Poll: Type of Mask(s)

LinkC wrote:Hybrid. I wasted a few years (And even more dollars!) until I found the Hybrid. I'm convinced that, if fitted properly, it will fit anyone comfortably with minimal leaks.

+1

ScrappinMom wrote:

Rebecca R wrote:the DME who sold me the ffm told me she has had poor results with the hybrid, but I have heard lots of people here say they like them. r

I think that is the DMEs stock answer for items they don't want to stock or sell, for whatever reason. My dr and (former) DME said the same thing about the Nasal Aire II, which I never have any problems with.

Yeah. "We don't stock those," is a pat answer. My doc requested an Amara View medium. It worked well except it hurt my nose so I asked for a different size. "No, we don't have any other sizes and your doctor PRESCRIBED this. We have other masks." Then it goes round and round and the bottom line is the DME was forced to get me a different size. Medicare is like the principal in the schoolyard.

DeeCPAP wrote:

ScrappinMom wrote:

Rebecca R wrote:the DME who sold me the ffm told me she has had poor results with the hybrid, but I have heard lots of people here say they like them. r

I think that is the DMEs stock answer for items they don't want to stock or sell, for whatever reason. My dr and (former) DME said the same thing about the Nasal Aire II, which I never have any problems with.

Yeah. "We don't stock those," is a pat answer. My doc requested an Amara View medium. It worked well except it hurt my nose so I asked for a different size. "No, we don't have any other sizes and your doctor PRESCRIBED this. We have other masks." Then it goes round and round and the bottom line is the DME was forced to get me a different size. Medicare is like the principal in the schoolyard.

And that's when you take a copy of your 'script to someone who actually wants your business.

You DO have a copy, right?

LinkC wrote:

DeeCPAP wrote:

ScrappinMom wrote:

Rebecca R wrote:the DME who sold me the ffm told me she has had poor results with the hybrid, but I have heard lots of people here say they like them. r

I think that is the DMEs stock answer for items they don't want to stock or sell, for whatever reason. My dr and (former) DME said the same thing about the Nasal Aire II, which I never have any problems with.

Yeah. "We don't stock those," is a pat answer. My doc requested an Amara View medium. It worked well except it hurt my nose so I asked for a different size. "No, we don't have any other sizes and your doctor PRESCRIBED this. We have other masks." Then it goes round and round and the bottom line is the DME was forced to get me a different size. Medicare is like the principal in the schoolyard.

And that's when you take a copy of your 'script to someone who actually wants your business.

You DO have a copy, right?

My doc tells his staff to call my DME and they send it to me. This time I emailed my DME and told her I needed a different size and she said they don't have it. I don't have time to type out the whole story, but the DME did manage to get a different size, but I had to sign a paper saying if medicare didn't pay for it, I would.

I'm going to have to shop around because I don't think this DME is operating for the patient, but rather, the bottom line $$.

DeeCPAP wrote:I'm going to have to shop around because I don't think this DME is operating for the patient, but rather, the bottom line $$.

It's just like any other consumer decision - If you aren't happy, take your business somewhere else.

I tried the hybrid, but could never get a good seal with it no matter what combination of cushion and nasal pillow combination I used. I purchased an Amara View from a fellow forum member and have found it works very well for me.

Okie bipap wrote:could never get a good seal with it no matter what combination of cushion and nasal pillow combination I used

You don't mention headgear adjustments, which are just as important as sizes.

Any time you get crap from the DME, it's time to choose another.
This is why my current local DME is my fourth.
Granny; great point, only a few headgear come in SIZES, and some are interchangeable--across brands.
There really should be a substitution chart, like for fuses, wiper blades, and spark plugs.