I have been using the Swift LT pillows system for a couple weeks now and generally, it has worked better than the other masks. My challenge is to get consistant on fitting it the right way and the same way each night.

My question now is whether this mask can trigger sinus congestion. I had sinus surgery several years ago and they have given no trouble since. But now at night with the device I am using, I get plugged up by 4 or 5 in the morning and I have to remove the mask in order to breathe well. The sinus will sometimes clear enough to put the mask back on. The humidifier is set at either 2 or 3. The air is preset from 4 to 12, I believe.
Thanks, John

REMstar Auto A-Flex
System One Humidifier
Swift LT pillows mask

I don't use your machine, but your humidifier might actually be too high. What do you think?

Last night I woke up with my nose on fire and my mouth dry. I must have been mouth breathing because of a stuffed nose.

Thanks,
I will try it at setting one tonight.
John

John O wrote:I have been using the Swift LT pillows system for a couple weeks now and generally, it has worked better than the other masks. My challenge is to get consistant on fitting it the right way and the same way each night.

My question now is whether this mask can trigger sinus congestion. I had sinus surgery several years ago and they have given no trouble since. But now at night with the device I am using, I get plugged up by 4 or 5 in the morning and I have to remove the mask in order to breathe well. The sinus will sometimes clear enough to put the mask back on. The humidifier is set at either 2 or 3. The air is preset from 4 to 12, I believe.
Thanks, John

REMstar Auto A-Flex
System One Humidifier
Swift LT pillows mask

Exact same thing happened to me. I had to switch to a full face mask

I have a history of sinus issues which predates my CPAP usage by decades. Nevertheless, I've been able to use a nasal pillows mask (Breeze and Headgear) for every night during the almost ten years I've been a CPAPer. However, I've been using prescription nasal sprays nightly for the entire period. I've used a variety of cortisone sprays on a nightly basis supplemented with an anti-histamine spray when I get particularly stuffed-up. At those times, I also flush my sinuses with a netti pot before bed time. All this, of course, under my doctor's supervision.

This hasn't prevented my annual sinus infections, but it has made them manageable and enabled me to maintain my normal CPAP therapy when I do have sinus problems. Changing masks when confronted with health issues is not conducive to sleeping well, and using a full face mask doesn't seem to be fun under any circumstances.

Good luck!

John O wrote: ......The air is preset from 4 to 12, .......

That is usually an ineffective setting for all but those who require an unusually low pressure. Do you know how to look at the efficacy data the machine records?

I have never tried to download the data but the provider advisor I work with has done this so I can call her and set up an appointment to do it. I don't evn know if I would be able to understand the data without help, anyway.

As for nasal sprays, I was advised by a pulmonary specialist to be cautious of these because of my asthma condition. I do have a sinus rinse that I use as needed, but at 4 in the morning when I am half asleep that is not a good option.

This condition is not every night, just sometimes so perhaps I need to take more care with adjusting the da**n thing! I already tried a full face mask and that didn't seem to work with me.

Thanks for all you suggestions. If you have more please feel free to advise.
John

Have you been doing anything different on the nights you do or don't have the congestion? Maybe washing your mask or tubing or not washing it that day? Is it possible that a pet is getting near this and you have a slight allergy to them but it is worst when they have been near equipment that is in your nose all night?
I have an M series and I keep mine set on 3 most of the time.
Gerry

I learned today that I have a follow up on Tuesday with the sleep apnea doctor so I will raise my concerns to him.

Nothing had changed in my mask preparations but there is one thing that might be relevant - where I live has just about the worst pollen/alergies than anywhere in the US.
Thanks, John

I took particular care with the fitting of the mask & hose and I had a very good night. waking only once. I had the humidifier set at 2 and moved it to 3 later in the night. I didn't have any sinus issues. I am beginning to think it is mostly allergies here in the Willamette Valley.
John