I've only starting using CPAP for a week, and it's great so far!  I have the FlexiFit 431, and have a question about the 2 hole valve thingy between the mask and the hose.  There's 2 plastic flaps that look like they should rise up and cover the holes when the machine is turned on.  They don't actually do this, so some air is constantly being blown out through these holes.  Is my mask defective?

I know this sounds confusing, but I can't really describe it.  I'm hoping those familiar with the FlexiFit 431 will know what I'm talking about.  Thanks in advance.

....



Last edited by another_guest on Tue Oct 31, 2006 10:54 pm; edited 1 time in total

Thanks for the great link!  I'm referring to Part J in the diagram ("non-rebreathing valve").  Please let me know if you can add any insight.

Hi Torontoguy,

That is the anti-asphyxiation value.  It is there so that if the CPAP is off you can breath room air.  Pretty cool huh?  Definitely not a defect!!  Most FF masks have them although they take different forms.  I use the Flexifit 431 also.

Vicki


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

Thanks Vicki, and it's good to know there's other 431 users here.  But isn't the valve supposed to open in the event the CPAP machine stops blowing air?  My concern is, when my CPAP machine is on, I can feel air coming out of the 2 holes adjacent the valve.  Does your's do the same thing?

OK, I figured out how it works sealing the mask well with my hand.  When the CPAP is running, the reeds open up, sealing the two holes beside them and keep the pressure in.  When the CPAP is off the reeds are away from the holes, allowing room air to come in the holes.

It took a bit to get the reeds to open up the full way to seal the holes, plus my hand makes an inperfect face.  See if you can do it using your hand as your face.  Then turn your CPAP off and breath through the mask and you'll see the reeds move away from the holes.  I don't see anything that might hinder their movement.  Let me know if you can get it to work.

Vicki


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

I'll try it tonight when I'm home.  I'm worried my reeds may not be moving enough when the CPAP is on.  Of course my pressure is only 5 cm right now (to get used to it - my titration is tonight).  Thanks Vicki and I'll definitely let you know.

Hi Vicki and Toronto guy,
I sympathise with your concerns Toronto but I think the mask sounds like it's working as it should be to my very limited knowledge and I think Vicki is on the right track.
Vicki...you've been a great help to me since I've been on CPAP so a big thanks. I am the woman from Australia who sounds like an internet connection at night and spooks my husband...you may recall! Anyway....I mastered the Swift nasal mask only to develop a REALLY inflamed nostril so have had to have a break from it so I purchased a Flexifit 431 which you suggested. I am on my third night of it. I have no doubts I will master this too once I have your knowledgeable input   I am having to tighten the mask so firmly to get a "very good" fit (as displayed on tester function of machine, that my face now looks like a cross between a bull mastiff and pekinese with a dash of squashed tomato permanently. It has deep red welts and bruises developing, is very sore at night and now during the day also. I can't go out today because I look like I have been brutalised by my husband! Not even a hot shower and a quick iron out with my hand improves it! SO Mistress Vicki, do you have any suggestions   ? I am only small featured. Although I'm not Asian I guess you could describe my face as Asian in shape and small featured hence the need to truss everything so tightly. Am I missing some vital knowledge about the mask? I'm using the smallest silicone insert. I purchased the mask via internet to avoid the high cost of purchasing here in Australia. It seems that if I don't pull it this tight it leaks. Should I try taping it to my face do you think?? I wish I could chat online with other users but I think the time difference may make it difficult. I may have to make an effort to do that though.
Thanks everyone for listening. Cheers Mandy

Hi Mandy,

I always love our "conversations".  I was wondering if you tried the medium size mask.  Since the mask goes under the chin, if it is too small, I can see how it would leak.  Where is it leaking from?  You don't want to have it so tight it melds with your face.  The inner silicon needs to be able to lay against your face to make the seal.  Post where it is leaking so I can give it some thought.

The only thing I don't like about the FF masks I have tried is that you can't adjust the forehead piece like you can nasal masks.  That would go a long ways towards making FF masks more accommodating.  And finally, are you adjusting the mask laying in the position you like to sleep in?  People make the mistake of adjusting it sitting up and then when they lay down, it leaks.  

Vicki


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

Hi again Vicki,
Yes I agree about the forehead non adjustment being a problem for me with the FF mask. It would really help if I could cinch it in a bit as I have high cheekbones, no forehead (glad we don't go strictly by the Darwinian theory of intelligence!), and am comparatively chinless!
Yes I am human but I'd make a really good turtle  I think.
Now for the leaks.....Sometimes it's under the eye area (I've tried pulling the mask out front and re-placing it in situ to no avail) and sometimes it sort of "burps" out around the side of the mouth area. The last night of use, my dog INSISTED on laying on my chest to keep constant vigil all night. I left her there because I thought she might know something I didn't and would save me if I stopped breathing. I guess she must have just found me entertaining...because as far as I know I didn't see any bright light.
The bed is getting a bit full now Vicki, with the hose from Darth Vader, my dog and my husband. I may have to ask the hubby to leave the room. Oh yes, and the other dog felt left out so hopped up too. Thankfully, they are not real dogs... but two woolly miniature humans...otherwise called poodles. Thank God they don't moult. They smell like baby powder too which is a definite bonus! However I really don't want them on the bed all night. Help!
I have reverted back to the Swift pillow mask but I'm certain I will need to revert to the FF mask within a few days with another inflamed nostril, unless I can come up with yet another more creative complaint.    
Any suggestions? Mandy from Oz

I'm still new to the mask, but I found that loosening the 2 bottom straps by my jaw AND tightening the 2 straps by my forehead help shift the mask tighter around the eyes.  Also check to see the 2 straps at the top of your head aren't too tight; I think you want the forehead straps to be fairly horizontal.

Thanks Toronto,
Glad for your timely advice. I'll be going back onto the FF mask tonight as I feel I'm not getting as good therapy long term from the nasal pillows. I just need to change back and forth I think.
I'll keep it in mind about the forehead straps and will readjust everything tonight.
How's your therapy going?
Cheers, Mandy[/b]