Safe? Hybrid Vent Modification

Bamalady · Post by **Bamalady** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 3:38 pm

I like the Hybrid, but the vent was driving me crazy. And I like to route the hose over my head....impossible with the Hybrid because of the noise. This fix works well for the noise, but I want to be sure it is safe. I cut a piece from a mask strap to use since it did not collapse and cover the vent holes. I used the pointed end of sissors to make a hole in each end of the strap and slid it over the O2 ports. The caps on those ports hold the strap in place.

I read lots of the dicussions on the Hybrid, but didn't run across anything I could use for the vent. It may be there but there was LOTS of dicussion! What do you think?

Bones · Post by **Bones** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 3:59 pm

I don't see any problem at all with what you've done. It looks like you've left plenty of room for air to escape. Very creative....good job!

Brian

Bamalady · Post by **Bamalady** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 4:20 pm

Hi Bones-

I thought it would be safe since the piece of strap doesn't seem to restrict the flow of air at all, but since I would have this thing on my face for about 8 hours a day, I want to be sure. And I don't know much about vents, CO2, etc.

Thanks.

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 5:16 pm

Hi Bamalady,

Great idea for the vent holes!
How does this affect the noise level? I know if the air stream from the vents hits the bedding it is quite loud. Dose using the strap material keep it quiet?
Also do you feel the redirected air on your face?

Do you record data on your machine?
I would suggest that if your normal leak rate drops with your new shield that would indicate a problem but just by looking at it I would say that it shouldn't cause you any problems.

If you can't record data let me know and I will try to do a test with my hybrid.

Bamalady · Post by **Bamalady** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 5:43 pm

Hi Tooley-

I think the noise level is much, much better especially when the hose is routed over the head. The piece of strap seems to really diffuse the air from the vent. I don't feel the air on my face at all.

I don't have the software yet, so if you could test it that would be great. The piece of stap I used is about 4 1/4" long, with holes punched through about 1/4" from each end.

Thanks.