Success Story

I just spent my third night with the Swift pillow interface. The first two nights I loved the comfort of it, but I think when I would roll over or something during the night, if the hose or whatever bothered me, I would chuck off the mask.
Last night I told myself before going to sleep that when I woke up, I would NOT remove the mask! It worked.
This interface is so much more comfortable than the FF mask. And what is so strange, this confirmed mouth-breather no longer breathes through her mouth.
Always before when I would go to bed, my nose would feel stuffy. If I tried to breathe through my nose, I felt short of air. So while awake, I would breathe through my mouth from the start. I don't like using sprays as they can have rebound effects. I'm just one of those people if I can skin by without taking medications, I do. I only take what I HAVE to take, which in my case is arthritis, stomach and cholestrol meds. That's enough.
When I got my Ultra Mirage mask, I began telling myself to keep my mouth closed. It worked, as the force of the air gave me what I needed going through my nose.
By the time I got the Swift, I had somewhat trained myself. I didn't believe I could maintain it after sleeping, though. So the first night I taped my mouth. The 2nd night, I didn't tape, and never once was awakened with that particular fluttering of throat tissues that happen if you open your mouth while using pillows.
Last night, same thing. Never once woke from opening my mouth. I did wake up at 4:30 though, and couldn't get back to sleep. I think that will get better as I get used to sleeping with the pillows. I think I sleep fine while deep asleep, but once I enter a lighter sleep toward morning, I become conscious of the mask and wake up, and the feel of it keeps me awake. I expect my sleep time to slowly improve. Whatever, it is more comfortable and light than the FF mask. I'm using a touch of K-Y jelly inside my nostrils right before bed, and have some Neosporin if they get tender.
When I have my shoulder surgery this Friday, the pain meds will probably help extend my night.
I am so happy with the Swift. I will keep my Ultra Mirage as it will be invaluable for when I have a bad cold or congestion.
Oh, for the first time ever, I had some rainout. Maybe it was because that's the longest I've kept anything on my face!
For any who haven't read my posts before, I've been on treatment for 3 or 4 weeks.
BiPAP pro 2 set at 9 ingoing and 5 out
heated humidifier
Ultra Mirage FF mask
Mirage Swift Nasal pillow system

I glad to hear of your progress with the Swift, Photogal. I tried that interface and I loved it too (almost as comfortable as my Borg prosthetic eye mask), although I must admit, it was the first facemask I ever had. The only problem I had with the Swift, was that I would wake up in the middle of the night with significant pain from the air pressure on one side of my sinuses. I'm currently giving it a rest while I continue experimenting with my Ultra Mirage.

Keep us posted on your continued progress.

P.S. Don't resist. I know you're feeling the urge....go ahead.......TAKE A PEEK AT MY AVATAR!!! HA-HA-HAA-HAAA

GHAAAAAAAAAAAAHAAAAA! I peeked!

So, you are exactly the opposite of me. I started with the Ultra Mirage FF, went to the Swift pillows, and you did the reverse.
Good luck to you. My sinuses actually feel better on the Swift. When I removed it this morning, both sides felt clearer than they've felt in ages.
Upon being up 30 minutes or so, began to stuff up just a little bit. I can still get plenty of air on both sides, though.
I assume you are not married....you know, with a face like that. I am so sorry. Do you hang a pork chop around your neck to get your dog to play with you?

Hello

That's good have some success with the CPAP and the "swift" facial mask, as for some people it is pretty hard to adjust to sleeping with hose and mask at night. It's good if you are comfortable with the full facial mask.

As for me I had success with a nasal mask, "Profile Lite" as it was made nice small and compact and fit well on my flat, button nose. I found that has been the right mask for me from the start as currently I am on my 3rd Profile Lite mask as the other one's was used so often it wore out!

Hey Photogirl,

glad to hear the pillows are working for you. You may find that they irritate the inside of your nose, if they do try ky (or the walgreens version of it which is cheaper)

The pillows took away much of my cpap agony. I hope other people who are having mask problems will give them a try, even though they look - if it's possible- goofier than the mask.

thanks, al.
just got home from shoulder surg. so will be out of pocet for a while.