CPAP Reviews

Hybrid Universal CPAP Mask

The Hybrid Universal CPAP Mask from RespCare is described on the company's website as follows:

The Hybrid is a unique fusion of technologies, designed to be a universal interface for patients, clinicians, and providers. This one product serves as a nasal interface, an oral interface, and a combination of the two. The Hybrid is a dual airway interface for use with positive pressure ventilation devices for the treatment of respiratory insufficiencies and obstructive sleep apnea. The unique design of the Hybrid promotes patient comfort by eliminating pressure points on the forehead and across the bridge of the nose. A built-in chin flap gently supports the chin ensuring optimal performance. The Hybrid complete system contains all of the components required to properly size the patient, eliminating the hassle of opening multiple packages to get the right fit.

A lengthy review at CPAP Talk said:

As I fiddled around with the different mouth seals and nasal pillows, it became clear to me that the problem was geometric disagreement between my face and the mask. My overbite, small chin, and pointy “nordic” (read: big) nose means that in order to get a good seal on the mouth part of the mask, I have to tighten the lower part against my chin, which causes the upper part of the mask to angle forward and push the nasal pillows forward. Since my nose is somewhat turned up, the pillows easily pop out of my nostrils as they are pushed forward. For people who don’t have an overbite, I imagine the pillows will seat correctly and the mask will be comfortable for the full night.

...Even though the mask did not work well for me, I think it’s really a leap forward in CPAP mask design. I liked not having a bunch of straps, hoses and forehead rests in front of my eyes, and the mouth seal/nasal pillows interface is truly ingenious. The only thing that I found difficult to deal with (unrelated to my unfortunate face shape) was the headgear connection to the mask. It’s difficult to manage all four connector points at once in the dark or when sleepy – some type of ‘quick release’ headgear for this mask would be ideal.

A lot of user reviews are at the CPAP.com sales site. Here's one, that awarded it four stars (out of five):

I held off on reviewing this mask until now that I've had it for almost 3 months. Honeymoon reviews are rarely all that helpful.

First off, I am a firm believer that CPAP masks are a very individual experience, and that what works for one person does not necessarily work for another. There are too many variables with facial features and structure, and just personal preference in form factor.

That said, the hybrid has been great for me. I started on CPAP in 2000, first with a couple of nasal masks with a chin strap (mouth breather). Then switched to full face masks, most recently the Ultra Mirage FF. I could never stay compliant, if I wore the mask somewhat loose so it could "float" on my face, it leaked every time I moved. If I tightened it down enough to prevent leaks, it tore up the bridge of my nose. The hybrid solves that problem by combining the nasal pillows interface with the oral piece.

The reason I knock the hybrid by a point is that the headgear I got with it is flimsy and tangles easily. If I get up in the middle of the night I don't even bother taking the mask off. I just detach the hose from the mask and wear it to the bathroom. Otherwise it is just too hard to get back on in the dark half asleep. My understanding is that there is a new "premium" headgear that comes with the hybrid now. I'd definitely recommend getting it.

Other than that, I can't really complain. I was on and off CPAP (mostly off) for years, and have finally been able to stay compliant with the hybrid."

* Get the Latest Price on the Hybrid Universal CPAP Mask.  

February 27th, 2007
Updated: November 9th, 2007
 

 


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