Question about Hybrid

For those of you that use a hybrid mask what are the things you like most and least about it vs nasal pillows/ff mask?

I cannot use the nasal pillows and due to this is this something that might work for me? I hate going crosseyed while trying to fall asleep if I can't but I can't get used to the constant air blowing up my nose either. I also no matter what I try cannot sleep with my mouth closed. I feel like I'm going to die.

Why can't you use nasal pillows? Is it a problem with your nose or nares?

If it's just that your mouth opens, then yes you should be able to use the Hybrid.

What do I like about it... it's the most comfortable mask that I've used, and doesn't bother my TMJ.

Elbysmom2004

I cannot use the nasal pillows...I can't but I can't get used to the constant air blowing up my nose either.

Is there a physical or psychological reason for not being able to use the pillows? Because the hybrid has a pillow as well, correct? I initially would not even consider a nasal pillow because I didn't like the idea of my nares being plugged with the pillows nor the thought of blowing air up my nose. Just seem counter intuitive to breathing I started experimenting with masks a couple of months ago.........first the Quattro FF which I find very comfortable, however initial difficulty controlling leaks and easy to dislodge before getting a good adjustment and leak control. Then I decided to try to Nasal PIllow.......seemed logical to me if the goal is to stent the air passage to decrease collapse, then try the best direct hit........blow the air as directly as I can (probably a mouth pillow would be more direct). So, I decided to set my psychological opposition to nasal pillows aside and give it a try. I have to admit I was a little concerned how my sinus and ears would tolerate more direct air as I've had past sinus surgeries and ear tubes as an adult. After the initial shock of my nose being inflated and getting the headgear/pillows adjusted, I was surprised at how comfortable the pillows are and how free my face is. I'm impressed with the ease the pillows stay in place with minimal headgear force/restrictiveness. I think for me the pillows posed a psychological discomfort and threat to breathing. I just needed to remind myself the pillows are under my control, not me being under their control. I'm finding mask experimentation a little fun!

I am now experimenting with the hybrid. Last night was night two. If I can just get the leaks under control, I think that this will be the mask for me. I started back in November with the Swilft LT (nasal pillows) and was having pretty good success, and then discovered I was opening my mouth more than I thought. Tried taping, which seemed to make some difference (improvement), and then found the hybrid on sale for $80 and thought I would give it a try. It has helped reduce my pressure, but night one I had high AHI, VS and leaks. Last night was a little better (after some tweaking). I plan on giving it a few more nights of tweaking to see if I can reduce leaks and AHI (Which did come down some last night). (see my posts on first night with hybrid)

Because I can be claustrophobic and like to read in bed (have to wear glasses), nasal pillows are a must for me.

All I can say is give it a try - it may be the right one for you.

2flamingos wrote:I am now experimenting with the hybrid

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I notice the hybrid only has one size..........how do you think the fit would be for smaller faced uses? Are there more than one size for the pillows included? Thanks,

elg5cats

My Hybrid came with a small ,medium, and large mask and the head gear.I do recommend getting the padscheeks or something to pad the straps. I got a blister where it attached to mask . All is well now with the pads.

If you get the whole mask... which you do when you buy it from our hosts...

you get 3 sizes of pillows and 3 sizes of cushions

elg5cats wrote:

2flamingos wrote:I am now experimenting with the hybrid

.

I notice the hybrid only has one size..........how do you think the fit would be for smaller faced uses? Are there more than one size for the pillows included? Thanks,

elg5cats

It comes with three sizes of face cushion and three sizes of nasal pillows so you can mix and match to get the best fit for you. It also comes with a handy dandy carrying case (althought the turquoise color is a little bright). I ordered mine from cpapsupplies.com - on sale for $80.00 (plus $7.95 shipping).

I'm on my second Hybrid and haven't had any problems until recently. Because of sealing problems I'm having to tighten the straps more and I'm having problems wash outs around 3:00 each morning. Turned the humidifer down but still having problems. I've had this one for about 6 months, is it time for another one?

I think it's part psychological and physical both. I freak out when the air blows directly up my nose. I start to panic and I feel like I cannot breathe. It's HORRIBLE. I finally rip it off and say forget it. I keep trying every night with the nasal pillows though. I've gotten from 3 min to 7 min in about 3 weeks!

However, I was on the swim team for 4 years in high school and couldn't get used to the fact of swimming without nose plugs! I would freak out at the begining of practice if I didn't have them. My swim coach would have me do 100 bobs without them and I could do that fine but it was while I was swimming I couldn't blow just enough air out to keep the water from coming in and not too much to have to breathe every stroke. It was either all or nothing and breathe every stroke or get water up my nose.

I don't know. When I first put on my FF I took it off of the automatic start and shut off becaust that way when it turns on I can blow out as hard as possible or I freak and take the mask off, have to calm down, and try again because I feel like I can't breathe.

My family actually has STRICT orders that if I have to be put on a breathing machine for any reason other than surgery to not connect it because that is my greatest fear in life is to awake and a machine is breathing for me. Kinda ironic now that I'm on CPAP because in a round about way that's what it kinda does for me.

Then I would say... try it (if you can afford to).

The air gets slightly diffused as it goes through the mouth cushion first.

Elbysmom2004 wrote:I think it's part psychological and physical both. I freak out when the air blows directly up my nose. I start to panic and I feel like I cannot breathe. It's HORRIBLE. I finally rip it off and say forget it. I keep trying every night with the nasal pillows though. I've gotten from 3 min to 7 min in about 3 weeks!

I don't know. When I first put on my FF I took it off of the automatic start and shut off becaust that way when it turns on I can blow out as hard as possible or I freak and take the mask off, have to calm down, and try again because I feel like I can't breathe.

My family actually has STRICT orders that if I have to be put on a breathing machine for any reason other than surgery to not connect it because that is my greatest fear in life is to awake and a machine is breathing for me. Kinda ironic now that I'm on CPAP because in a round about way that's what it kinda does for me.

Elbysmom2004,
You may want to speak with your doctor or friends about a referral to a mental health therapist to help with the described anxiety assoicated with the mask so you can find a point of peace with your CPAP/mask. Just remember, your CPAP does not breathe for you, it simply provides air to prop open the airway to give you a helping hand as you breathe on your own. Perhaps systematic desensitisation therapy could help you make friends with your treatment!

elg5cats

I started this therapy out about a month ago. I initially chose the Quattro FFM as I knew I mouth breathed, and the Quattro had worked well during my sleep study. Except for two issues, can't say much bad about the Quattro. It is extremely comfortable, and easy to breathe in. Once you are used to it (and it is not leaking), you pretty much forget you are wearing it, a sign of a good mask/good fit. I can disconnect the hose and continue breathing if I have to use the bathroom, etc.

That said, the Quattro is a leak monster. After about 4 hours of wearing it, the leaks get so bad that I have to take it off and clean the mask and my face. It doesn't leak in any specific place, it tends to leak all over. The leaks seem to be related to face oils, which I produce a lot of. I also find the mask has to be tighter than I think it should be, but not so tight as to be uncomfortable, to minimize the leaks. This is also a complex mask, with many parts that have to be cleaned.

I had always wanted to try the hybrid mask, so when the opportunity to pick one up came along, I got one. I had little trouble setting the mask up (large seal, large pillows, full pillow height). I was able to get through the entire first night without having to clean it, etc. Leak rate was 0 and has been 0 every night I have used it so far, a vast improvement over the Quattro.

AHI's are a bit higher, but I am still trying to find an optimal titration. And I have had a couple of really good nights with the hybrid. It may be for me that I am not going to be able to do much better than 8.

The hybrid is much easier to keep clean, and the parts are less expensive than the Quattro. The pegs that hold the headgear to the mask seem a bit underdesigned, but the rest of the mask is well designed, and should not have any breaking problems. (The Quattro seems rugged, too, but all those snap-fit parts make me a bit nervous, even though I haven't broken any.)

The headgear took some getting used to, from an adjustment standpoint, but I think I have mastered that.

The only thing that took a little work was getting the angle on the nasal pillows right. Even when it was not completely right though, irritation to my nose was minimal. I have not had to use ayr-gel or anything like that, nor do I think I will need to. And despite having large nares, the nasal pillows seal very effectively.

But yesterday, the hybrid passed the most important test. For the first time since beginning CPAP, I took a 'CPAP nap'. During that nap, I awoke, and felt I was breathing normally, as if I wasn't wearing a mask. The noise of the machine reminded me that I was indeed on CPAP. Even in thinking about it, I could hardly discern the mask. Thus the hybrid has passed the most important test, and will almost certainly become my main mask.

elg5cats, I know what you mean about the kittycats. They still like to snuggle, but tend to stay clear of the mask. But, one of my cats wants to pull it off so he can stick a paw in my mouth (yuck!). The very best 'kitty snuggle' though is with a lion rug I have. The rug was made from a very special old lion who had done something really special for a friend of mine when she was in serious distress. This lion died unexpectedly shortly after that, and my friend arranged for me (without asking, so it was a surprise !) to have his pelt. Because lions are very special to me, and this lion is extra special, it is like snuggling with a big old friend. I get my best nights' sleep when I am using 'Chucky' as he is named, as a blanket. I haven't tried this with CPAP yet, but I will soon. I bet my AHI's will reflect I am sleeping much deeper!

Thanks for your responses. I know the machine doesn't breathe for me but it helps me breathe by keeping my airways open so in a round about way it is kinda like a life support machine. I will try the hybrid at some point in my therapy but my biggest problem right now is not taking off the mask. I went from a 7.3 hour 15 day average down to 1.9 hour 15 day average in about 5 nights!

Elbysmom2004 wrote:I think it's part psychological and physical both. I freak out when the air blows directly up my nose. ........

When properly used, there is no CPAP mask, including the Hybrid, which "blows air up the nostrils". The CPAP process maintains a pressure on the airway. The flow of air into your nose is at the same rate as your normal breathing when you are awake. There is not air "rushing" through your nose when using CPAP.