I think I'm almost there...a couple of hybrid questions

[soverytired2]

Hello Everyone,

I've been trying to adjust to the Hybrid due to trying multiple masks with multiple leaks. Roosters tips have helped alot but I have a couple more questions and if anyone can help I would appreciate it.

With the Hybrid, for the first time I'm waking without a headache (that is until I put the nasal back on because of the leaks usually around 2am), I can lay on either side without being nauseous which was a problem with every mask, and I'm dreaming again since I started using it 5 days ago. Beautiful vibrant colors included. I thought I was getting decent sleep with the nasal mask despite the mouth leaks, but felt nothing like I do with the Hybrid which which is why I'm still trying to make it work after a week. I think I really like this mask but need to continue to fine tune.

Has anyone tried sleeping with a chin strap covering the chin flap of the mask as well as the sides? I'm wondering if that would keep it from being a hovercraft. I'm going to try it tonight. Mask is leaking mostly around the corners of my mouth straight down to my jaw on both sides.

The tights trick doesn't seem to be working with the pillow leaks in the middle of the night. When the pressures are high (average between 14.8-16.2) the pillows are blowing out regardless of the tights. I've read about dental floss to hold them together but haven't seen pictures. If you use dental floss are you tying it near the nose? Are the pillows strong enough not to tear with the pressure from the dental floss?

Thank you!
Paula

[shooter]

I had leak problems with my hybrid like you describe. I ended up trying the small mouth cushion out of desperation one night.
The leaks disappeared! Also there are stretchy headbands or hair bands available that are only about 1/4 inch wide. I put one of these
around my head under my ears and across the nasal pillows. I holds them in place really well.

[bdp522]

The rubberband trick works well to hold the pillows in place;
viewtopic.php?t=13882&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

It does the same thing as the dental floss.

Don't remember who, but someone wore a chinstrap under the hybrid to help 'puff' up the cheeks and reported a better seal of the mouth cushion that way.
ok, found it;
viewtopic.php?t=14735
Third post, by oldgearhead.

Brenda

[soverytired2]

The chinstrap didn't work for me completely as I still developed leaks at the corners of my mouth, but helped it not lift off my face so I still consider it a success. If I could just sleep with my mouth pursed constantly I would be fixed as I can make the leaks go away by doing that. Thanks for the link, that was a thread I hadn't seen and it was helpful.

I never even thought of hairbands to hold the pillows. Great idea which I'll use tonight. I'll feel better about those than the dental floss I think.
I'll try changing the mouthpiece which is a medium right now. It just might work for me. Even though I've seen it mentioned in threads I'm embarrassed to say I didn't try changing the mouthpiece. Thanks for the reminder!

Thank you both!
Paula

[plr66]

I wonder if anyone besides Rooster cuts off the Hybrid's chin flap...and if so, whether you found it to be an improvement or detriment in terms of the leaking issues.