Looking for advice: P10 or Swift FX

I recently went back to a nasal pillow (Swift FX) from a FFM, and it's about time to either get a new Swift FX, or try the new P10. Looking at the P10, I have a couple of concerns and I'm wondering if someone with some experience can tell me how valid my concerns are.

Without the swivel joint at the front of the mask, do you have more leaks if you're an active sleeper? I often find that with the old Swift FX, the weight of the tubing would pull the mask down and cause leaks. That seems even more likely with the P10. Am I wrong?

How tight is the un-adjustable headgear? I ask because I discovered that I have a slightly larger than average size head. Is the headgear really as frustrating as some people on CPAP.com seem to think?

Are the pillow sizes between the P10 and Swift FX identical? I ask because I am somewhere between the medium and large on the Swift FX and would be ecstatic if the newer P10 pillows fit somewhat better.

Are there any significant improvements with the P10 over the FX or should I just order a new FX?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

When I was using the FX, I used the medium pillow and it was a good fit. The medium pillow on the P10 was was just a little on the small side, so I switched up to a Large. I think the large would probably be just right for you as it is a tad large on me, but works much better than the medium. I actually have less leaks with the P10 than I did using the FX.

If you watch the video referenced above, you can see how the headgear can be adjusted. The band on top can be pulled forward to the forehead, if need be, to adjust to make it looser. I can pull it forward to the point the pillows actually dangle below my nose. Or, I can pull both bands to the back of my head and make it fairly tight (To tight for me). Another benefit is that it's SOOOO much quieter and lighter than the FX, and you don't feel the air being exhausted out of the mask.

I haven't had any problems with the tube actually pulling the mask away from my face, and I usually turn over from one side to the other about 3 or 4 times a night. I usually wake up enough to move the the hose with me when I roll over. The down side of not having the swivel is that the hose on the mask tends to curl up when you roll over. The hose on the P10 is not as heavy as the FX hose.

I'm not sure where you buy your supplies, but they may offer a 30 day period, that if your not happy with it, you can exchange it and go back to the FX. Personally, I never thought I would switch from the FX. Now, I won't go back to it! But, for some people, it doesn't work for them. You will never know, unless you try it.

I'm a P10 lover BUT recently heard from a FX lover that it really is personal preference. I'll answer your questions, but keep in mind everyone is different. I was never able to wear the FX no matter how hard I tried. I was a Swift LT user.

Without the swivel - the P10 tubing is very light & moves easily. I don't miss a swivel from my LT.

I have a small head & the headgear is almost too big for me. For most people, I've heard complaints that its too tight. Some folks are successful in stretching it around a large ball or lamp shade to get the desired larger size. The idea is to use the two straps to find a comfortable fit. I'm not sure how successful stretching has been.

I wore a medium LT & still wear a medium with the P10.

The very significant improvement is the venting exhaust. The P10 uses a diffused exhaust that you can barely feel. My LT and I understand the FX was the same, is a stream of air which makes noise when it hits blankets etc. Also the older models exhaust can be felt by a bed partner but the P10 can't.

If the new diffuser feature would benefit you, you may want to try the P10. If that new feature won't benefit you, then you may just want to stick with the FX. Especially since you have a large head. I've heard lots of complaints about the headgear being too small.

Hope this helps.
Jen

I have both fx and p10. I like both but I prefer p10. The fx has air vent holes in front so your partner will feel air if you turn toward them. The p10 mask is thinner and flatter so it feels like its hardly there. I have no problem with it not having a swivel. I highly recommend a hose lift if you don't already have one. What I do like about the fx is you can buy the nasal mask and use the headgear with it and buy the Bella loops and use them for both the nasal pillows and the nasal mask. I like that the nano is so multi purpose since I get bored using the same mask all the time. My masks are like shoes and purses to me:)

I have both and a Nuance. P10 is my go to mask - swivel is no issue IMHO and the venting is silent. I have a big head so I split the straps wide open and do just great. I wash and dry the straps every week and they reset well. Good luck whichever way you go.

I have used both and prefer the P10. I wish the P10 had the Swift FX headgear, but the P10 headgear was okay after I got used to it. I love the light weight and the vent diffuser. No more waking myself or my partner up with jet streams of cold air. I do not miss the swivel.

woodworkerjunkie wrote:When I was using the FX, I used the medium pillow and it was a good fit. The medium pillow on the P10 was was just a little on the small side, so I switched up to a Large. I think the large would probably be just right for you as it is a tad large on me, but works much better than the medium. I actually have less leaks with the P10 than I did using the FX.

If you watch the video referenced above, you can see how the headgear can be adjusted. The band on top can be pulled forward to the forehead, if need be, to adjust to make it looser. I can pull it forward to the point the pillows actually dangle below my nose. Or, I can pull both bands to the back of my head and make it fairly tight (To tight for me). Another benefit is that it's SOOOO much quieter and lighter than the FX, and you don't feel the air being exhausted out of the mask.

I haven't had any problems with the tube actually pulling the mask away from my face, and I usually turn over from one side to the other about 3 or 4 times a night. I usually wake up enough to move the the hose with me when I roll over. The down side of not having the swivel is that the hose on the mask tends to curl up when you roll over. The hose on the P10 is not as heavy as the FX hose.

I'm not sure where you buy your supplies, but they may offer a 30 day period, that if your not happy with it, you can exchange it and go back to the FX. Personally, I never thought I would switch from the FX. Now, I won't go back to it! But, for some people, it doesn't work for them. You will never know, unless you try it.

This response saved me a bunch of typing. I've used both. I have a large head (hat size 7 7/8-8) & I can adjust the P10 so that the pillows feel like they may fall out of place. I'm a side sleeper. The part of the head gear that goes along the cheek bone is firm plastic, which stays in place. With the FX I was always searching for the perfect position that wouldn't cause leaks. I almost have to try to cause leaks when side sleeping with the P10. I like both, but for me the P10 is superior.

Nick Danger wrote:I wish the P10 had the Swift FX headgear,

It can be rigged so that the P10 can be attached to the Swift FX headgear. I did it a while back just to see if it could be done.
Pictures and what I did were provided. I don't remember when it was though. If I have time later I will go look.

Yeah, Pugsy, I saw that post. I thought about doing it, but then decided to just stick with the standard P10 headgear.

Nick Danger wrote:Yeah, Pugsy, I saw that post. I thought about doing it, but then decided to just stick with the standard P10 headgear.

I mentioned it just in case someone out there was REALLY having issues with the P10 headgear but loved the mask part of the P10.
It's not difficult at all to attach the P10 to the Swift FX headgear. Took me all of about 30 seconds to figure out a way to do it and it works surprisingly well. Not nearly as difficult as figuring out how to use the Bella Loops with the Aloha nasal pillows. That experiment took me a couple of days to get it to work.

Thank you ALL for all of the replies. You all are godsends. Thank you especially to woodworkerjunkie for the sizing reference, as it was my top concern. I have my fingers crossed!

I've talked with my DME and decided to try out the P10. Will pick it up tomorrow.

Let us know how it works for ya!

agribah wrote:Without the swivel joint at the front of the mask, do you have more leaks if you're an active sleeper? I often find that with the old Swift FX, the weight of the tubing would pull the mask down and cause leaks. That seems even more likely with the P10. Am I wrong?

I highly recommend trying a hose hanger if you don't have one. It holds the hose over your head, supports most of the weight of the hose, and keeps you from getting tangled up during the night, even when you roll from side to side. I got one of the blue "travel" hangers off ebay for less than $20(?).

I went from the Swift FX to the P10... no issues with lack of swivel, leaks are nonexistent. Headgear is more comfortable (and minimal) in my opinion.

A+++ rating from me.