Hybrid Universal Mask Review

INITIAL IMPRESSION: It comes with all possible sizes in the box, I like it. You can try different sizes without having to buy additional masks. The pillows can also be easily separated, so it can be used even if the user has two different sized nares. With the user CD (or by going to http://www.hybridmask.com/video_index.htm), it was easy to get the sizing and fitting.

I slept through the night for the first time. The pillows are soft and great. Like ResMed’s Swift, they have a raised surface which helps position the pillow in the nares and seal the pillow. I used the pillows in the tall position. The Hybrid’s system of pillow height adjustment is very simple and works.
The Hybrid has a much smaller profile on the face than any other full faced mask (FFM) I have tried or seen. Perhaps this is why it leaks so much less. And because it fits below the nose, there are no leaks around the eyes at all. For my first few nights I had minor leaks. Once I was awake, I was able to eliminate them by tightening the straps and sleeping on my side (the pillow supporting the lower part of the mask. I am a mouth breather. I have to admit the Hybrid was much more comfortable than using a pillow mask like the Swift AND a chin strap or tape on mouth.

I had to route the hose downwards. When the hose is up, the noise increases. When I used the Hybrid with the hose downwards, it was one of the quietest masks I have ever tried. I have told the manufacturer he should add a note to this instructions, that although the swivel allows the hose to be in any position, those who want the quietest experience should route it down along their body. These are among the most comfortable pillows I have ever tried. I like the fact one can separate them and create the angle that fits best. Sometimes I have to ensure that the top strap is tight enough to keep the pillows within th nares (I am an active sleeper).

To eliminate leaks alltogether, I tried a smaller cushion size. I switched from the large oral cushion to medium. The medium worked perectly the first time I tried it. No leaks at all! And the mask has an even smaller footprint. Repeated uses confirmed that this size produced absolutely no leaks.


I ESPECIALLY LIKED: The overall design. The Hybrid Mask is a brilliant concept that is well executed. This is a very comfortable, quiet mask that has no leakage around my eyes. I found it more comfortable than my Swift when used in combination with a chin strap. I liked the fact that all sizes of cushions and pillows came with the package. Everyone should be able to find some combination that more or less works. The mask is easy to clean. There are only three pieces, the shell, the cushion, and two nasal pillows. It is easy to put together and very small compared to most FF masks.


I DID NOT LIKE: 1) I could use the mask with looser straps. 2) I think directions should suggest that the hose be routed downward.

COMPARISON TO SIMILAR PRODUCTS: There is none. The Hybrid Universal Mask is unique. It is the smallest FF mask on the market. One can read with it since the entire unit fits below the nose. The pillows are as effective as the ResMed Swift and it has the option of using pillows with two different height settings.

FINAL COMMENTS: This is a very quiet mask with the hose routed down. It is very comfortable around the pillows and oral cushions. It is possible to get a good leak-free fit.

Can you tell me how to fix eye leaks with my Hybrid???

tallsleeper wrote: (snip)

I ESPECIALLY LIKED: The overall design. The Hybrid Mask is a brilliant concept that is well executed.

Isn't it just amazing that it has BOTH a brilliant design and is well-executed. Anyone else thinking that perhaps ResMed may have to rethink their online pricing policy if MORE xPAP competitive equipment starts to follow the 'brilliant and well done' model?

Tallsleeper,

I gather from your review that you were using the Swift with a chin strap before getting the Hybrid. Is that correct? Have you used any FF mask before?

Are you using an autoPAP? If the answer is yes, are you tracking your AHI and pressure? The reason I'm asking thse questions is I would like to know how your AHI and pressure with the Hybrid compared with the mask you were using before that.