Some background -  I've had - and been using faithfully - my CPAP equipment for 36 days so far. I have a ResMed Elite S8 and a Fisher & Paykel Flexifit? 432 (maybe 431) full face mask. The pressure is set at 13, which usually registers as 13.2 (I understand it's higher to compensate for leakage). The leakage is usually less than 1. My AI and HI numbers vary a lot; the AHI is generally less than 12  - sometimes the AI portion will be 5 or more and the HI about the same... other times the AI will be less than 1 and and the HI will be 8 or 9 more.

I sleep on my side or stomach, I really can't fall asleep on my back.  (Of course before I started therapy I could fall asleep, or what I thought was sleep, in any position ) I'm a "mouth-breather" with a slightly deviated septum.

I find I have to tighten all the mask straps quite a bit to stop leaks that wake me up but it still doesn't work well and then when I get up in the morning my face is sore and creased, my eyes are red, and there are bags and creases under my eyes.  Not a pretty picture, or a comfortable one. But I'm still incredibly motivated because the therapy makes me feel so much better!

I've been reading in this forum and researching online about the Hybrid Mask, and I've called my RRT contact for an appointment for a mask change.  My intention is to ask him for a change to the Hybrid mask.

My question is, what should I expect? Is this a reasonable request? I don't really know how many "chances" I have to get the mask right. I've already made them give me a larger interface because the medium size was too small.

What if he says that they don't stock the Hybrid mask and the liner and pillow replacement parts? Can I reasonably expect that they would be willing to order them for me so they would be available?

What if he wants me to try a Liberty type mask instead? I understand it's harder to clean and doesn't work as well - should I insist on the Hybrid? I've lost about 25 LBS since January with a goal of losing another 50 or 60 LBS or so - it seems like the Hybrid, with it's choices of interfaces, makes the most sense because it's more versatile.

Should I call my pulmonary doctor's office beforehand and ask these questions? My pulmonary doctor (who I've only seen twice and thus don't know well) did say that they would find the right mask for me. But I wonder if I should call them first to make sure it's OK.

My bottom line is I want to try the Hybrid no matter what and will pay for it myself if I have to but I just wondered if anyone here can give me some insight.


_________________
We can't change the wind, but we can adjust the sails!

It is perfectly fine to insist upon the mask you want; make sure that you tell them what you want at least a month before the three or six months are up.  

The immediate availability of the mask and the amount of push back by the RT (if you see an RT) totally depends upon the RT and the DME.   Some DMEs may stock them, some will have no problem ordering one for you, and some will ty to pressure you into taking whichever mask they get for the best price.