Hey there,
I'm curious if anyone actually likes the FP 431 and/or could possibly offer some tips to make it liveable for the occassional night when congestion makes the swift impossible. I've tried it twice and found it uncomfortable & leaky. I guess coming from a nasal pillow mask most full face masks would be tough to deal with but having a "go to" FF mask would be clutch for those stuffy nights.    
BTW - I have two 431's and would love to talk trade for either some swift 2 medium pillows or a any pillow type mask besides the swift.
Thanks

I love my 431 and don't have trouble with leaks.  You have to adjust all the straps until you get no leaks.  It could take a bit to get it all right.  It is the only mask I wear so I don't have a trade for you.

My 431 works for me well too.  I find I have to cram my face pretty far into the mask to keep it from leaking though.  And, from posts I read here, it doesn't seem to work great for people with "petite" features.

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

I also use the Flexifit 431, and have minimal problems.

However, I can't just slap it on at night and drop right off to sleep!  

I found that leakage was reduced when the straps were a bit looser, rather than cranked down tight.  But, when placing it on my face, (as Vicki says) I have to work it down to where the top of the seal sits kind of far down my nose, and the bottom is actually just beneath my chin, thus my nose if "deep" into the mask.

I also found that my mask leaked less after I had used it a few weeks.  I figure the seal had adjusted to my face some.   And once I found a really good fit on the headgear, I try not to undo the straps at all, even to wash it.

Anyway:  once I put my mask on at night, I usually sit there a few minutes to make sure it's seated right, and not slipping.  (Minimize moisturizer use right before bedtime).  Then as I lay down on my pillow, I may need to tweak it a bit if I rub the headgear too hard on the pillow.  But, once I get it in place, I'm OK unless I really get to tossing around at night (usually because I'm too hot).

Good luck with yours...


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Give peace a chance

Hi, let me tell you about some advice I got about the 431 from this forum.  Mine always leaked about my eyes and would drive me crazy.  I tried tightening the straps until it really squeezed hard on my face.  The trick is to put on the mask and adjust the straps so it feels snug.  When the pressure starts up, pull the mask away from your face until the soft part fills up with air, then settle it back onto your face.  Bet it works!  It did for me.  Try it.

Thanks for the advice folks. Fortunately the nasal pillows have been working well recently and I haven't had to resort to the flexi. Next time I do I'll give those suggestions a try.
Don't think I'll ever feel comfortable with a a FFM, but it's probably a necesarry evil for those extra stuffy nights.
thanks again

Big time!  You HAVE to pull the mask away once the airflow is started, let it "fill", and then rest back against your face.  Only way to get a custom seal.


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Give peace a chance

I just purchased this mask and it has not arrived yet, but I have a stupid question.   Will I have to still tape my mouth shut with the full mask?   If not will I still get the dry mouth and air coming out my mouth?   Sorry if you think this is a stupid question, but my DME supplier is clueless and can never answer my questions.  He just says they(masks)  all leak and are all the same....  Hopefully this mask will help me as I am a mouth breather.

No you will no longer have to tape. Thats why a lot of people end up using a full face mask...cause they can't stop mouth breathing. I used the 431 for about 9 months...no complaints but wasn't 100% thrilled with it. Funny...I bought an Oracle...98% of people who try it hate it...IT'S my DREAM mask. Brought it to my study Thursday night(knew center wouldn't have it) The tech told me I'm only the 3rd person she's seen use it in 7+ years but the people who use it LOVE IT!!!!! and do well with it. So I have to say I " tolerated" the 431 for the time I used it...one thing I did like...I didn't get many leaks since it goes under the chin...couldn't open my mouth wide enough to break the seal and cause major leaks. Very important...don't try to fit it until you're laying down. I f you do it while sitting..it won't be right when you lay down. Keep it as simple as possible. Vicki's a GREAT resource on this mask...swears by hers.


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EVERY SILVER LINING HAS A TOUCH OF GREY
-Grateful Dead


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a

Barb.

Do you get a dry mouth with the Oracle?  I've thought about trying it.  I also found with my FlexiFit that I have to wash the silicon insert every night otherwise, the oil off my stupid oily face makes it leak.  I'm the opposite of you guys, if I pull my FlexFit away when it is filling with air, it leaks like crazy because there isn't enough of the silicone touching my face.

So the lesson is, try everything   .

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Yes Vicki...I wake up in AM and my mouth is soooo dry...can't even explain it. Goes away almost immediately though. I have the humidifier cranked up to max on my machine. The oracle hardly leaks at all. My AI and AHI numbers are significantly lower than when I was using the 431. Message me if you decide to try the Oracle...I'll send you my info on how I improvise and get a lot longer use out of each mask.


_________________
EVERY SILVER LINING HAS A TOUCH OF GREY
-Grateful Dead


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a

Just got my new mask today will let you know how I make out  tonight...hopefully a good nights sleep and no taping.