Question about FlexiFit HC431 Full Face Mask

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Sat May 27, 2006 8:17 pm

I just got this yesterday and used it last night and I woke up with a red and sore nose bridge. Anyone have nay ideas as to why this might be? I've been on CPAP for two weeks now and I had the Swift Pillows, but I'm a mouth breather and I did try the Polident solution that a few people have mentioned, but I didn't really like having to clean it off my lips every morning. Besides, my mouth still came open at night.

Gidgie · Post by **Gidgie** » Sat May 27, 2006 8:32 pm

Sorry to hear about your nose..........I use the same mask, so just maybe I can help.... The mask comes with three sizes of silicone seal.... Are you using the one most suited to your face? Are you perhaps overtightening the straps? Tightening can only help so far in the leak department.....then other measures must be taken. It is just possible that this mask is just not long enough for your face, as one other member here found out......with a sore nose....I found my cheek bones getting sore from the way my RT/DME adjusted it.......did much better by loosening it.

So.......my standard advice? Think like a cat.......everything is meant to be played with.....Ask anyone here..........

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Sat May 27, 2006 8:37 pm

i second the idea posted above, wrong size seal or straps too tight, i have the same mask as well and it is way more nose friendlier than my comfortfull 2, it's just more leak prone,

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Sat May 27, 2006 8:41 pm

I am using the large seal and that seems to fit pretty well. I'm thinking I probably had the straps too tight. I got some of that Dr. Scholl's Molefoam Padding and I ma going to try putting that between the mask and my nose to see if that helps any.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sat May 27, 2006 8:41 pm

Meow!

I went in the other day for a Stress Scan, the nurse told me I must be on CPAP, It was 2 hours after I was up. We CPAP users are easy marks, because we wear our marks. You think the 431 is hard on your nose, after two nights with my CoimfortFull I had to put a rope around my neck to stop the bleeding. Loosen the straps and the nose will heel. If not have Gidgie sell you a bottle of the Mole Skins, she has the market cornered. Jim

Gidgie · Post by **Gidgie** » Sat May 27, 2006 8:45 pm

Well, my thunderin' red friend......apparently you haven't yet discovered Moleskin.......wonderfull stuff for stopping leaks. Just don't let ol' Goofproof tell you any lies......! He may not use it but he keeps it handy..(just in case....) As usual some will swear by it, and some will swear at it......goes for any mask.......but the moles can make a big difference......And what ever you do DON'T STICK THE STUFF ON YOUR FACE! That has been tried....with disasterous results.

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Sat May 27, 2006 8:47 pm

So the Moleskin is good for stopping leaks too? If I am not to put it on my face, should I put it on the mask?

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Sat May 27, 2006 8:49 pm

yup, from what i gather it won't hurt the silicone seal.

Gidgie · Post by **Gidgie** » Sat May 27, 2006 8:54 pm

Yep, the moleskin adheres only lightly to the silicone and will not harm it. I leave my 1" wide moleskin strips a little long so I can anchor it to the mask plastic. I had leaks at top and bottom, so I lined the chin cup (keeping about 1/4" away from the thin edge of the seal) and curved a strip over the top end, so that it saddled over the bridge of my nose.

IZATIRED2 · Post by **IZATIRED2** » Sat May 27, 2006 9:12 pm

Do you have to replace it when you wash the mask.

Gidgie · Post by **Gidgie** » Sat May 27, 2006 9:16 pm

You can us it a few times until it won't stick anymore. Just remove it carefully and replace only when the mask is thoroughly dry.

IZATIRED2 · Post by **IZATIRED2** » Sat May 27, 2006 9:21 pm

Thanks Gidgie
I will give it a try. I was just about to smash this UMFF into little pieces.