Mirage Liberty Hybrid mask

[skylark40]

I made a trip to my DME this morning to both swap out my PR System One with C-Flex for the Pro model with C-Flex, and to find an alternative mask to my Swift LT for Her nasal mask. The only hybrid mask they had was the Mirage Liberty which seemed to leak a bit around the mask at cheekbone level. They told me I can bring it back within 30 days if it doesn't work. My question is; how unhappy will I be with this mask? I really do like my Swift LT but can't keep my big mouth shut without tape, etc. I had a nasal mask for my sleep study and couldn't stand the pressure on my sinuses and the bridge of my nose, so a FF mask is a no-go, too.

[chunkyfrog]

I all depends on your facial shape.
I was quite pleased with the Liberty.
After using the Mirage Micro for 3 months, it was a joy--even though the lowest part of the seal barely meets my chin.
I settled on the Swift FX, even though I have to tape.
I will be trying the InnoMed Hybrid shortly--more flexible fit, they say (I could even let my hubby use it)
Important--Don't give up.

[roster]

I made a trip to my DME this morning to both swap out my PR System One with C-Flex for the Pro model with C-Flex, and to find an alternative mask to my Swift LT for Her nasal mask. The only hybrid mask they had was the Mirage Liberty which seemed to leak a bit around the mask at cheekbone level. They told me I can bring it back within 30 days if it doesn't work. My question is; how unhappy will I be with this mask? I really do like my Swift LT but can't keep my big mouth shut without tape, etc. I had a nasal mask for my sleep study and couldn't stand the pressure on my sinuses and the bridge of my nose, so a FF mask is a no-go, too.

But I do alway recommend the Hybrid over the Liberty because:

1. The Hybrid comes with all three sizes of mouth cushions. The Liberty only one.

2. The Hybrid has a built-in chinflap. The Liberty has no chinflap (Hybrid patent prevents this).

3. If you prefer the mask without a chinflap (as I do), the Hybrid chinflap can be easily cut away with a pair of scissors.

I also personally like to support the guys who invented a great mask that has improved my life. The ResMed Liberty is an inferior copy of the Hybrid.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=55793&p=522458#p522458

[jdm2857]

The Liberty does come in two sizes, small and large, but they are separate masks, not interchangable cushions like the Hybrid.

[rubymom]

It's so personal a choice, really. I like my Liberty and did not like the Hybrid despite the high recommendations on this site. I do have to tie a shoelace around my head to hold the nasal pillows in place. And I sleep with a buckwheat pillow so that I can carve out a hole and the plastic part of my mask does not generally touch the pillow. But it works for me! I wish you the best as you continue your quest to find what works best for you!

[roster]

The Liberty does come in two sizes, small and large, but they are separate masks, not interchangable cushions like the Hybrid.

Careful on the wording. The Liberty does not "come in two sizes" (of mouth cushions). You have to purchase one size or the other. With the Hybrid Mask, you get three sizes of mouth cushions with one purchase.

[rubymom]

JDM, your wording was pretty darn clear. "They are separate masks." Yup. Pretty clear.

I personally hate to think of all the waste from the Hybrid providing all three sizes with every purchase. For a first timer, that's probably a nice idea. For re-orders, total waste.

[skylark40]

My first night with the Liberty was not so good. When I first put it on I thought maybe it was what I needed, then at 3am I woke up with the Mojave Desert in my mouth, and a farting noise coming from the seal near my cheekbone. I put my Swift LT for Her back on.

My impressions of this mask are that the seal around the mask seems sharp on the inside and there is a definite "sucking" sensation that feels like my mouth and lips are being pulled outward. I felt somewhat like I had an octopus on my face. It also seemed the seal was pretty unforgiving, in that even the slightest movement would cause a massive leak. I felt I had the straps adequately tightened, too. The nasal pillow part was comfortable, but not as much as my Swift. The mask felt heavy after my Swift, too.

I'll give it another shot tonight, but so far, I'm not impressed.

[wjp]

Coming from the Swift, any of the full face masks will feel huge and heavy. Unfortunately us mouth breathers don't really have much of a choice.

The Hybrid will be even larger and heavier than the Liberty, but for me it is a clear choice. Much more flexible on the sizing, and for me a generally more comfortable fit. All sizes come with it so you can experiment to find the best fit for you.

For me the chin cup really helps in keeping the lower part of the mask in place and reduces the leaking around the mouth.

[skylark40]

Coming from the Swift, any of the full face masks will feel huge and heavy. Unfortunately us mouth breathers don't really have much of a choice.

The Hybrid will be even larger and heavier than the Liberty, but for me it is a clear choice. Much more flexible on the sizing, and for me a generally more comfortable fit. All sizes come with it so you can experiment to find the best fit for you.

For me the chin cup really helps in keeping the lower part of the mask in place and reduces the leaking around the mouth.

The Hybrid will be larger and heavier than the Liberty? In looking at it online it looks like it would have less weight because the straps are mostly flexible versus the hard plastic straps on the Liberty. Anyway, I was looking at the Hybrid but my DME only carries the Liberty. I also noticed the Liberty is twice the cost!!

[Muse-Inc]

Heavier? Hmmm, I dunno. The Liberty has more parts than the Hybrid. I'd break those clips in a heartbeat if I could make the durn mask not leak like a sieve. Plus, those double-walled pillows must be a chore to keep clean if you've got a lot of nasal discharge.

Hybrid works well for me. More mask than my beloved OptiLife pillow mask but with the Hybrid, I don't lose therapy air. Few parts to the mask is a real plus in my mind.

[skylark40]

Second night with this mask was just as disappointing as the first. I awoke after only 3 hours, chucked the thing in the corner and went back to taping my mouth and my Swift LT for Her. The Liberty seems to seal alright when I first put it on but develops all kinds of leaks at the 3 hour mark. Once it starts to leak there's no stopping it. I really don't care for the feeling of something sucking at my face, either. I realized last night it feels like when I was a kid, I'd suck all the air out of a drinking glass and have it stick to my face. Funny then. Irritating now.