After 1 month of Hybrid use

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 4:17 pm

Hybrid-I got this mask as a full face mask to use in case I had a cold, sinus or allergy problems. It is the mask I use most often now-though not without ambivalence.
It was comfortable right from the start and while awake seems to seal well on my face in any position; back, side, or stomach. When asleep I get numerous large leaks during the night that do not awaken me. Not awakening has hindered solving the leak problem. (I do monitor my therapy and have gone for months without any significant leaks using the Flexifit 406-the Hybrid data shows a large leak nearly every night.) Because of the leaks, my numbers are not as good with the Hybrid as they are with the Flexifit.
The original headgear was a very “soft” elastic and the mask easily slid out of position-did a temporary fix with a velstretch strap until I got the beefier headgear. The new headgear improved the leak problem but didn’t solve it completely. Since I have a small head I have modified the new headgear with some velcro strips that allow the straps at the back of the head to be adjusted.
I use a thin layer of Badger Balm (yesss-it is a greasy substance) around the rims of my nares-this seems to allow the pillows to reseat easily if the mask moves.
It works best when clean-wash it with baby shampoo every AM-no wipe down with a baby wipe when traveling or feeling lazy.
I do not have to wear a chinstrap with the Hybrid.
I did get a small blister under my nose the first night and the area was tender a couple days. This was easily remedied using Bandaide Blister Strips at night for a about 10 days until the area toughened up. Anyone just beginning to use the Hybrid might want to use some type of bandaid/adhesive to start with.
I do have more symptoms of sinus pressure using the Hybrid-but less aerophagia. I use my old mask for a couple days when the sinus pressure is bothering me and go back to the Hybrid when the aerophagia gets to me.
I’m still working on this mask & headgear. I give most changes about a week to see if they really make a difference. (Although I only gave reverting back to straight CPAP at 12 only one night.)

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 6:16 pm

krousseau,

I hope you are able to find and stop your leaks.
I find that if the hybrid is going to leak it is when I'm on my back.
I mostly sleep on my side so it has not been a problem.
The hybrid is the only mask I use I would find it hard to go back to any other FF mask.

Ms Piggy · Post by **Ms Piggy** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 6:43 pm

thanks for the report, I was about to ask how anyone with a small head/face
was making out with the Hybrid, the men seem happy with it.
I feel rather vunerable not havng a full face mask in case of colds, and also in view of the fact I suddenly developed allergy problems last spring. I have tried several F.F.'s on but they just don't fit.

inacpapfog · Post by **inacpapfog** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 7:28 pm

krousseau, I too have found that this is definitely one mask that fits better when wiped clean daily. Facial oils really cause my Hybrid to slip and slide!
(And I also keep baby wipes handy to rush jobs! )

Maryb · Post by **Maryb** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 10:21 pm

Krousseau-
how did you modify the back straps on the headgear so that the headgear is shorter?
I too have found that the headgear is too long for my head. I cut a big chunk out of the bottom strap in back because it was cutting into the back of my neck but the bottom strap still feels too low. Did you slit the two vertical straps and insert velcro so that you could adjust the length? What did you do? Unfortunately I'm still struggiing with the old version of the headgear. They had run out of the new version when I called in although they did send me another old version but with extra velcro at the top.
Still, I would like to try your modification of shortening the length of the headgear in the back.

Maryb

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 11:27 pm

Yes-I just cut the connection between the upper & lower straps in the back and sewed a piece of hook velcro onto the lower part. No need to sew in burr velcro as the whole headgear is a soft burr fabric. Maybe on the original version you would need the burr part as the fabric of the original didn't seem as "sticky" as the beefier version.

sidesleeper · Post by **sidesleeper** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:45 am

I find that washing my face before I retire helps the cushion life on any full face. This is the longest I have ever worn a full face . I luv this mask

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 12:01 pm

Yes I changed from Am to bedtime shower and shampoo. Even cut my hair very short for this XPAP therapy. The gear slips less with shorter hair.
Oh the things we tell about ourselves here. Dentures, showers etc.

After 1 month of Hybrid use

After 1 month of Hybrid use

one month