my new used liberty

[new2]

I'm so excited. She looks brand new (even though it came all the way from sunny California). The mask cost me 150.00 used. I know it's high, but I bought it because my DME can't get one yet. I have the large (they come is two sizes) , but that's OK because I was told they run small. It should fit. I haven't slept with it yet, but putting it up to my face ,it seems to fit fine around my mouth. I'm excited because I love the Hybrid. This will be great to switch off with. Between this, my hybrid, my bravo (love it, love it, love it) and my nasal aireII cannula which also fits on my bravo , I'm all set.
This is it, now.
No more money for this stuff. I swear.

[muld00n]

I
This is it, now.
No more money for this stuff. I swear.

Nah, man you are hooked... admit it!

[birdshell]

Agreed on the outcome, Muld00n. This is just one of those "hobbies" for some of us, isn't it?

And, unless one happens to have EXCELLENT medical insurance, there doesn't seem to be much relief in sight. Those new masks are like the sirens in the Odyssey--they call us irresistibly toward their lovely features. Maybe we, too, need to have earplugs inserted into our ears and lash ourselves to the bedpost in order to resist their call.

Aw, well. It is only money, and compared to one's health, that choice is no dilemna at all. What bothers me is the number of people who are NOT diagnosed or treated due to monetary problems. They may not even be aware of SDB (sleep disordered breathing) as a source of their problems.

New2, I'm very glad that you found a great mask to try. I've still not found my best, most comfortable mask(s), but that will hopefully come. (The silicone sensitivity has really thrown a monkey wrench into that search.)

There is nothing more exciting than a new mask...which should be put onto the "you know you are a hosehead" thread if it isn't there already. Please post and let us know how that Bravo works out for you. I hope it is the best you've ever tried!

[new2]

Oh, Birdshell, the Bravo so far is wonderful! Probably the best pillow mask I have tried and I have 6 other pillow masks not including Hybrid and Liberty or NasalAires. What I like best about it is that once you adjust it the first time, putting it on and off is easier than putting a sock on your foot. One or two seconds. And there is no buckle on the back of your head like the Swifts to drive you crazy all night. I can put my nasalaire prongs on if I want, too.
That's why I think I'm done as far as looking for masks. I just have to mouth breath sometimes because I get congested, thus, I'm a Hybrid girl.
When I saw the liberty, I had to try it. Had to. I tried to buy one for over a month, and I have a good connection in the sleep community now.They are no where to be found. I heard that it may take many more months to get a new one because unlike Hybrid, their reimbursement is still up in the air.
Last night was my first night with the Liberty. The Liberty is not as bad as everyone says it is. Do not compare it to the Hybrid because that is just not fair. Teleflex gave you so many choices to make your mask fit that it covers all shapes and sizes, even for the nose. The Liberty gives you only one size with three pillows which you cannot adjust. I have a large and it almost feels too small for me (well, it doesn't feel too small, really, it is too short on the sides). Just make sure you ask for the large size unless it's for a small child. I could not mouth breath very well so I ended up getting out a very large chinstrap and it worked! Don't laugh because the chinstrap solved 2 of the biggest problems with the mask. First, the easy headgear clamps are too easy and the mask comes undone if you move your head back and forth on the pillow. That happened to me at least twice. A thick chinstrap helps keep everything firm and attached to your face. Second, my mouth area had trouble. The mask leaked on the sides of my mouth as if my mouth as too large for the mask. Trust me when I tell you I do not have an overly big mouth (although my ex boyfriend would disagree). A thick chinstrap will help keep your mouth shut and keeps the mask in place firmer to prevent the mouth leaks.
When I got the leaks under control, the mask was quiet.
I feel a little soreness this morning from the pillows pushing up against my nostrils all night, but that is to be expected.
I'm going to make this mask work if I have to win every award Rested Gal has.

[birdshell]

You do that, New2!!

And, thank you for the recommendation on the Bravo. I'll be sure to watch for it.

One of my biggest gripes with the Hybrid is that it is so hard to get on. There is no easy way to replace it with all of the right settings to, for example, use the bathroom or turn off the light across the room.

Another thing that I dislike is the design of the clips. They are easily swiveled, tangling the straps. It takes almost as much time to get the Hybrid on as it did to tape the mouth, put lanolin on the direct seal, and then don the CL 2. However, it seems as if there is still less hassle. Just put on the mask (Hybrid) and adjust, then...to sleep.

I do notice that I get the mask shifted slightly at night and then am sure to have some leaks. I may need a Papillow next. <sigh> I love my Shapable pillow so much. It would be a shame to have to abandon it on the chair each night.


Karen

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): seal