Full face mask that accommodates jaw drop?

BrianinTN wrote:Cool, thanks, it does! One other question since we've hijacked this thread a little bit -- one thing I don't like about ResMed's masks is that their silicone seems "harder" or "stiffer" than some others (compared mostly my F&P 432, but also the Respironics ComfortGel Full that I've used). Any chance you recall how the Hybrid's silicone feels compared to the Liberty or other masks?

IMO, the Liberty's silicone (both the pillows and the part of the mouth cushion that actually touches the face) is flimsy when compared with the Hybrid's. I would describe the Hybrid's silicone as "sturdy." But the Liberty I have is well over a year old, so things may have changed since then. My biggest issue with the Liberty was leaking around the mouth. I couldn't mitigate that problem, even with a fix. I guess it just didn't fit my face as well as the Hybrid does.

FWIW, many of us were complaining (loudly) about Resmed's newer nasal pillows for the Swift LT awhile back, because they weren't holding up very well. Something in their manufacturing process had changed, and it wasn't for the better.

If you're thinking of trying the Hybrid, perhaps your best bet would be to buy from our host and opt for the return insurance. And one caveat: Many of us using the Hybrid or the Liberty do employ some kind of "fix" to keep the pillows seated well. Some use the ladies tights wrapped around the head and across the pillows. I use a different fix (which may seem complicated but really isn't), and it works very well for me.

You can find all of the "fixes" forum members have employed in Rested Gal's Lab Rat Trophy Awards thread: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=15104 Scroll down to find the Liberty and the Hybrid listings.

LinkC wrote:RespCare Hybrid. It has a chin-flap that will keep your jaw from dropping.

I second that one, I love my hybrid, and it has a little "chin shelf" that keeps my mouth shut =)

jilliansue wrote:Hello,

I am considering going to a full face mask. I tried the Quattro FX, and I managed to sleep a couple of hours with it, despite having some leaking problems. But, I woke up and the bottom of the mask was practically in my mouth. According to the measuring device, I have the right size. I am wondering if anyone has recommendations for me? I don't want to use a chinstrap with a FFM, that is part of the reason for using one, IMO!

Thank you!
Jill

Your Quattro might not be fitted correctly. I have the worst jaw drop imaginable. A medium sized Quattro handles it great but I have to cinch it down tight. Are you sure its tight enough? A lot of people dont tighten their FFM enough. The companies say you can use a FFM with it pretty loose but in my experiences thats mainly for people with lower pressures and a CYA thing/marketing thing. Try tightening it up good, I bet it will stop the jaw drop, providing its sized correctly.

I got sized offline IRL from a real good brick and mortar DME in the very beginning. I lucked out the first couple years of my OSA with a great DME. Once I lost that due to insurance changes, things gradually went south and when my machine broke, I fell apart. Im not so sure I would trust online sizing advice on something as individual and complicated as OSA masks.

Finding a really good real world, respiratory, OSA oriented DME can be EXTREMELY difficult, depending upon where you live.

Eric