masks, etc

Judy sunlakes · Post by **Judy sunlakes** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 5:19 pm

I have been on ca-pap since Aug. 04, Have yet to find a comfortable mask. On my 6the. Ultra Mirage FF, uncomfortable, sleep on my side. Mirage and another gel filled nasal mask, claustrophobia, still uncomfortable on side. Just got the Mirage Swift, hose digs in my cheek. Now trying the nasal air 11, better but still feel tired during the day. Is there hope for me. I do try every night to use something, cannot sleep on my back. Anyone with a suggestion??
Thanks :

ahujudybear · Post by **ahujudybear** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 5:42 pm

two suggestions Judy...

Try reading the posts about the good and bad points about masks (there are a LOT of masks, and everyone has their own opinions about the worst and the best one for them.)

Look through the posts about PILLOWS. i found a pillow that will support the mask (yes, even a Swift) without making your head sore and without suffocating you.

I know you're tired and all this information seems overwhelming to you right now, but I am very glad tha you have the opportunity to really try so many different masks. Not everyone is able to do that financially. (I too have been able to try different styles. Fortunately I found my favorite on the second try.)
- JB

glassgal · Post by **glassgal** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 9:00 pm

Welcome Judy,

I second ahujudybear's suggestion on the pillow. I use the NasalAire II and have a memory foam (Temperpedic) pillow that just absorbs the hoses and supports my head without smushing the hoses.

The other tip that I would pass along is that you MUST have the NAII big enough that it is hard to get in at first -- it will warm up quickly and give you a good seal. The less movement (makes the nose hurt) and leaks (noisy) the better you will sleep! I started with a small and now use a medium plus. I also use 5/8" tubular, knitted cotton bandage over the hoses. This is available at medical supply stores. It keeps the plasticy, rubber feel away from your face and neck!

Feel free to PM me if you have other questions!

ahujudybear · Post by **ahujudybear** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 8:48 am

Just made an interesting observation::::

Yesterday I asked the RT to increase the pressure of my BiPAP (the IPAP) to 13 (my new Rx says I can have it anywhere from 10 to 15).

My Favorite mask (F&P FlexiFit HC405) leaked once in awhile at this pressure..... But the Swift did NOT!! My RT said to try this for a week while she's away. I think the pressure might be a tad too high. The Titration study said that pressures of 10 to 12 were best, but I just wanted to try this for a few days - now I'm sort of stuck with it for over a week unless I call and have someone else come out.

- JB

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 5:52 pm

ahujudybear, check your private messages (button at upper right of this page.)

blamm · Post by **blamm** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:18 pm

Do an Internet search for the Mediflow pillow, it is a water pillow and of my many pillows it is by far the best and works real well with any mask

judysunlakes · Post by **judysunlakes** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 6:50 pm

[quote="ahujudybear"]two suggestions Judy...

Try reading the posts about the good and bad points about masks (there are a LOT of masks, and everyone has their own opinions about the worst and the best one for them.)

Look through the posts about PILLOWS. i found a pillow that will support the mask (yes, even a Swift) without making your head sore and without suffocating you.

I know you're tired and all this information seems overwhelming to you right now, but I am very glad tha you have the opportunity to really try so many different masks. Not everyone is able to do that financially. (I too have been able to try different styles. Fortunately I found my favorite on the second try.)
- JB
What is your favorite one?

ahujudybear · Post by **ahujudybear** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 7:03 pm

My favorite?

Hehe... well, now I have two - BOTH of them: the F&P FlexiFit HC 405 nasal mask and the Swift nasal pillows. The swift is a bit loud, but with my pillow it stays in place very well! The 405 is almost silent unless moisture gets into the vent holes. Then the howling wakes me up! <LO

And almost no leaks with either one of them.

- JB

ahujudybear · Post by **ahujudybear** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 7:08 pm

BTW, Many thanks to Rested Gal.

With her marvelous and unexpected assistance I was able to lower my IPAP pressure to a more reasonable level of 12. The Swift still holds its seal at that pressure (it leaked a lot at 10).

Thanks again RG!!!

- JB

judysunlakes · Post by **judysunlakes** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 11:35 am

ahujudybear wrote:My favorite?

Hehe... well, now I have two - BOTH of them: the F&P FlexiFit HC 405 nasal mask and the Swift nasal pillows. The swift is a bit loud, but with my pillow it stays in place very well! The 405 is almost silent unless moisture gets into the vent holes. Then the howling wakes me up! <LO

And almost no leaks with either one of them.

- JB

____I tried the swift again last night, I wrapped the hose, but it still hurts when I lay on my side, so I ended up taking it off. Also when I turn over from side to side the nasal pillows come out and I have to start all over again. I am getting discouraged. : _____________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): swift, Nasal Pillows

sleeping beauty · Post by **sleeping beauty** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 8:28 pm

CPAP side sleeper Mirage Swift Nasal Pillows Systems. I have been using this for almost a year. It works good for sleeping on my side and back. It fits under your nose and the straps are on the side of your face so they are less confining. There are some leaks when you move around but works great.

onecoknower · Post by **onecoknower** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 8:36 pm

Are you using the right size pillows in the Swift? I have small nares and use the small size. I find that even with tossing and turning, there are very few leaks. Maybe you need a larger size pillow to make a good seal.

My issue with the Swift is that when I roll on the side that the hose comes out, I get a stiff neck - weird angle, I guess. I'm currently in the market for a new pillow that will support what needs to be supported but allow room for the hose...

Oneco