Mirage Swift help?

AirHog · Post by **AirHog** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 11:25 am

I need some help with my Swift otherwise it's soon become the newest chew toy for my dogs. I like the lightweight and open design, I really don't want to give up on it yet but I have a couple of issues with it:

Noise, the sound during inhalation is annoying, I find it adds 10 to 15 minutes to my normally quick nodding off time, it's like having Darth Vader stand over you, preparing to seranade you with a lullaby.

Nostril irritation, I have tried all the different sizes and now a little lube which has helped but inevitably by 3 or 4am my nostrils feel truamatized. This is by far the most severe issue, I feel like I was snorting A jax on a weekend bender.

I'm only on nite 5 with my Swift but our relationship is going downhill quick. Any ideas? Thanks!

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 11:45 am

Hi Airhog,

I don't know what to say about the noise. I know it's there but it doesn't seem to bother me. One poster had played around with putting some of that orange plastic mesh you buy oranges in inside the chamber to muffle the noise, try that.

As far as the nasal irritation, when you get the mask seated and your machine running, pull down on the head gear and the chamber as far as you can and still have the pillows seal. It's suprising how much pressure you can take off and still get a good seal. Also use the large pillows (or a size larger than you think you will need) this will keep the pillow from going to far into your nose.

I switched back to my Activa last night myself because I think I have more mouth leaks with the Swift. The Swift may not be an every night mask but it's sure nice to have.

AirHog · Post by **AirHog** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 8:10 pm

Hi wttm

I've tried most of the suggestions concerning comfort, it seems as though the mask is good for about four hours than discomfort sets in and my nostrils go ablaze. I wouldn't hesitate to use this mask for a nap, it's a great napping partner.

I have only been on the pump for six nights now but I have to admit my best sleep so far has been during the titration part of my sleep study, I thought sleep at home would be much better so I have to assume some part of my setup is off. I'll be trying a new mask soon.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 9:02 pm

discomfort sets in and my nostrils go ablaze

Did they give you a heated humidifier? Dry air rushing straight into the nostrils can sure dry them and cause an "on fire" feeling.

Another possibility - the nasal pillows might be too small and are pushed up inside the nostrils too far. If you stick with the Swift, you might want to try the cylinder with larger pillows... unless you're already using the largest of the three sizes. All three sizes are packaged with every Swift.

If you're using heated humidification (and it doesn't necessarily have to be turned up high to give relief - I keep mine on the lowest heat setting since I don't like thick, heavy humid air) and the Swift nasal pillows still hurt, you might want to give the Breeze a try. I like the Swift all right, but I like the Breeze better. The nasal pillows for the Breeze are a bit softer, imho. I prefer nasal pillows that would be considered "too big" for my nares, so that they stay more outside my nostrils. I don't like the feeling of anything stuck up inside my nose.

AirHog · Post by **AirHog** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 9:58 pm

Hey Rested Gal

I have the remstar-pro c-flex w/water. One of the theories I have is that my chest is very large (46") measured below the chest muscle and my lungs are probobly the size of watermellons. A deep inhale and exhale is a large volume of air, more so than the ave person and quite possibly a major contributor to the late night discomfort. A person who breathes more shallow would most likely have better results with the swift. Just a theory, however.

AirHog · Post by **AirHog** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 9:02 pm

Well I made it seven nights with the swift nostrilizer. Woke up on the morning of the seventh day with the decidedly unique desire to light my swift on fire, done with it. I have an activa now and I sleep sound, in fact I'm a sleep junkie now, I can't get enough, got a lot of catching up to do.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 9:56 pm

airhog wrote:I wouldn't hesitate to use this mask (the Swift) for a nap, it's a great napping partner.

I guess you'll have to relegate the Swift to a lazy Sunday afternoon Bears/Packers game.

Great to wear when reading a book or watching TV and dosing off.

Not a bad thing to go back to the Activa...though

christinequilts · Post by **christinequilts** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 10:03 am

Its not uncommon when you are adjusting to nasal pillows that you have to break in your nares slowly. A lot of people give up to easily- usually because they see it as an all or nothing issue. Start with wearing nasal pillows for a few hours a night knowing you will be switching back to a nasal mask at some point . As time goes by you should slowly be able to increase the percentage of the night you wear nasal pillows until you find you can wear it all night. Sometimes if you have irratated your nares too much you may have to back off for a few nights before giving it another try. I've been using nasal pillows for 9 months now and I still put Ayr type gell to lubricate and if I have any problems I put a little antibiotic oitment on in the morning. I can't go back to nasal masks now...I had a problem one night and thought I would grap my trusty Activa out. Big mistake- the bridge of my nose no longer is tough enough to handle it no matter how I adjusted it...I made it through the night and made sure I fixed my nasal pillow the next day so I could use it again.