Fisher & Paykel FlexiFit HC431 Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear

CPAP Video & FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I compare different machines?

We work very hard to provide many different ways for our customers to compare products. Here are the machine product guides we have created and maintain:

• CPAP Machine Comparison Guide. This guide stacks up every CPAP machine we sell, feature by feature. If you don't know the meaning of a feature, click the question mark for a definition. The links below will take you to the most popular CPAPs, or all CPAP machines we sell.
  
  Compare Most Popular CPAP Machines
  
  Compare All CPAP Machines
  
  
• Auto Adjusting Machine (APAP) Comparison Guide. This guide stacks up every APAP machine we sell, feature by feature. If you don't know the meaning of a feature, click the question mark for a definition. The links below will take you to the most popular APAPs, or all APAP machines we sell.
  
  Compare Most Popular APAP Machines
  
  Compare All APAP Machines
  
  
• BiPAP, VPAP and BiLevel Comparison Guide. This guide stacks up every BiPAP machine we sell, feature by feature. If you don't know the meaning of a feature, click the question mark for a definition. The links below will take you to the most popular BiPAPs, or all BiPAP machines we sell.
  
  Compare Most Popular BiPAP Machines
  
  Compare All BiPAP Machines

Which CPAP masks work on which machines?

Any mask will work with any machine, with one important exception. The ResMed AirMini is only compatible with certain ResMed CPAP masks. Compatible masks for the AirMini are as follows:

• ResMed AirFit™ N20 Nasal Mask
• ResMed AirFit™ F20 Full Face
• ResMed AirTouch™ F20 Full Face
• ResMed AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow

When considering another CPAP, APAP or BiPAP machine from ResMed or any other manufacturer, mask compatibility extends to all brands. The AirMini uses non-standard tubing to connect the machine to the mask, and is the primary reason why other masks won't work with the AirMini. Despite this issue, many of our customers consider the AirMini to be an excellent machine.

What are the CPAP, BiPAP, Sleep Apnea, and Oxygen related HCPCS, CPT or billing codes?

• A7034 is Nasal Mask
• A7034 is Nasal Pillow Mask
• A7030 is Full Face Mask
• A7027 is Hybrid Mask
• A7044 is Oral Interface Mask (Oracle)
• A7035 is Headgear for Mask - Any Style
• A7036 is Chinstrap - Any Style
• A7032 is Replacement Nasal Mask Cushion
• A7033 is Replacement Nasal pillows
• A7031 is Replacement Full Face Mask Cushion
• A7028 is Replacement Hybrid Mask Cushion
• A7029 is Replacement Hybrid Mask Nasal Pillow
• A7046 is Replacement Humidifier Chamber
• A7037 is Tubing / Hose - Long & Short Tubes
• A4604 is Heated Tubing
• A7038 is Disposable Filter (White / Paper)
• A7039 is Washable Filter (Gross Particle / Foam/ Black)
• E0601 NU is CPAP Purchase
• E0601 NU is APAP Purchase
• E0470 NU is BiPAP Purchase
• E0470 NU is BiPAP Auto Purchase
• E0471 NU is BiPAP ST Purchase
• E0471 NU is BiPAP Auto SV Purchase
• E0562 NU is Heated CPAP Humidifier
• E0561 NU is Passover or Cool CPAP Humidifier
• E0601 RR is CPAP Rental
• E0601 NU is APAP Rental
• E0470 RR is BiPAP Rental
• E0470 RR is BiPAP Auto Rental
• E0471 RR is BiPAP ST Rental
• E0471 RR is BiPAP Auto SV Rental
• E1356 is Oxygen Concentrator Battery
• E1357 is Oxygen Concentrator Battery Charger
• E1358 is Oxygen Concentrator DC Cable
• E1390 is Portable Oxygen Concentrator

E1399 is Miscellaneous and is used for other CPAP and Oxygen items.

Do you have a guide to help me choose the right mask?

Yes, we created a Help Me Choose guide to help you select the right mask or machine according to your preferences. The guide asks you a series of questions regarding your preferences and your facial features. Based on your answers we provide you with a comparison chart of the masks that meet your criteria. Get started here:

Help Me Choose - Mask

How often should I replace my mask?

Medicare allows for mask cushion replacement every three (3) months, and a complete mask system replacement every six (6) months. CPAP manufacturers and vendors suggest these replacement schedules as well.

In our experience, most mask cushions begin to deteriorate after about six months of use. The cushion eventually becomes too soft to hold a seal. The headgear straps lose elasticity and must be tightened more and more to get the same quality seal.

We strongly suggest replacing cushions and pillows as soon as they start to soften. Air leaks may reduce the effectiveness of CPAP therapy and headgear that is too tight may cause facial sores at pressure points. In most cases, replacement headgear is available if it is stretched out or the Velcro worn out.

To see what parts of your mask are replaceable refer to our Replacement Part Finder. Just search for your mask to see all of the replaceable parts.

Why do I wake up with dry eyes?

Air leaking from the mask at the bridge of the nose and over the eyes during sleep will cause the eyes to dry out. The most common reason for air leaking at the nose bridge is that the mask is too big or too long for the nose.

We would suggest you resize your mask to be sure you have the best fit. A mask that has an adjustment at the bridge may also be helpful in getting a good fit. Nasal pillow or nose cushion devices which do not rest on the nose are also an option.

It is not advisable to tighten the headgear to eliminate the air leak. Pressure from a mask that is too tight will cause bruises and even open sores if applied long enough.

Here are some suggested items that may help reduce mask leaks:

Silent Night Full Face Mask Liners
LiquiCell Nasal CPAP Cushions
RemZzzs Padded Full Face CPAP Mask Liners
+ See More

How do I care for my mask?

Masks should be washed daily with warm water and gentle soap or baby shampoo. Let the mask air dry. Never use antibacterial soap as it will break down the silicone of the mask cushion. Avoid soaps that include lotion which can coat the mask and cause it to lose its seal. A safe cleaner is the Control III Disinfectant CPAP Cleaning Solution. Remember, going to bed with a clean face will improve your seal and protect the lifespan of your mask.

The best time to clean your mask is in the morning after use. This removes the oils left behind from your skin which can reduce the lifespan of your mask. We recommend using Mask Wipes to make daily morning cleaning easy. The mask wipes are made from materials that will not break down your mask.

For customers who want to completely disinfect their mask and accessories, there's an even better option than wipes. The Lumin Mask and Accessories Cleaner uses powerful UV light to disinfect, killing almost all bacteria almost instantly. It's not a cleaner and doesn't scrub or wash anything, but for simple disinfecting the Lumin works great!

Here are some other cleaning products to help with keeping your mask fresh:

Citrus II CPAP Mask Spray Cleaner

Control III Disinfectant CPAP Cleaning Solution - Home Care Kit

Hurricane CPAP Equipment Dryer

Unscented CPAP Mask Wipes

Lumin CPAP Mask and Accessories Cleaner

What does a mask prescription need to say?

A mask prescription must contain all of the following information:

• One of the following words or phrases: "CPAP Mask", "CPAP Supplies", "CPAP Humidifier", "CPAP", "Continuous Positive Airway Pressure", "APAP", "AutoPAP", "AutoSet", "Auto CPAP", "Auto Adjusting CPAP", "Self Adjusting CPAP", "BiPAP", "BiLevel", "VPAP", "BiPAP Auto", "BiPAP ST", "Synchrony ST", "VPAP ST"
• Your physician's contact information
• Your physician's signature
• The patient's full name

Here are some of our top selling masks:

DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear - Fit Pack
ComfortGel Blue Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
+ See More

Are prescriptions required for mask, machine, humidifier, and EPAP purchases?

Yes. Federal law requires we have a valid prescription on file before we ship your mask, machine, humidifier, or EPAP therapy, including Provent and Bongo RX. You will also need a prescription to purchase the Nightbalance POSA device.

We provide many easy ways to get your prescription:

• We can request your prescription for you! When you checkout, just let us know you would like us to request your prescription, or you can log into your account to have us request your prescription.
• Fax your prescription to our toll-free fax number: 866.353.2727, or our international fax number: 713.541.7377
• Email your prescription to cpap@cpap.com
• Upload your prescription in your account, under the Prescriptions Section
• Ask your doctor to fill out our prescription form. We have both a standard prescription form and an EPAP prescription form.

For more information on prescriptions, please see our Prescription Section of the Learning Center.

Why might I need a full face mask?

If your mouth drops open during sleep, a full face may be selected to allow for the CPAP airflow to be delivered through both the nose and mouth.

Some CPAP users move to using a full face mask after finding that using a nasal mask along with a chinstrap does not meet their sleep therapy needs. Some CPAP users use a full face mask when suffering from seasonal allergies.

Are the FlexiFit HC431 and HC432 cushion sizes interchangeable on the mask frame?

All FlexiFit HC431 and HC432 cushions and mask frames are interchangeable. The silicone cushions are interchangeable, but the foams will not work with the 431.