Question on Hybrid

[lennyten]

As I mentioned in a prior message, I am having trouble exhaling with the Hybrid.

My question to anyone that is currently using the Hybrid -

When you exhale, does the valve inside of the clear elbow cover the large opening in the elbow? In other words, does the air that is exhaled escape thru the opeining in the elbow, along with the 6 holes - exhalation ports - in the mask or only thru the 6 holes?

Thanks.

[Snoozin' Bluezzz]

When you exhale, does the valve inside of the clear elbow cover the large opening in the elbow? In other words, does the air that is exhaled escape thru the opeining in the elbow, along with the 6 holes - exhalation ports - in the mask or only thru the 6 holes?

It is not supposed to. I have never monitored it with a mirror, which would be the only way to know for sure. My statistics say it is not open under pressure. I believe someone reported that it closes at 6cm H2O and higher.

That hole is there and supposed to be open under no pressure so that you can breath if the machine is powered off.

David

[Guest]

do you use your ramp? how high is your pressure ?

[lennyten]

[quote="Anonymous"]do you use your ramp? how high is your pressure ?

[Guest]

When you exhale, does the valve inside of the clear elbow cover the large opening in the elbow? In other words, does the air that is exhaled escape thru the opeining in the elbow, along with the 6 holes - exhalation ports - in the mask or only thru the 6 holes?

1) Put the mask on your face, but don't attach it to the xPAP machine.
You should be able to breath in and out through the check valve port, located on the elbow, and the air inlet.

2) Now attach it to your xPAP machine. But don't turn on the xPAP yet. It will be a bit strained, but you should be able to inhale and exhale through the check valve port.

3) Turn on the machine. The check valve should close, and
you should not be able to breathe through the check valve. However, you should be able to breathe through the xPAP machine. If you have problems breathing while attached to a running xPAP machine, I would think your starting pressure is too low.

In general APAP machines work best if the they are set 2-3 cm/H2O above and below your titrated pressure. Furthermore, I suspect 4 cm/H2O is way to low for any full-face mask. At least bring that minimum pressure up to at least 7 cm/H2O.

The answer to your question is yes and no. You should only be able to exhale through the check valve port when the mask is not connected to a running xPAP. You should not be able to exhale through the check valve port when connected to a running xCPAP.


Just strap the thing to a kiddie's volley ball and observe the check valve action.