F&P Flexifit 431 or 432?

I have been thinking of switching to an under the chin FF mask - the F&P Flexifit 431 or the 432. Recently, I have been using the F10 and Amara View - mostly the F10. I have terrible chin drop so I also use a chinstrap otherwise I get chipmunk cheeks and a superdry mouth (no matter what the humidity is set to). Even when I was using the Hybrid mask I had to use a chinstrap. I was really hopeful about using a neck brace but chipmunk cheeks would wake me up. I seem to need something in a certain place on my cheeks in order to avoid that. I have so much stuff on my face now - mask, chinstrap, and eyemask - there's hardly any face showing. Every once in a while I can't stand it and do without the chinstrap but then I have to stuff pads around my cheek area so I don't get the chipmunk cheeks. My choices in masks have been for ones that don't have the forehead piece because when I first got diagnosed I had one with a forehead piece that just plain hurt. Needless to say I don't really think I have found the right mask for me. Once I got onto the higher pressures and the ASV I've had to pull the masks so tight to prevent leaks that I have a huge amount of face marking in the morning even though I have pads galore. At this point, I think I could probably tolerate the forehead piece. What I am uncertain of is whether these particular masks really do the job of keeping the chin from dropping. If you have used either of these masks did you get chipmonk cheeks with them? If you have used both - which did you prefer? I read in one review the reviewer felt the extra cushion of the 432 was too hard. I know masks are so personal and you really have to try them but anyone who has tried these masks and has an opinion I sure would be interested in hearing from you. Many thanks, Tuza

Whatever mask you choose, go to padacheek.com and order a mask liner for it.

Yes, I checked last night to see if she had one for the 431 and she did. Thank goodness!

I've been a 431 user since the beginning, 2009. I tried the 432 and HATED it for the reasons in the review. It was way too hard and put way too much pressure on my face.

I'm having troubles, now, with the 431 because of significant weight loss. The 431 has to be tightened to prevent leaks but it's tearing up my nose bridge again. However, nothing else I have tried, thus far, has worked for I'm still on the 431, torn up nose bridge and all.

I had to give up the 431 because it was tearing up my face and leaking. I now have pretty good results with the F10 ResMed FFM and a Ruby chinstrap (the original not the copy). The sizing on the Ruby is weird so I had to step up to the XL adjustable version with velcro. I use Remzzz mask liners for a better seal.

Hmm...thanks Madalot and SirN! It's not that I'm not getting good therapy because I am. It's more that I want to be more comfortable. I have tried the the Ruby chinstrap off and on for a couple of years but it makes my jaw ache. I like that the F10 is nice and light but I'm trying to figure out how to have one less thing on my face. Both of you mention how the 431 tore up your face - did either of you use the pad-a-cheek mask liner? Also, did you have any issues with chipmunk cheeks?

Madalot wrote:I've been a 431 user since the beginning, 2009. I tried the 432 and HATED it for the reasons in the review. It was way too hard and put way too much pressure on my face.

I'm having troubles, now, with the 431 because of significant weight loss. The 431 has to be tightened to prevent leaks but it's tearing up my nose bridge again. However, nothing else I have tried, thus far, has worked for I'm still on the 431, torn up nose bridge and all.

When I had that problem, I used a band-aid on my nose until it healed. After it healed, I started using moleskin on the nose every night. I have since switched to the Amara View mask and no longer need to put anything on my nose at night.

I used the 431 for a long time and eventually switched to the 432. They are basically the same mask with the 432 having an extra insert in it that prevents the mask from getting crushed.

The 432 is a bit harder to clean (more parts) and if you are having bridge of nose issues, both the 431 and 432 fit pretty much the same. Also, the 432 is ordered for a specific size where the 431 comes with different cushions if I recall correctly.

When I got my new machine I decided to try another mask since there was no out of pocket expenses at that time and tried the Quattro Air. At first I didn't like it as much as the 432 cupped my chin and seemed more comfortable, but I eventually move to the Quattro Air to full time though I still have both.

The Quattro Air is more rounded, and sits under your bottom lip where the 432 cups under the chin.

Thanks for your comments, Okie and Krelvin! It sounds as if you both have graduated out of needing a chin support. Lucky you! I think if I take the plunge I might try the 431. I like the Amara view but my AHI is higher with it than with the F10 and some nights I have to futz with it too much. Madalot, congratulations on your weight loss - it is very hard to do! Best, Tuza

tuzacat wrote: Both of you mention how the 431 tore up your face - did either of you use the pad-a-cheek mask liner? Also, did you have any issues with chipmunk cheeks?

Yes, but I used a cut-up t-shirt (same effect) instead of a padacheek liner.

I did often get 'chipmunk cheeks' with early use of nasal pillows... sorry, I don't remember getting them with the 431. With my usage of the F10 nowadays, I don't have any trouble with chipmunk cheeks. Maybe that's due to the Ruby chinstrap or the fact that I'm using an FFM and the air pressure equalizes between my sinuses and my mouth. Too much stuff on one's head is a drag but it's like putting on extra coats and sweaters in the winter; you just get used to it (hopefully).

Thanks for your response, SirN! I know what you mean about getting used to it. I am used to it but I would love to be just a little more comfortable. Don't really know if that's possible but I keep trying different masks with great hope.