New User, saying hi and Question

[TalonNYC]

Hi everyone:

I'm a new CPAP'er (literally started with my machine last night). Diagnosed with moderate-severe OSA, though I'm still trying to get my doc to give me the specifics, all I know for sure is my pressure is 12 =)

I'm so glad this forum is here, I've gotten a TON of information so far. Thank you all for contributing.

I've got one question so far that I don't see via the search feature. I want to try a Hybrid mask (specifically this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DLVF2C) but I'm unsure if it'll work properly with my ResMed S9. Has anyone tried that combo (or similar hybrids with the S9)? Specifically, I'm just looking to see if the combination of devices will function, as I do know that "working for me" is different from "working technically."

Thanks in advance, and thanks again for being here!

[Pugsy]

That mask will work fine with the S9.. ResMed actually makes a similar hybrid called the Liberty. Choose full face in the machine's mask selection and that is it. With the exception of a very special high end machine, all masks can be used with all machines.

[TalonNYC]

Thanks! I kind of figured that it would as the tech said "any standard mask is fine" but I wasn't sure if a hybrid counted as a "standard mask."

Ah well, I'm a techie and gadget guy, so I'm going to look at this as just another piece of gear =)

[Pugsy]

You are techie guy? Are you aware that there is software available so you can see much more in regards to your data reports than what is shown on the machine?

[TalonNYC]

I know it exists, but I haven't been able to find where to obtain a current version. The links in peoples' sigs seem to go to the CPAP.com page for the ResScan software, but for versions that are listed as "Research Only."

[Pugsy]

I sent you a link to Uncle_Bob profile in PM. Didn't see a recent post of his to point you to. So was easier to send profile link.

What you are searching for is in his signature.

[TalonNYC]

Does the board have any way to "favorite" or "kudos" a user? You definitely earned one!

[TalonNYC]

one follow up on hybrids (or using a chin-strap with a nose mask, taping your mouth shut, etc.)...

The chin strap I have warns that if the power goes out, the mouth won't open (which is the point) and "patient may breathe into the circuit." Is that something I should be worried about? Granted, air breathed into the circuit won't be as fresh as air without the mask, but it's not a close loop that will suffocate you, is it?

The worry I've got is that - with a hybrid mask - I'd run the same risk as with the chin strap if the power dies. That's not something that happens every day, but it has been known to go out now and then.

[BernieRay]

... but it's not a close loop that will suffocate you, is it?
...

Except for the vent hole(s) on your mask, it's a sealed circuit.

Have you tried putting your mask on without the S9 turned on to see how easy/difficult it is to breathe without the machine running? If you can breathe that way without great effort for a little while, then I wouldn't be concerned. If you can't, though...it's something to consider. Obviously, a lot of folks use FFMs or chin straps, so I don't mean that in an alarmist way. But it's good that you're thinking about it.

Although I get a much better seal with the Mirage SoftGel than I did with my previous mask (Respironics Profile Lite), the exhalation holes do not allow me to breathe easily like the Profile Lite did when the power goes out. And I don't always revert to mouth breathing, so I'd better be waking up. I installed a power out alarm on the wall right next to the head of my bed. It's loud enough to wake me up when the power goes out if the inability to breath doesn't.

[TalonNYC]

I'll look into the alarm, thanks for the tip.

I can breathe through the circuit relatively well enough to survive, I just wasn't sure if there was a CO2 buildup danger or something like that.

[BernieRay]

If you're able to breathe sufficiently through the mask's vent/exhalation ports so that you're getting fresh air, then any CO2 buildup in the rest of the tube/machine won't be a danger.

[chunkyfrog]

I slept a couple of hours once with my S9 Elite ('old' machine) off--by mistake.
I was using my current mask.
It's a lot easier with the machine on--but, for me, very doable.
Now I can tell by the sounds the mask makes.
If the little valve in the elbow out front makes a popping sound; I know my machine is off.

[DoriC]

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/relian ... light.html

I have this installed next to my bed and it worked fine in waking me once when we had a power outage. It can also be used as a flashlight. Nice little gadget that gives me a sense of security although I have been reassured by many that my husband would awake on his own within a few minutes with his FF mask.

[Pugsy]

When I first started therapy I had a bit of a mouth breathing issue. Fiddled with several variations of chin straps with mediocre success. They would slip around a bit and I would find myself waking up with a bit of dry mouth and leak line wasn't real pretty.
So I decided to tape... I admit when I first read about it I thought is sounded awful.. Polygrip is pretty nasty but it works too. It really wasn't that bad and I discovered the seal wasn't like cement and with a bit of exertion I could force the mouth open. Took more exertion than it did for the chin straps.

Anyway, first night I taped, very first night we had a power outage. I woke up and thought "this is weird" "where is my cool air"?
Then I realized what had happened. Even with my little nasal pillows and mouth taped, I was able to breathe okay. From reports it appeared I had been without power for about 15 minutes or so. From then on I wasn't worried about taping. I had already experienced the power outage and lived through it. I wasn't short of breath or anything. I can see where some folks might tend to panic but it really never bothered me enough after that to do anything about it. As with everything else in CPAP, YMMV.

[LinkC]

Except for the vent hole(s) on your mask, it's a sealed circuit.

The Hybrid has an "anti-asphyxiation" valve in the elbow precisely for that purpose. The silicone flap closes when there is positive pressure coming from the hose. If the machine should stop supplying pressure, the flap opens allowing you to inhale and exhale thru the valve.

Every FF mask I'm familiar with has a similar provision in its' design.