Modifying Hybrid Clips

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:14 pm

Has anyone modified their Hybrid clips yet and if so what did you do? I'm working on it...so far just going through all the stuff I have until I get some inspiration.

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 5:52 pm

I didn't like them at first but have gotten used to them.

What problem are you having that you want to modify around?

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 8:40 pm

It is just a bit awkward without looking in a mirror-but it has only been one night-not much practice yet! It would be really difficult for a person with arthritis in their hands. I liked the FP Flexifit 406 hook arrangement. Too bad we can't get all the features we like in one piece of equipment.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 5:26 am

krousseau wrote:It is just a bit awkward without looking in a mirror-but it has only been one night-not much practice yet! It would be really difficult for a person with arthritis in their hands. I liked the FP Flexifit 406 hook arrangement. Too bad we can't get all the features we like in one piece of equipment.

Krousseau,

Other than the clips being a little difficult, how has your experience otherwise been with the Hybrid? I'm thinking of getting one...

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 6:24 am

Guest - The Hybrid is perfect for some and a nightmare for others. If one
of the three mouthpieces is:
A) Big enough to fit over your mouth, and
B) Fits the curve of your face (near the mouth)
..then you are in a position to receive the wonderful therapy that the Hybrid is capable of delivering. If not, you're out of luck.

It helps if you are already using a nasal pillow mask.

I can use my medium mouthpiece only with my upper partial plate. However, I can use my 'modified' large mouthpiece without the partial plate.
The problem with leaving the partial plate in, is the pressure from the mask leaves a sore on my gums. Therefore, for August I'm using the 'modified' large mouthpiece, and large pillows, in the low position.

'Modified' mouthpiece:
1) Cut of chin flap.
2) Installed two 2.5 mm spacers, that reduce the radius a bit.
3) I have an old chin strap (the kind with the chin hole), that is at the ready position (hose is routed through the hole in the chin strap), to be employed as a 'panty hose strap'.

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:49 am

Well-It is much more comfortable that any of the masks I've tried on-and the two I've actually used. On the non technical side I really like being able to read with the mask on and not having to fumble with getting my glasses off when it's time to sleep. It does make more noise that the FP 406. On the technical side, I have not had any significant change in my numbers-but it has only been two nights and those were on Ambien. I was able to put on the 406 with my homemade headgear and it was set for the night-no slippage and no leaks. I think the Hybrid is going to be fussier than that. The headgear is comfortable but a little "soft" by my standard so the mask is able to slide. Once used to the mask and stop the Ambien I'll start experimenting with settings to see if I can get the hypopneas down a little more.

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 6:44 pm

krousseau wrote:It is just a bit awkward without looking in a mirror-but it has only been one night-not much practice yet!

I had the same problem at first but now can put the mask on in the dark.
have you beefed up your headgear yet?

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 9:45 pm

No-thought I would just let things settle out for a week or two before I modify anything.

inacpapfog · Post by **inacpapfog** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 10:27 am

krousseau
Just to give you some encouragement....
I also thought that this mask would take more "detailing" each night than I was used to providing with my Swift! But, like tooly says, it really gets easier! I find that, after about a month now, I can put mine on in the dark! Really has become quite comfortable!

sidesleeper · Post by **sidesleeper** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 1:27 pm

Also, I have almost 0 AHi's now and I think it's because of the chinflap because I've had at least 12 other masks and never these wonderful results. I think the chin flap might reposition everything to keep you from having events.Like pull the jaw forward a bit or something. I can't wait till Johnny or someone has the Hybrid people for chat because I want to ask about it. Don't be too quick to cut it off.

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 4:34 pm

The chin flap is one of the reason's I got it-no way I'll take the scissors to it. And I do believe it is working-I have not had to use my trusty chinstrap. It seems that once that chincup slips over my chin there is just the slightest bit of a suction effect?? It seems that way to me any way. 3 nights so far and the mask is definitely a keeper.

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 5:08 pm

krousseau wrote: It seems that once that chincup slips over my chin there is just the slightest bit of a suction effect??

I felt what you are talking about but couldn't quite put it into words.
now I can thanks

inacpapfog · Post by **inacpapfog** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 7:56 am

That "suctioning" effect seems to keep my jaw from dropping backward too!
No doubt this is why my AHI's are now so much lower!
Before, when I was using a chinstrap, once my jaw relaxed, the tension of the chinstrap would actually pull my jaw back and cause obstruction.
Now. my relaxed jaw is held in position by the Hybrid's chin cup, so the airway is not ascompromised as before!
Sure explains things for me!

sidesleeper · Post by **sidesleeper** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 12:43 pm

That's why I tell people not to be so quick to cut off the flap. Once you wear the mask for a few days you can see the medical benifit. Good thing insurance will replace the cushion every month in case you cut if off and wish you would have waited. Just get set up for your replacement parts every month.

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 12:50 pm

Since it took 3 weeks to get the mask-replacement parts are on the calendar.