FF masks: F&P FlexiFit HC431 vs. RedMed UltraMirage

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:00 am

Hi All,

I'm continuing to struggle with my lousy Respironics ComfortFull mask...last night I woke up with the bottom half of the mask IN my mouth...felt like a horse chomping on a bit!

Anyway, I've heard lots of good things from you all about the UltraMirage mask, but I'm wondering if you've also tried the F&P Flexi-Fit? The under-the-chin design seems like it would work better for me, since (obviously) my jaw drops open..what do you think?

Tina

Sleeping With The Enemy · Post by **Sleeping With The Enemy** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:14 am

If I were you I'd skip the Mirage and go for the Activa, honestly once you get used to it, you won't be able to sleep without it.

tina · Post by **tina** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:38 am

Is there an Activa full face mask? I only see the nasal mask at CPAP.com.

Mikesus · Post by **Mikesus** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:27 am

Unfortunately no. I have heard that the F & P mask can cause auto units issues. What machine do you have?

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:55 am

The ResMed Ultra Mirage FF (full face - covers just nose and mouth, to allow for mouth breathing or to control mouth air leaks) is what I use when I need to breathe through my mouth on congested nights. I like it far better than the Respironics so-called "Comfort"Full. Of course, everyone's mask mileage varies. I wish ResMed would come out with a FF Activa.

Mikesus · Post by **Mikesus** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 6:08 am

RG - From what I have heard about the Activa, I do too. I use the Ultra Mirage exclusively as I am a mouth breather, so I don't have the comparison points.

Joe A · Post by **Joe A** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 9:21 am

Tina:

For what it's worth...since your milage may vary....The FP Flexi Fit HC431 was the most comfortable, least invasive mask I have ever used, but......IT DID NOT WORK FOR ME AT ALL!

I was perfectly titrated BiLevel 15/11 with a nasal mask and chin strap. When the chin straps gave me issues....I went to this mask and immediately...started snoring in the mask and waking up like a Zombie. I fought with this thing for a month.....I offered to send this thing back to the manufacturer because I felt that there must be either a design flaw or defect....but they didn't want to here it. An RT at Fischer and Paykel even reccomended I Duct tape the safety valve closed and that may help as in the clinic.....he has seen many Bi-Level users fail with this thing. Fisher and Paykel is keeping quiet about this.....their product literatutre says it is suitable for either CPAP or BIBAP use...it is not.

I since got a Resmed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask and FINALLY....no more snoring, no more sore throats, no more events!

Having wasted alopt of money over the years on equiptment that failed....It seems that Resmed makes the best nasal and or Full Face masks in the game. Respironics is the king of machines....Though now retired to a spare bedroom....I am certain that my 5 yearold BiPAP-S will run for at least another 5 years no problem.

Go see your RT, You may need to be coached as to how to adjust the mask, or they may have even given you the wrong size. Some point after that....try a Resmed mask.

I HAD NOTHING BUT BAD EXPERIENCES WITH THE FISHER PAYKEL HC 431 AND BIPAP.....IF YOU ARE A BILEVEL USER....DO NOT BUY THIS MASK!

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:14 pm

I agree . The HC431 is junk. Expensive junk, but junk just the same.

Anyone want to buy a nearly new in the box HC431 mask. Used only 2 hours.

PM me if interested. But be warned. I told you so.

Cheers,

Chris

nodding off · Post by **nodding off** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 7:20 pm

me too!
I bought an F&P HC431 last Thursday from my DME to replace my old ResMed Mirage Series 2. When I tried it on it was extremely comfortable. However, after several nights in it I ordered a Mirage Ultra FFM on CPAP.com. My AHI has been consistently over 30 the 3 nights I have used it with my AI being under 2. Also, when the pressure starts getting up there the mask leaks like crazy. My numbers on my Activa nasal mask aren't great (ave AHI around 11) but it is acheived at a lot less pressure as well. This might be an incompatability issur with my Spirit APAP and the mask, or the mask itself. All I know is that I feel like crap in the morning after using it, where normally I feel great, and allergy season is right around the corner for me and I need a FFM. I wouldn't even sell this mask to anyone to use. I have that low an opinion of it.

Joe A · Post by **Joe A** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 8:03 pm

Man! I wish Fisher and Paykel would read this! I offered to send in my mask for there examination...I didn't ask for a refund....I figured that If there was a defect in this mask that could be linked to a single production lot they should be alerted to this. It's the responsible thing to do when you manufacture anything! Especially a medical device!

There customer service rep said..."hey we got nothing but rave reviews on this mask....It just didn't work for you! Besides there is a three week back order on these they are in such high demand!" In other words we refuse to hear any bad press on our new product launch!

I don't care who you are....production is not infalable. If a customer has problems with a device...it is the responsible thing to do to take it back and put it through your QC lab!

Even Respironics had a recall on one of there masks because they forgot to put the exhaust vent in on a single production lot....but they did the right thing. They listened!

I would like to hear some more feed back form people as My experience was exactly like Nodding Offs...it did not work and I had events with the mask on! Man if this mask doesn't work with an APAP....then it won't for anyone!!! Stick with Resmed...they know how to design masks!

Mikesus · Post by **Mikesus** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 9:23 pm

Were you using an auto? I have read that that mask WON'T work with autos...

tina · Post by **tina** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:38 pm

I think I'll avoid the F&P mask and try to get an UltraMirage FF mask that actually fits! I learned an expensive lesson becuase I ordered the ComfortFull mask on my own from CPAP.com. I was so tired of dealing with my lousy DME that I thought I could guess at the proper size, but it's definitely too small (in addition to being a cruddy mask).

Thanks for all the advice!

Tina

mommaw · Post by **mommaw** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 12:05 am

Regarding F/P ffm, I talked to my doctor 2 weeks ago to ask about a ffm for the times I cannot use my Breeze due to stuffiness. He had my DME order me the F/P ffm. I talked to my DME and she said they were great masks and she could not keep them in stock. In fact they have been on back order for over 2 weeks, I still havent gotten mine. Anyway, I had emailed F/P regarding the compatibality with my bilevel and got a reply that they work great! Now I am really afraid to use this once it comes in! Since I don't have any software for my bilevel, I dont know what my AHI is so wont be able to tell if I am worse, other than feeling worse. I have not purchased the software for my xpap since I am going to ask my doctor at my next visit if there is any reason I cannot have an autopap.

Gilda

Joe A · Post by **Joe A** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:49 am

Mikesus wrote:Were you using an auto? I have read that that mask WON'T work with autos...

Mike: It didn't work with a Bi Level device at all, I used it on two different machines and even tried tweaking the pressure a bit (My old BiPAP-S lets you do that). Failed miserably on all accounts.

My brother is going to give the mask a whirl on straight CPAP....I'll repor back when I get feedback.

tina · Post by **tina** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 10:47 am

Hallelujah! I *finally* have a mask that fits and seems to work for me! Thanks so much for your recommendations of the Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask...it is SOOOOO much better than the ComfortFull!

Tina

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