How to Improve Your Swift Mask
How to Improve Your Swift Mask
Resmed Swift Mask: Makes a loud whooshing sound which is annoying. In order to lower the loud noise from the Swift, we used a small piece of orange colored plastic netting that is used to cover boxes of clementines (a delicious form of tangerines). It is best to wash it before you use it. I would use only hard plastic. (Frequenseeker said that he/she got a chemical reaction from a large number of onion bags that were transported in his/her car). It only took a piece 1" x 1 3/4 " inserted into the tube of the Swift by taking the cap off of the end. It can very easily be removed for washing & replacing. Any sizes of plastic netting larger than that did not allow for proper inhalation & exhalation. DO NOT BLOCK THE EXHALATION PORTS. This was tested at pressures of 7 through 10. You could also use nylon net (available at a fabric store) or a few layers of gauze.
In order to get the Swift mask to stay in place, I ordered a Respironics soft chin strap (white). I put it on, stretched it out, and fastened it temporarily with vegetable bag ties to mark it on both sides. My husband punched holes through the straps of the chin strap and the Swift interface on both sides with a punch tool. He put plastic vegetable bag ties (ones similar to what you get in the grocery store through the holes to secure it). Note: the plastic ties hold up better than the paper ones. This also keeps the strap of the Swift mask in the back from riding up.
In order to get the Swift mask to stay in place, I ordered a Respironics soft chin strap (white). I put it on, stretched it out, and fastened it temporarily with vegetable bag ties to mark it on both sides. My husband punched holes through the straps of the chin strap and the Swift interface on both sides with a punch tool. He put plastic vegetable bag ties (ones similar to what you get in the grocery store through the holes to secure it). Note: the plastic ties hold up better than the paper ones. This also keeps the strap of the Swift mask in the back from riding up.
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Just maybe the Swift is not the right interface for you and your face.
That's an awful lot of work and I would have to wonder if the netting changes any characteristics of the airflow that might affect treatment.
I don't use any form of nasal pillows so I can't totally comment on this, but it just seems like way too much effort.
Dave
That's an awful lot of work and I would have to wonder if the netting changes any characteristics of the airflow that might affect treatment.
I don't use any form of nasal pillows so I can't totally comment on this, but it just seems like way too much effort.
Dave
Dave,
I have found that with the three masks I use there has been room for improvement. I have made 2 or 3 improvements to each mask that I use. It's too bad the manufacturers did not do the improvements in the first place. Why not make improvements when it helps? It sure beats having leaks, not getting any sleep, and not getting any benefit out of the masks.
If you used the mask, you would understand that the noise is obnoxious and as some have stated not bearable thus making the mask unuseable and of no benefit. The air flow is very good (although not scientifically tested) and I specified the exact size of material to use. If Remed would provide me with a manomenter and a part for the Swift, I believe I could test it. The fact that the mask slides up the back of your head and the pillows do not stay against your face and I stay in one position during sleep. It must be even worse for those who twist and turn.
It has taken me some time to figure out some of these improvements. However, I am happy to share them with my friends on this board so they are also able to benefit.
The manufacturers would be smart to let some of us who are willing to make improvements test their masks and make suggestions. I suggested that to Innomed but they were not interested. Manufacturers, are you listening or are you simply too dense?
Respironics seems to be the only one to make a port so that their masks are easy to test. Why don't the other manufacturers do the same thing?
By the way Innomed, the instructions you provide for the Nasailaire I are lousy!
I have found that with the three masks I use there has been room for improvement. I have made 2 or 3 improvements to each mask that I use. It's too bad the manufacturers did not do the improvements in the first place. Why not make improvements when it helps? It sure beats having leaks, not getting any sleep, and not getting any benefit out of the masks.
If you used the mask, you would understand that the noise is obnoxious and as some have stated not bearable thus making the mask unuseable and of no benefit. The air flow is very good (although not scientifically tested) and I specified the exact size of material to use. If Remed would provide me with a manomenter and a part for the Swift, I believe I could test it. The fact that the mask slides up the back of your head and the pillows do not stay against your face and I stay in one position during sleep. It must be even worse for those who twist and turn.
It has taken me some time to figure out some of these improvements. However, I am happy to share them with my friends on this board so they are also able to benefit.
The manufacturers would be smart to let some of us who are willing to make improvements test their masks and make suggestions. I suggested that to Innomed but they were not interested. Manufacturers, are you listening or are you simply too dense?
Respironics seems to be the only one to make a port so that their masks are easy to test. Why don't the other manufacturers do the same thing?
By the way Innomed, the instructions you provide for the Nasailaire I are lousy!
Do you have the new or the old Swift? I've never had trouble with the strap riding up the back of my head. But then I wear the straps rather loose. I've never had trouble with it making a lot of noise either. I understand the old Swift was rather noisy. I've never had trouble with the Swift pillows staying where they belong and I sleep in all positions. In fact they stay there a lot easier than the Breeze pillows did.
Maybe your head is shaped a bit differently than others?????
Maybe your head is shaped a bit differently than others?????
I have the Swift and the Activa and I think that the Swift is noisy when I exhale and inhale. I e-mailed Res-Med a couple of times and the last time I asked them if the first shipment of the Swift was any different than the ones that they are shipping now and she said "No". Nothing has been changed on the Swift.
Here is her resonse to me:
Hello Judy,
The Swift is unchanged from its release. The pillows in general are noisier than a nasal mask as there is no mask space to encompass before pressure enters the nose. I have not heard of anyone having any issues with the actual inhalation and exhalation? It usually has been those that are not used to pillows say the swift is noisy compared to the nasal masks. Are you getting a quality sleep at your current pressure? Any problems with leak?
Sincerely,
Susie Justus L.V.N.
Clinical Patient Advocate
Customer Service Department
800-424-0737, ext. 2567
Did you notice that she has not heard of anyone complaining about the noise? That's funny. Am I the only one that e-mailed this company????
Maybe some of us are more sensitive to sound than others. But I hardly use the Swift and I was so anxious to get it because it was less "stuff" on my face. I use my Activa mostly every night.
I did try the Clementine mesh but I did not notice any difference. Maybe I will try something else. I think its a shame that they charge so much for this equipment and it has a long way to go.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Judy
Here is her resonse to me:
Hello Judy,
The Swift is unchanged from its release. The pillows in general are noisier than a nasal mask as there is no mask space to encompass before pressure enters the nose. I have not heard of anyone having any issues with the actual inhalation and exhalation? It usually has been those that are not used to pillows say the swift is noisy compared to the nasal masks. Are you getting a quality sleep at your current pressure? Any problems with leak?
Sincerely,
Susie Justus L.V.N.
Clinical Patient Advocate
Customer Service Department
800-424-0737, ext. 2567
Did you notice that she has not heard of anyone complaining about the noise? That's funny. Am I the only one that e-mailed this company????
Maybe some of us are more sensitive to sound than others. But I hardly use the Swift and I was so anxious to get it because it was less "stuff" on my face. I use my Activa mostly every night.
I did try the Clementine mesh but I did not notice any difference. Maybe I will try something else. I think its a shame that they charge so much for this equipment and it has a long way to go.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Judy
it appears to me that the first and last posts on this topic were previously posted a few months ago on a similar topic on the Swift.
I have only noticed "noise" on inhale, never on exhale at pressures up to 13. But I noticed the same thing on the Breeze. I've never used a nasal mask except on my titration study and there was no noise, just a breeze on my face where the mask covered it. I noticed no leaks. I'm not sure, but I think according to some mumbo-jumbo on my titration report they used a Comfort Select, although why they would use a mask that has to be boiled to fit each individual is a mystery to me. Yes, reboiling it will let it reshape to another face, but still. Hmm
I have only noticed "noise" on inhale, never on exhale at pressures up to 13. But I noticed the same thing on the Breeze. I've never used a nasal mask except on my titration study and there was no noise, just a breeze on my face where the mask covered it. I noticed no leaks. I'm not sure, but I think according to some mumbo-jumbo on my titration report they used a Comfort Select, although why they would use a mask that has to be boiled to fit each individual is a mystery to me. Yes, reboiling it will let it reshape to another face, but still. Hmm
No, but to my knowledge, the only one who has gotten a response. I e-mailed looking for information on the long rumored full face version of the Activa, and they didn't even have the decency to respond.JudyAnn wrote:Am I the only one that e-mailed this company????
Liam, who doesn't USUALLY have a problem getting a response out of someone.
Hey Liam,
I will e-mail her and ask her that question too? I'll let you know if she responds.
From reading your previous posts, I would imagine that she would have answered you right away....well with all your charm and wit about being a hosehead.
No, I am not being sarcastic, I am being complementary.
Happy ZZZZZZZing.
Judy
I will e-mail her and ask her that question too? I'll let you know if she responds.
From reading your previous posts, I would imagine that she would have answered you right away....well with all your charm and wit about being a hosehead.
No, I am not being sarcastic, I am being complementary.
Happy ZZZZZZZing.
Judy
ResMed new Activa-style FF Mask!!
Don't get your hope up. ResMed is making tons of money with
their Swift. Can't keep up with the demand. Also, their current
Ultra Mirage FF is a top seller. The Marketing Guys have been
stringing folks along for more than 1 year with this empty promise,
while the Accounting Dept. at ResMed says it makes no sense to
shoot the current "milk cow"! So until ResMed can fill all the demand
for their Swift product, they have no resources to develop the Activa
FF mask.
their Swift. Can't keep up with the demand. Also, their current
Ultra Mirage FF is a top seller. The Marketing Guys have been
stringing folks along for more than 1 year with this empty promise,
while the Accounting Dept. at ResMed says it makes no sense to
shoot the current "milk cow"! So until ResMed can fill all the demand
for their Swift product, they have no resources to develop the Activa
FF mask.
Judy Ann, I found your original post back in Jan, and here was UKnowWhatInSeattle's response:
Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 3:18 pm Post subject:
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Judy,
I don't have a Swift (yet), but I vaugely remember reading on that "other SA board" that ResMed said something about problems early in production that may have caused some of the first ones to be noisier. So, although the design may not have changed, perhaps more recent Swifts are quieter. When you're dealing with a pressurized volume of air, small differences between individual units could make a big difference in noise performance.
For instance, I have a ComfortClassic and a ComfortSelect from Respironics that have "identical" exhaust elbows, but one elbow is a lot noisier than the other. I've switched them and still one is just noisier. Of course, these masks were made by Respironics...
That's all a long-winded way of saying that each individual mask may be a little different even if the design is the same.
Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 3:18 pm Post subject:
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Judy,
I don't have a Swift (yet), but I vaugely remember reading on that "other SA board" that ResMed said something about problems early in production that may have caused some of the first ones to be noisier. So, although the design may not have changed, perhaps more recent Swifts are quieter. When you're dealing with a pressurized volume of air, small differences between individual units could make a big difference in noise performance.
For instance, I have a ComfortClassic and a ComfortSelect from Respironics that have "identical" exhaust elbows, but one elbow is a lot noisier than the other. I've switched them and still one is just noisier. Of course, these masks were made by Respironics...
That's all a long-winded way of saying that each individual mask may be a little different even if the design is the same.
- UKnowWhatInSeattle
- Posts: 148
- Joined: Tue Nov 16, 2004 7:20 pm
- Location: Seattle, Merica, Earth...
Janelle,
From the horse's mouth (I'm the aforementioned horse), I do now have a Swift that I suspect is right off the recent production line and I haven't been able to tolerate the noise. I'm making some attempts to minimize the noise as others have suggested without much success yet, but I'll keep trying. I do like the small size and weight....
I also agree with Meister that a few of us picky whiners don't stack up against all those many who really like the Swift. I think it is a big hit for ResMed and if most people think it ain't broke, they ain't gonna fix it. That's reasonable to me. I still think they do the best mask engineering in the biz.
From the horse's mouth (I'm the aforementioned horse), I do now have a Swift that I suspect is right off the recent production line and I haven't been able to tolerate the noise. I'm making some attempts to minimize the noise as others have suggested without much success yet, but I'll keep trying. I do like the small size and weight....
I also agree with Meister that a few of us picky whiners don't stack up against all those many who really like the Swift. I think it is a big hit for ResMed and if most people think it ain't broke, they ain't gonna fix it. That's reasonable to me. I still think they do the best mask engineering in the biz.
Hey Liem,
I already got an answer. See below:
-----Original Message-----
From: Judy Sherer [mailto:jsherer@mplawfirm.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 11:18 AM
To: Susie Justus
Subject: Another Question for you Regarding Masks.
Susie,
I am curious and so are a lot of other people that I have talked to on one of the SA forums I visit. Will Redmed be coming out with an "Activa" full face mask anytime soon?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Judy Sherer
Her Answer:
Hello Judy,
Not to my knowledge ?
Susie
Susie Justus L.V.N.
Clinical Patient Advocate
Customer Service Department
800-424-0737, ext. 2567
I already got an answer. See below:
-----Original Message-----
From: Judy Sherer [mailto:jsherer@mplawfirm.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 11:18 AM
To: Susie Justus
Subject: Another Question for you Regarding Masks.
Susie,
I am curious and so are a lot of other people that I have talked to on one of the SA forums I visit. Will Redmed be coming out with an "Activa" full face mask anytime soon?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Judy Sherer
Her Answer:
Hello Judy,
Not to my knowledge ?
Susie
Susie Justus L.V.N.
Clinical Patient Advocate
Customer Service Department
800-424-0737, ext. 2567