FYI ---

The following is a link to various previous topics we've had on the subject of the new Hybrid mask:

Link to various previous topics on the Hybrid mask

Hello, have any of you tried a Total Face Mask? looks good to me.  http://directhomemedical.com/pdf/total-face-mask-broch.pdf. Thanks, John

I've had my Hybrid 2 months now and I thank my lucky stars I found this wonderful mask. I just wish my new pillows would come in already!

When I look directly down on my mask, the center of the nasal pillow are not centered on the plastic carrier.... now my nose is on my left cheek. Anybody else have that problem?

 


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Regarding the hybrid mask, I can quote Gollum from The Two Towers - "It burns! It burns" I want to love this mask because it fits me better than any of the many that I have tried. However, it burns the area above my upper lip and it burns my nostrils. No, really. It leaves small pustules or blisters. It seems that the silicone gel gives me contact dermatitis. I have tried band aids, paper tape, adhesive tape and Butt Paste, all to no avail. Can anybody out there  give me some help? I got no joy when I called the manufacturer; just a couple of weird suggestions, like, "Try Chapstick."

I got irritation on my nostrils much like what you're describing the first couple of weeks, though in my case I attributed it to not being used to a nasal pillow type of interface (I came from regular FF masks) and from not using a humidifier (which I pretty much have never needed in the past, but I undestand a lot of people get nasal irritation if they don't).  In the first couple of weeks I would wear the mask a couple of nights then take a night off, and gradually got to where it doesn't bother me at all anymore and doesn't irritate my nostrils (and I still don't use humidification).


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I'll go ahead & try it without the humidifier and see what happens. One quick follow-up question: did you get pustules on the upper lip and philtrum? You may already know this, but the philtrum is the groove down the face from the center of the nose where it ends to the upper lip. I get pustules all along there and on thefskin above my upper lip.

Has anyone with a mustache had any experience using a hybrid mask? I'm using a Ultra Mirage FF now but it hurts my nose and leaks. The RT that fitted it said all face masks have some leakage, (nothing better than trying to get a good nights sleep with a hurricane blowing in your eyes) I was,  and still do,  to some degree using a Swift nasal pillow which is great except I'm a mouth leaker. My insurance won't pay for a hybrid so I'm thinking about purchasing one but I have a mustache and need to know if that will create more problems. Thanks for any info.

I have a Mustache and the Hybrid seals ok on it. I'm thinking of cutting off the chin support though, since it puts too much pressure on my chin and keeps the mask from sealing properly at the corners of my mouth.


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Acronyms and Often Used Forum Phrases
Respironics? M-Series Auto w/ HH & C-Flex; Flexfit? Hybrid? Mask, Encore Pro 1.8i

I tried using the hybrid mask wihtout the humidifier and it works quite well. In the past, I have used a bandaid under the philtrim and covered it with Butt Paste (brand name). However, I have recently just run the CPAP dry and used the mask. It seems to be working okay - Hooray, hooray!

I did cut the chin support off and the Hybrid is much more comfortable that way.


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Acronyms and Often Used Forum Phrases
Respironics? M-Series Auto w/ HH & C-Flex; Flexfit? Hybrid? Mask, Encore Pro 1.8i

It's interesting how we all have different faces that require us to try different things. In my case, I don't remove the chin support because I'm a mouth breather when I sleep and it causes the nasal pillows to leave the nostrils. So, I not only have the chin support, I also use an additional chin strap to make sure that my gapping yap stays shut. (I bet there are a lot of people who would be interested in my keeping my yap shut.)

hhopper, I have seriously toyed with the idea of cutting the chin thing off my Hybrid, but I'm afraid it won't work anymore!  It's too tight on my chin as well, but it seals better than any other mask I've tried.  Maybe I'll cut it off on one of the other sizes and see what happens first!

danishcot--When I first got this mask, it burned several places. But now the only place that still burns is right above my lip!  I have found that if I cut off the sticky part of a bandage and stick it here, it stops the burning and it's not thick enough to mess with the seal of the mask.


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Machine: Respironics Series M CPAP with C-Flex and heated humidifier
Mask: Hybrid
Pressure: 8.5
Other: Aussie Heated Hose
Pre-CPAP RDI: 19
CPAP AHI Average: 1

If you do cut the chin support off, you will find that the Hybrid is a little different to adjust.  You might have to loosen the strap that goes over your head a little.  Without the chin support it tends to fit a little higher on your face.  I like it better this way though.



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Acronyms and Often Used Forum Phrases
Respironics? M-Series Auto w/ HH & C-Flex; Flexfit? Hybrid? Mask, Encore Pro 1.8i

Talked to the RT at my DME supplier about my nostrils and sinuses drying-out to the point that I couldn't use the Hybrid for a few days.  He suggested a nasal moisturizer called RoEzIt and was kind enough to send some to me.  Tonight will be the first night.  Will post results in a day or two.
BTW, I am a mouth breather and have a weak chin (read: double).  I cut the flap off of the underside of the Hybrid and it's much more comfortable to me.  I also have the option of breathing through my mouth if needed/wanted.  
I am interested in trying a nasal pillow mask without the mouth part and was wondering about suggestions for a heavy-duty chinstrap.  Thanks

Scott