nasal pillow "whistling"

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JoS
Posts: 31
Joined: Wed Aug 07, 2013 1:31 pm

nasal pillow "whistling"

Post by JoS » Fri Nov 27, 2015 5:12 pm

I have used my machine and tap pap pillows without many problems, for the past 18 months or so. Obviously using new pillows,and just over the past week the mask is "whistling" and keeping me awake. Can any one help please? Thank you

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onthefreeway
Posts: 56
Joined: Fri Mar 15, 2013 8:06 pm
Location: So Cal

Re: nasal pillow "whistling"

Post by onthefreeway » Sat Nov 28, 2015 1:44 am

When I had my sleep study, the technician fitted me with a Swift FX mask and small nasal pillows. Everything was great. I came home and used the same set up. But after a few weeks, my nasal pillows started whistling; nothing had changed, so I was perplexed. I still don't know why the whistling started, but I can tell you that it stopped once I started using medium-sized pillows. You might want to try and see if going up one size works.

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JoS
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Joined: Wed Aug 07, 2013 1:31 pm

Re: nasal pillow "whistling"

Post by JoS » Sat Nov 28, 2015 6:30 am

onthefreeway wrote:When I had my sleep study, the technician fitted me with a Swift FX mask and small nasal pillows. Everything was great. I came home and used the same set up. But after a few weeks, my nasal pillows started whistling; nothing had changed, so I was perplexed. I still don't know why the whistling started, but I can tell you that it stopped once I started using medium-sized pillows. You might want to try and see if going up one size works.
Thank you. I have some large so will give that a try tonight.

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codinqueen
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Location: FL Panhandle

Re: nasal pillow "whistling"

Post by codinqueen » Thu Dec 03, 2015 9:55 pm

Sometimes when my Swift FX nasal pillows start whistling, I can "re-seat" the mask on my face as I wear it by moving the strap across the back of my head, to stop the noise, but sometimes that doesn't work. In that case I have to rejuvenate them by soaking the nasal pillows in hot water brought to a boil, that I add baking soda to and stir in to melt, then turn heat off and drop nasal pillows in the hot water for about 20 minutes. Somehow the heated baking soda water makes them better for awhile, and you can get more use out of them. I do this every time I run into constant whistles and the mask won't re-seat properly on my face to stop whistling. I have done this for years with some of my Swift FX pillows. They will eventually wear out and the hot water won't help, but it saves money to do it as long as it works. I have high deductible insurance and can't buy new masks or nasal pillows every time the whistling starts. I hope it works for you too. Do NOT keep the heat on under the pan and DON'T put the short hose into the pan of hot water, since some of the short hoses will melt, rendering them unusable. I think some types of the silicone cushions might melt if the heat is still under the pan and the silicone touches the side of the pan, but am not sure exactly which ones this happens to. I realize you are not using Swift FX nasal pillows, but the boiling water trick might work for you also.

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Mask: Swift™ FX For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Clear by Pur-Sleep to keep nose open at night, Cozy Hose-Boss by Pur-Sleep
Pressure 6-10 cm

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jagzoo
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Re: nasal pillow "whistling"

Post by jagzoo » Thu Dec 03, 2015 11:09 pm

Sorry to say that I just don't have much advice other than to try a different pillow/nares. I have occasionally had a pillow - not Tap Pap - gone bad even if i couldn't find anything wrong - but the replacement pillow was fine and the offending pillow whistled in every frame.

Also glad to hear that someone else uses the Tap Pap. It isn't my 1st go to pillow at the moment (P10 is) but it certainly is number 2. Used it for 4 straight months this last spring and intermittently since. Good luck with it.

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Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Heated Tubing; mask sometimes is TAP PAP mask; now P10 nasal pillows; use Sleepyhead software
APAP 9-12