use the Fisher & Paykel 431 full-face mask. It's one of the quietest masks that I've ever used--and I've tried a lot of masks! I almost gave up on the 431 after I first tried it some months ago, but after readjusting all the straps it seals quite well for me, usually with a zero leak rate. I also get excellent results numbers with that mask. But I do have to tighten the top straps a bit tighter than I'd like to prevent air leaks near my eyes, which is why I don't wear that mask all the time. Other than that, I really like it!

[Madalot]

I use a 431 as well and don't find it particular noisy. When it IS noisy, I know I've got a leak of some kind that I need to get under control. Once leaks are controlled, it's not very noisy at all.

My pressure goes as high as 23 every night and I still don't find it noisy.