Respcare Hybrid mask vs Liberty Hybrid mask

[splinky]

I had a devil of a time getting the DME to deliver my new S9 Elite and mask in a timely fashion after a week of false starts, the guy finally showed up earlier this afternoon. My doctor has prescribed the Liberty Hybrid but he brought the Respcare Hybrid instead. His explanation for the substitution wasn't very satisfactory and I suspect they just didn't have what was ordered in stock, which I think was also the reason for the delay in delivering the CPAP machine. My question is whether or not people have found a big enough difference between the two, that would warrant making them return to do a side by side comparison and possible exchange. I have to say the guy that brought the equipment totally grossed me out. He started handling the mask and parts without first washing his hands and when I asked if he'd like to wash his hands he declined. I wish I'd had some Purell handy. Before he left he asked to use the bathroom and sure enough he didn't wash his hands. I thought I'd lose my lunch over that one. So now that I'm finished sterilizing everything he brought and have scrubbed my face raw, I'm wondering if i should exchange the mask or at least compare the two. I see the Liberty costs about double what the Respcare mask does. Are they trying to pull a fast one? Thanks

[jdm2857]

The Liberty is ResMed's copy of the Hybrid.

I have a Liberty that I have never used because every time I try it the airflow drives me crazy. But everyone is different. I've read more than one post here from people who prefer the Hybrid over the Liberty.

I think I would try the Hybrid, especially if my DME had a 30-day mask exchange policy (many do.) You can always call him out on the substitution if the Hybrid doesn't work for you.

[DreamStalker]

....snip....

I see the Liberty costs about double what the Respcare mask does. Are they trying to pull a fast one? Thanks

You are a quick learner.

[splinky]

I also just noticed that he took the regular hose that was packed with the machine with him and left only the heated hose. I guess I'll be getting a new DME in the future.

[jdm2857]

The Hybrid comes with all of the different sizes of cushions and pillows (three sizes of each.) Did he steal some of those, too?

[splinky]

no, but he ripped open all of the resealable bags and put his filthy sweaty mitts all over every single piece. i will be taking several showers during the remainder of the day.

[KC5cychris]

Slinky
I have both and I like the Respcare better just seems to fit a little different the liberty mad my upper lip sore no mater how loose I had it

Chris

[asleep@thewheel]

I am waiting on my hybrid to arrive. I have the liberty and like it, not love it. I like the idea of trying all the different combos with the mouthpieces and even the adjustable heights on the nose pillows sounds good to me. I use a mouthpiece as well that pushes my lower jaw forward and hinges the jaw shut as best it can even though I still leak air through my lips.

The return insurance seems to be getting higher(anybody listening), but I only use cpap.com to order anything apnea related. DME's are for the dark ages.

I look forward to how it goes.

[M.D.Hosehead]

I've had both. I returned the Liberty already and have another 3 weeks to try the ResMed. It's a good concept: no dents on the bridge of my nose, I can wear glasses and so on.

In both cases, the problem is leaks around the nostrils. I can get them sealed before I go to bed, but the slightest touch on the pillow dislodges one or the other, then I can't get them sealed again, perhaps because the machine is putting out a lot of pressure to try to compensate for the large leak. So I have to fully awaken and start over. This can happen several times a night.

There is no apparent reason the ResMed would cost more to manufacture, so I surmise that's just the price ResMed thinks the traffic will bear. That said, the ResMed fits me better. It's close enough to working that, during the remaining 3 weeks of trial, I plan to try some of the kludges that have worked for others. Hope people don't get the wrong idea when I buy pantyhose. (Then again, it might do me good to have a little racier reputation. )

Plan B is joining the tapers.

[jdm2857]

I've had both. I returned the Liberty already and have another 3 weeks to try the ResMed. It's a good concept: no dents on the bridge of my nose, I can wear glasses and so on.

I'm confused. The Liberty is made by ResMed.

[splinky]

my sleep doc said that i should come in tomorrow, bring the respcare mask with me and try out the liberty hybrid and see which one works best for me in a mask fit test. he was not happy that the dme took it upon themselves to substitute for what he prescribed. the tech said if they both work for me, he didn't see a problem with me having and keeping both.

[M.D.Hosehead]

I'm confused.

Sorry. I'm the confused one. The Hybrid by Innomed is the one I sent back. The Liberty by ResMed, the one that costs more, is the one I'm still working with.
Please forgive; it will never happen again.

[M.D.Hosehead]

the tech said if they both work for me, he didn't see a problem with me having and keeping both.

Well now, your doctor became your advocate and the slimy tech had to back down. We certainly don't see that as often as we should.

[splinky]

to be clear, that was the sleep doc's tech who said i could have both if i want. the dme tech didn't know his ass from his elbow

[torontoCPAPguy]

I would like to know what kind of mask (Full Face Mask) they were using when I was on life support in the hospital and on oxygen ventilator (respirator?). It fit like a glove. No leaks. Super comfortable. I WILL find out and report back.