I changed from FF mask to Swift LT

As I stated in previous messages I am a serious mouth breather. I never thought that I would be able to change to a nasal mask, until reading that some have been able to train themselves to use one. I started having trouble getting to sleep with my Quattros and my UMFF due to sore on my nose, but mostly due to a sensation that my nose was always plugged up. I tried a loner Liberty mask from my sleep center but I was never able to get it to stop leaking enough for me to sleep. The one thing I liked about it was the sensation of having my nose open a breathing freely.

I bought a Swift II in order to have a nasal mask to use since I was going to have surgery and I had read that some hospitals don't like full face masks. I practiced in my chair with the Swift II for a few weeks and I like the feeling of my nose not being plugged up. I did some experiments with my FF masks and realized that the pressure the seal puts on my nose ends up closing down my nasal passages considerably. Since my nose has never been very good at breathing, this caused me more trouble breathing in the FF masks. I decided to try the Swift II in bed but I never could get it to stop leaking when i would turn to my side. I decided to try a Swift LT since it is much more compact. It has taken me a while to get my nares toughened up to the Swift LT but I have now used it all night for three nights in bed. I have a little trouble with mouth leaks but not as much as I thought I would have . My numbers are down and I am able to sleep for longer periods of time before I wake and make adjustments. I have only had a dry mouth a few times and I seem to be getting better all the time at keeping it closed and my tongue up against the roof of my mouth. The feeling of having air blowing into my nose is fantastic! I also like not having any leaks going into my eyes. As an added but important benefit, my beard is growing back.

One other interesting thing I have found is that if I keep my bald head shaved, the back strap of the Swift LT stays in place better. If I allow some hair to grow it slides around and loosens the nasal pillows causing leaks. So I guess shaving your head or tying up your hair in a pony tail as someone suggested helps keep the Swift LT in place.

Dale - No Longer the Beardless

Congrats! I love my Swift LT and had no problems adjusting. I came from a FFM, which I hated.

If you find yourself waking up with annoying mask marks, get the Pad-a-Cheek cover. It eliminates them.

You made a good pick the Swift Lt, it great, good luck to you