FP HC432 Came Yesterday

I was excited to get my new mask. I got a medium, because that's all that was available, and it seemed like that's the one that fit.
When I tried to wear it last night, it hurt the bridge of my nose, no matter how loose I made the top straps.
It almost seems as if the CUSHION was causing the irritation.
I wear the HC407 normally and have never had any discomfort.
Has anyone else experienced this?
I REALLY want this mask to work.

I had that happen with the cushion on the 407. I put paper tape on the bridge of my nose and that really helped. I have tried on a 432, but have to wait a couple more months to order it (insurance ) The cushions really seemed similar.Good luck!

Lee Lee wrote:I was excited to get my new mask. I got a medium, because that's all that was available, and it seemed like that's the one that fit.
When I tried to wear it last night, it hurt the bridge of my nose, no matter how loose I made the top straps.
It almost seems as if the CUSHION was causing the irritation.
I wear the HC407 normally and have never had any discomfort.
Has anyone else experienced this?
I REALLY want this mask to work.

Do you usually wear a medium in a FF mask?
IIRC, some people were saying you may want a larger size for this mask because of all the extra cushioning.


*edit: btw, Bairdbeth's advice about using the(Nexcare) paper tape is an excellent idea. I've used that myself with great results.

Lee Lee wrote:I was excited to get my new mask. I got a medium, because that's all that was available, and it seemed like that's the one that fit.
When I tried to wear it last night, it hurt the bridge of my nose, no matter how loose I made the top straps.
It almost seems as if the CUSHION was causing the irritation.
I wear the HC407 normally and have never had any discomfort.
Has anyone else experienced this?
I REALLY want this mask to work.

I got my new 432 this week also, after jumping through dozens of insurance hoops, and I'm really disappointed that I'm having so many problems with it. I also loosened the top straps to the point where the bridge is completely away from my forehead, but my nose is really sore. Tonight I'll try the 3M Micropore tape (or maybe moleskin) solution but that still won't solve the leakage issues.

Like you, I REALLY want this mask to work. I'm very satisfied with my ComfortCurve (unlike many here) but mouth taping is really a drag over the long term.

So I struggle ahead in search of the perfect mask, much like the jilted lover in search of the perfect companion. You go out of your way to meet new ones, just knowing that the next one will be "the one." Oh sure, they promise you happiness and that they'll always be there for you, but in the end they're just like all the rest, biting you on the nose or pharting under your chin.

I tried; I really did. Last night I took one of those cheesy chin straps -- the kind with the hole in the middle -- and placed it under the chin support on the 432. I stretched it up over the top of my head and fastened the velcro together. This left two long tabs flopping down over the side of my head. I looked like some sort of deranged, intergalactic Easter bunny. But I didn't care. It's the relationship that matters. Oh, it helped with the chin leaks, but seemed to create about a dozen more painful pressure points to keep me awake, as if switching off that daylight savings crap wasn't punishment enough.

But I'm determined to make this relationship work and will strive every night forever to make that happen. Well, okay . . . for another night or two anyway.

OCO

Vader,
No, I am a FF mask virgin. This is my first. I probably have the wrong size, and I will try again with the sizing.I'm thinking it needs to be larger, even though my face is relatively small.
Last night, I used moleskin across my nose, and it didn't work. I was very sleepy and I left the mask on for about 15 minutes, until the pain was unbearable.I tightnened, I loosed, nothing worked. I don't think the tape will work, either. The pain is across my nose, a little below my eyes. I cannot for the life of me figure out what is causing the discomfort! There's nothing there but cushion!!!!!!! Whatever it is, I still have a mark this morning after only those few minutes.

OCO,
You are HILARIOUS! And you are so right when you compare the quest for the perfect mask to the quest for a perfect love relationship. The promise of the perfect mask is so seductive, and when you read how others have discovered bliss, it makes you want some for yourself.
I love my FP HC407...(not very many people do) but just like you, the mouth taping is tough. Lately, the tape has been coming loose in the night. This is a new development, it always worked before.
It's amazing to me how many crazy and ridiculous things we try to get our equipment just right! I can just picture you with your rigged up contraption, straps flapping in the breeze..all to make a $200.00 mask work.
I'll let you know if the size change helps.
Thanks for the laugh! We have to laugh, or otherwise, we'd never get through this.

Lee Lee

I have been using the 432 for at least a couple of weeks now and I had the same issue in the beginning.What has worked for me is leaving the upper part of the foam insert (the part that tapers in like your nose)out of the channel provided for it.This allows the part that contacts the bridge of your nose to float and sit further into the mask.With the lower portion inserted as it is intended I have had no issue with the foam not staying put and I no longer have the sore nose bridge in the A.M.

Limestone,
I'm sorry to be dense, but I'm not totally getting it. Do you mean you pull the top part of the cushion out of it's channel?
Please elaborate...this might be the answer.
Lee Ann

Lee Lee,

I have about nine masks, and think I go through some sort of introductory mishaps with all of them. I take it off during the night, or get Really Large Leaks, or it abrades my face, or something. I'm actually taking a break from the Latest Greatest Mask, the HC432 because of a nose injury like I never had with the HC431. I think it's just the way.

I'm trying to not grab the Latest Greatest (because I'm Really Sure This Time It's the One) the day it comes out anymore, and wait until there are numerous reviews, but I'm not doing so well with that.

Lee Lee

Sorry I'll try again.
The foam insert is the part that I do not totally insert.I insert the foam in the bottom and vertical side channels that are provided but were the foam begins to taper inward I leave it out of it's channel.
If this still doesn't make sense I can take a photo and send it to you,just pm me.

Limestone,
No, it makes perfect sense!
On my way to give it a shot! You may have just solved the problem for lots of people.
Thanks!