Like a (Mask) Virgin

[kteague]

Being a diehard nasal pillows user, with the last 3 years of using the same mask, I've finally decided to see if there is ANY chance that doing something besides a chin strap could just maybe take my treatment to another level. Because of a chronic cough, taping and polident haven't been good options for me. Although I use a chin strap, there are times I wake up aware that it is not fully doing the job. Hence, here I sit with my new Hybrid in hand, wondering what in the dickens I 've got myself into! I think it's gonna be a couple days of playing around with it before I try to sleep with it. Had to chuckle when I thought of all the times I've skipped over advice to try out a mask during the daytime, now here I am thinking what an inspired idea that is. LOL Good thing I've been well trained on here. I will read about fixes that have worked for others, adjust the straps while lying down with the machine on - during the day when there's no expectation of sleep. I will not expect too much too soon. I will be patient and willing to play around with sizes. It remains to be seen if I will be converted. Even if I can make it work, I want to see benefits that will make the trade-off worthwhile. So, my beloved Headrest, take your rest, at least for now. Interesting to feel like a newbie again.

[SleepingUgly]

If need be, don't forget BleepingBeauty's fix for the Hybrid.

P.S. Did you have to use the word "Virgin"?!

[kteague]

SU - thanks for the reminder about BB's fix. Will look at it. And I just HAD to use the word "virgin" - so few opportunities to in any way resemble that word at this point in life!

[DoriC]

K, I like your Subject. Just think of how nice it will be to say goodbye to the chin strap, tape and Polident and welcome a new bed partner with no baggage! Many people love the Hybrid. Keep us updated.

[WearyOne]

Remember, if you have a lot of trouble with it leaking at the bottom, especially when you bend your head forward, you can cut the chin cup thing off. It took me a while at first before I dared do that because, obviously, once you cut it off you can't glue it back on if things are worse!! And there are many different fixes for any pillow issues you may have.

I think it's a great mask, but it did take a while to get to that point. Hope it ends up being just what you're looking for!

Pam

[chunkyfrog]

I am so tempted; love my FX, but this flappy yap, all that air, even with tape, my poor gums need a break.

[ozij]

I know exactly what you mean.

It took me a long time (many nights) to find out the best way to set up my Hybrid. Daytime training, reading and the videos (both the the setup and the troubleshooting videos) were a great help.

I use mine with a Resmed Activa Inlet tube with swivel and a Hozer. And Padacheeks.

I put the Hozer at about where my mid- upper-arm is. This gives me the benefits of a hanging hose: no hose drag or tangle with upper body parts, with the benefits of the hose actually coming from below: very little of the "vent air hitting hose" noise. I think it may also add to the mask's stability - once I moved the Hozer further down, the nasal pillows seem to have become more stable as well.
The Hybrid's "vent air hitting hose" noise can be very loud, annoying and confusing -- makes me think I have a leak when I don't. The Resmed tube is very flexible and creates a J shape -- the short part of the J enters the mask from the direction of my chin, and the whole hose usually swivels over my shoulder when I turn from side to side. When I hear leak hisses now, I've learned to try to swing the hose to the side before fussing with the mask. With the hose out of the vented air's way, the Hybrid is very silent.

Set up like this, I don't need any fixes, not even my trusty pantyhose pillows strap which I used in the beginning, before I move the Hozer further down. And the flap is still on the seal too.

Good luck!
O.

[BlackSpinner]

Yep I felt the same way. There are so many options for adjustment! I got mine in October - it was not until January when I finally "bit the bullet" and took the time to figure it out. For me the crucial adjustment was the one on the top of the head and the extra lycra strap across the pillows. Having a tilted snub nose and long upper lip this was crucial to keep them from popping out at the slightest twitch.

After that I could really empathize with the newbies mask issues!

But once I figured it out it became my favourite mask.

[Catnapper]

I just recently tried a different mask than my long trusted Headrest. It took me 4 days to discover that the new mask trashed my skin where it touched, and I was back to the Headrest. I hope you have more success than I did!

Gotta love that Headrest!

Catnapper - Joanie

[sleepnationtv]

Here is a fullface mask video that you may find helpful.
http://www.sleepnation.tv/post/942170110/episode2