Printing on china mugs

We've been printing on china mugs successfully for several years but suddenly have problems. The 10oz mugs we are using have a slight flared top and are Orca coated. Recent pressings have a fade toward the top edge of the print. First thought was that I was putting the mug too far into the press so the flare was affecting pressure. Test pressings eliminated that idea. Could the outer edge of the heating element in the wrap have failed? (no idea how they are "wired" inside). Thoughts or suggestions appreciated.

Have you tried placing the mugs the other way round in the press?

The element wire within the heat blanket doesn't go to the edge but stops 5-10 mm from the edge either side. Use a straight sided mug with solid print all the way to the top and position for printing in your press and once heated you will see the outcome of your safe printing zone. Flared mugs are always an issue on print area for a press.

Thanks Webtrekker and Andrew for your responses. Putting the mug in the opposite end of the press worked (but I also took more care not to get too close to the flare). I got some advice from the supplier of the press, and based on that, made the image height 5mm smaller (this would correspond with your suggestion Andrew). Success! Many thanks again.