SWIFT FX VS. HYBRID and a few questions

I have been using the Swift FX. I chose this as my first mask partially because of the positive reviews by so many posters and the fact that is light and simple. The mask has many pros: easy to put on and remove, light weight and no facial pressure points. I am 300 miles from any DME and a self payer so all my eqpt. is ordered online. I rely on many of the kind members of this forum who always are willing to help. The FX does have some problems. Or maybe I have problems with the FX! Fitting the nasal pillows is a hit and miss procedure. I have tried both the large and medium pillows but still get some leaks. Using the Lanalin gel really helped. My biggest problem is turning from one side to the other. Inevitably the mask leaks at this point and has to be readjusted. I do have a 3M cable loop on the wall for hose management. I think I a getting better at adjusting to the mask but always looking for a" better mousetrap". I bought an Innomed Hybrid after doing a lot of research. Tried it on and thought this was the one! The leaks were ridiculous. Problem was the chin flap did not fit my face!! Rooster suggested cutting off the flap as did others. I hesitated as I thought I would destroy a mask! Called Innomed and they 2 day shipped a new mouthpiece and elbow with the flap removed. The old elbow had a faulty flapper valve. The new mask went on easily and seemed to fit really well. The design of the nasal pillows is the best. They are accordion pleated and thus sort of self adjusting. I used the mask fit on my S9 and all seemed to be OK. It is very difficult to detect leaks with this mask. Checked the mouthpiece with a wet finger and found no leaks. The nasal pillows are well sealed . I immediately noticed that the pressure seemed higher but though it was just the air in the mouthpiece.Turned over with no problems and never had to adjust the pillows.I had to readjust the mouthpiece a few times but thought all was well .The mouthpiece was far too tight and could also back off on the top strap . I will keep trying for a week and see if my stats get any better. Here are 2 nights of statistics

Swift FX: Leak: med. 0, 95th 1.2
Pressure: med 6.3,95th 7.2 max 8.0
AHI: 1.6

Hybrid:
Leak: med.6.0,95th 12.4
Pressure: med. 6.5,95th10, max.11
AHI 3.5
All comments appreciated.

Bob

Keep in mind 2 other items with the Hybrid...

1.) The intentional leak rate is higher than a lot of other masks.

2.) Your machine's mask setting needs to be set to a FFM

Thanks cflame: I did set the mask to FF. One thing I forgot to mention is the flow of cold air that enters the mask is irritable. I had my temp on the S9 set to 73 but turned it up to 77. Helped but still too cold. My room temp was only 65 last night but the room humidity was around 50% . Another nice feature of the Hybrid is that the exhaust valve in the elbow does not blow at your face or arm. The FX elbow is above your mouth and it can be irritating. Someone suggested wrapping the elbow with one of the machine filters to dissipate the air?

Bob

Keep working with the hybrid for a while before making a judgment. It may be that you will find the tweaks to make it a great mask for you over time.

As for the Swift FX, did you try the velcro tip from UFO13? That's sewing some velcro hook tape inside the back strap to keep the headgear from slipping as you turn over and move your head. It helps a lot!

Thanks janknitz: I havent given up on either mask. Just a little frustrated. But I am stubborn. The FX headset does not appear to move it is the pillows. The large fits better except that the ring of the pillow rests against my face and pushes the pillow away. I may try the medium again . Tonight I will battle the Hybrid.

Bob

The FX headset does not appear to move it is the pillows. The large fits better except that the ring of the pillow rests against my face and pushes the pillow away.

Not picturing it. What do you mean???

I should probably take a photo. The swift pillows are shaped like a nipple at the end. This is the part that enters the nose. Correct? At the base of the pillow there is a "ring". I have that ring sealed against the nose. Correct? I keep reading that the pillow is not supposed to be in your nose but cannot see how that could work. It is tapered for a reason. If I do not set the entire "nipple" inside my nostrils I cannot get a seal. The hybrid mask requires the end of their pillow to be right inside the nose.

Bob

on my swift fx I used a tyrap and made a loop by my left ear plastic strap. the flex hose can be held upright similar to the swift II. I find that keeping the flex hose stable reduces leaks. my leak numbers for the fx are still much higher than my ultra mirage but i find that the fx keeps my nostrils open.

as far as the fx pillow shape. I think the cone just goes in as far as it can without having to end up with a pig nose.