I've used the Hybrid mask for 2 nights now and compared to the ff mask I was using for the week prior, I LOVE the Hybrid.  I was having non-stop leak problems with the ff mask and I still have a few with the Hybrid, but they are much less frequent or extreme. I'm usually able to get rid of the leak w/o having to turn off the machine and unhook the mask like I was doing before. The first night it was really hard to get used to the nasal pillows (I don't know why they call them that), but last night was much better. I didn't wake up feeling like Bozo with a big red nose!

For me, the biggest advantage to the Hybrid (leaks notwithstanding) is the ability to wear my glasses to read or watch tv in bed before falling asleep... something I absolutely could not do with the ff mask.  

Newbies, if you're having problems with your first mask, you may want to contact your DME without delay. In my case, the manufacturer of my first mask had a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Because I was not satisfied, my DME was able to give me the Hybrid mask (at no charge - courtesy of the guarantee) without involving my insurance company.  What a pleasant surprise!  I have no idea this is a common practice or not, but it's at least worth checking into if you find yourself in a similar situation.


_________________
Syd
Diagnosed w/severe OSA on 7/27/06
Started APAP on 8/01/06
Respironics REMstar Auto with C-Flex.
w/humidifier
Hybrid mask 9/06 to 9/07
Started Opus mask on 9/21/07
Pressure at 5-16

sydknits wrote:

I've used the Hybrid mask for 2 nights now and compared to the ff mask I was using for the week prior, I LOVE the Hybrid.  I was having non-stop leak problems with the ff mask and I still have a few with the Hybrid, but they are much less frequent or extreme. I'm usually able to get rid of the leak w/o having to turn off the machine and unhook the mask like I was doing before. The first night it was really hard to get used to the nasal pillows (I don't know why they call them that), but last night was much better. I didn't wake up feeling like Bozo with a big red nose!

For me, the biggest advantage to the Hybrid (leaks notwithstanding) is the ability to wear my glasses to read or watch tv in bed before falling asleep... something I absolutely could not do with the ff mask.  

Sydknits, Are you using the Hybrid with some kind of Auto CPAP machine? I read that people are getting lower AI and HI readings with the Hybrid (in some cases as much as 3 points lower) with the Hybrid? I have a CPAP with C-Flex with heated humidifier. I'm wondering if I should get an Auto CPAP to use with my Hybrid.

Sleepless,

I have the REMstar Auto CPAP with C-Flex and the new Hybrid mask. I got the combo from Apria in Portland (until my first hand positive experience, I was dreading getting anything from Apria based on the horror stories I had heard). I have been using the Hybrid for close to 2 weeks now.

I absolutely love my Hybrid mask and the Auto CPAP machine. On most nights, my AI and HI have been 0.0 at 90% pressure.


_________________
Pat

Hi Sleepless,

In answer to your question, I am not using an APAP, just a CPAP with a heated humidifier.  Each night seems to be a bit better with the previous leak problem.  This mask is working out so much better for me.  I'm still waking up a few times each night, but I fear is more due to the CSA than mask leaks.

However, your post and Patbringer's raise a very important question for me... I need to buy a CPAP machine in the next week or so and when I asked my DME about purchasing one that will track my apneas, I was told that I would not be able to check my own readings, that only my sleep dr could do that when I take the machine with me to dr's visits.  But here it sounds like others are doing it.  Is that only with an APAP machine?  Please let me know.  Thanks!


_________________
Syd
Diagnosed w/severe OSA on 7/27/06
Started APAP on 8/01/06
Respironics REMstar Auto with C-Flex.
w/humidifier
Hybrid mask 9/06 to 9/07
Started Opus mask on 9/21/07
Pressure at 5-16

sydknits wrote:

Hi Sleepless,

In answer to your question, I am not using an APAP, just a CPAP with a heated humidifier.  Each night seems to be a bit better with the previous leak problem.  This mask is working out so much better for me.  I'm still waking up a few times each night, but I fear is more due to the CSA than mask leaks.

However, your post and Patbringer's raise a very important question for me... I need to buy a CPAP machine in the next week or so and when I asked my DME about purchasing one that will track my apneas, I was told that I would not be able to check my own readings, that only my sleep dr could do that when I take the machine with me to dr's visits.  But here it sounds like others are doing it.  Is that only with an APAP machine?  Please let me know.  Thanks!

If you want to monitr your therapy thoroughly, you need to get an Auto PAP machine. My research indicates that the REMstar Auto Machine with C-Flex is better than the S8 Vantage EPR and it works better with the Hybrid.

Thanks to all who replied, both on this forum and throu PM.  I have actually purchased a REMstar APAP w/C-Flex which I should have in a few days.  I'm so thankful to have found this forum because if I'd listened to my DME, not only would I have been at the mercy of them and my dr, but it would have cost me a lot more money (and frustration, I'm sure).  Soon, I will have control over my own therapy and I'll be able to monitor my own progress (things the DME told me I would NOT be able to do). I understand that DME's are in business to make money, but it's a shame that they feel they must do it at the expense of innocent people who's only "crime" was to end up with a disorder like sleep apnea.  I wonder how many CPAP users would be more likely to work with the DMEs if they were truly willing to work with us!


_________________
Syd
Diagnosed w/severe OSA on 7/27/06
Started APAP on 8/01/06
Respironics REMstar Auto with C-Flex.
w/humidifier
Hybrid mask 9/06 to 9/07
Started Opus mask on 9/21/07
Pressure at 5-16

Actually, you don't need an autopap to record your data. Both the Remstar Pro2 and the Remstar Pro M Series are straight cpaps which have the same smart card capability as the Remstar Auto. To access the data from any of them, you need the card reader and software which will run another 250 bucks or more if you didn't get them bundled with your machine.

I begining to believe what I have been reading about this mask bringing down AHI's (events) because I'm seeing 0.0 and 0.1's for the first time and I'm feeling a heck a of lot better that with my old fullface masks.
I heard they have a new headgear design already so I may be ordering it. Overall, I am very happy with this mask and I'm ready for a new machine now. How is the Remstar Auto with the Hybrid mask? Anyone know?

I have a REMstar M Series with heated humidifer (setting of 8) and I just switched to the Hybrid mask. The problem I had with soreness to the bridge of the nose is gone, but I find the pressure on top of my upper lip a bit annoying. Nothing too bad and it will probably improve with time and minor adjustments. I'm surprised by the force of air coming out of the vent holes all the time -- I assume this is normal, but it does feel rather strong.

I do not believe I joined this evening the 'chat room' although this was my
intention.  Would someone help me.  At this point I do not know where to
find my present question, and of coourse if there are replies I am not sure
as to whether I will find them at the ASF.  Please help.  [ladler]

Hi all.

I'm a mouth leaker.  Will a hybrid mask help me?  So far I tape my mouth shut to stop the leaks, but sometimes I wake up with stomach pain form having swallowed air all night.  Has this happened to anyone?  Will this not happen with a hybrid mask?  I hope not.  Thanks.

John.

John32 wrote:

Hi all.

I'm a mouth leaker.  Will a hybrid mask help me?  So far I tape my mouth shut to stop the leaks, but sometimes I wake up with stomach pain form having swallowed air all night.  Has this happened to anyone?  Will this not happen with a hybrid mask?  I hope not.  Thanks.

John.

My aerophagia is much better since switching to the Hybrid. My hypothesis is that mouth-breathing prevents you from burping in your sleep, but with the Hybrid you can.

It does make my lips very dry, which of course didn't happen with my last mask (nasal pillows). But the only real problem I'm having with it is a pressure sore on my upper lip. It was a little hard to get used to air rushing past my chin/mouth though; with the nasal pillows I couldn't even feel the air at all, so the breeze was rather unexpected!


_________________
Machine: Puritan-Bennett GoodKnight 420E (Auto)
Mask: OptiLife/Hybrid

Hi again.

Now I´m trying to find a hybrid mask that's good.  Can anyone please recommend me a brand, model and website?  I need to buy it on the web.  Thanks.

John.

John32 wrote:

Hi again.

Now I´m trying to find a hybrid mask that's good.  Can anyone please recommend me a brand, model and website?  I need to buy it on the web.  Thanks.

John.

Hybrid is a model name, not a type. It's made by Respcare/Teleflex. http://www.hybrid-mask.com

There is another similar mask, the Resmed Mirage Liberty. It's just been released and I don't think anyone here has tried it. http://www.resmed.com/en-us/products/masks/mirage_liberty_full_face_mask/mirage-liberty-full-face-mask.html

It's against the site's rules to post business website addresses here.


_________________
Machine: Puritan-Bennett GoodKnight 420E (Auto)
Mask: OptiLife/Hybrid

I just selected the Liberty today after trying a full face mask for the first few days of my new life under pressure.  It was really comfortable in the office with my high pressure BiPAP, 22/18.  Tonight we'll see how it goes...