Swift -v- Swift II (revisited)aaa

Last week I posted regarding my intial impressions of my newly acquired Swift II that I tried in replacement of my beloved original Swift. In that post, I speculated that the reconfigured exhausts on the Swift II, while slightly quieter, might affect Co2 venting in some fashion (since I noticed that that Swift II was very slightly harder to breath out against) and therefore, might affect capnic (carbon-dioxide based) triggers. I reported that I slept slightly less soundly during my first night with the Swift II, but I also speculated that this might have been because of my unfamiliarity with the new mask, and therefore, my less sound sleep might have been entirely cortical in origin. I promised that I would keep this board posted on my experiences and adjustment to the new Swift II.

Well, ten days later, I can say that I continued not to sleep as soundly with the new Swift II. I awoke during the night more frequently (though briefly), aware of minor leaks that I could immediately fix by simply readjusting the angle of the pillows. It seemed that the slight reconfiguration of the pillows (slightly wider perch) didn't fit me as well as the original design of the Swift pillows. I'd readjust the pillows and fall right back to sleep, but it happened a few times each night, and the net result was that I didn't sleep as well and was more fatigued during the days last week (though it was also a VERY challenging week at work). [BTW, I took my original Swift with me on a trip to Utah's Monument Valley last weekend when I also tried out my new M series Auto for the first time; I slept like a ROCK during those two nights]

Last night, I went back to my original Swift (new pillows, though) and SLEPT LIKE A ROCK. NO awakenings, no leaks, no readjustments and a GOOD, SOUND SLEEP. I am now more convinced in the prospect that subtle changes in CO2 venting in the new Swift II will affect capnic triggers that, in my case, adversely affected my quality of sleep. The improvement in my quality of sleep last night when I returned to my original Swift last night was DRAMATIC! Now, this cold also be because the configuration of the original pillows just fits me better anatomically and so I had fewer leak-born awakenings. But, the fact is, I feel SO MUCH better this morning than I have for the last 10 days, when I was trying out the Swift II, and my guess is that this is because of my more favorable response to the CO2 venting on the original Swift.

So, anyone want to swap a virtually new Swift II (virgin M and S pillows) for a gently used original Swift????

Hope this helps someone.

Chuck

Don't you think some of it could be just getting used to a new mask
I am due for a mask replacement now after about 8 months, and am thinking "better the devil you know...." I have less worry because i think if I adapted from day 2 to the whole CPAP business, then I can handle anything.

I agree with everything the above poster says about the Swift II--I don't sleep as well as I do with the old Swift. I think it's because of (for me) the change to the pillows--they are a little further apart, and I get little leaks through the night that wake me up. They are easily fixed, but since they wake me, I'm not sleeping soundly. I'm very disappointed, since it *is* much quieter than the original, but if I don't sleep well....I tried it for almost two weeks, btw. It's a no go for me, unfortunately. I may try tying a bit of dental floss around them--that seems to be working for my Opus at the moment....

Let me put in my 2 cents...

I don't have comparison to the original Swift, but I am enjoying the Swift II. I sleep thru the night and leaks are rare.

I don't see much of a difference in breathing with it than the OptiLife. It sure is quieter and seems to vent more than Opti. The nasal interface is much bigger than Opti's and rests against the whole upper lip. The pillows are further apart than Opti's so I would assume Swift 1 would be similar to Opti. I side sleep and so far it keeps a seal.

I did have tiny little leaks at the hose joint and pillow grooves on the clip/holder. I used some plumbers white teflon tape - it's extremely thin "tape" that plumbers use to seal threaded pipe/faucets/shower heads - no leaks now!

I saw my Dr last week and told her I switched from Opti to Swift II and told her if she has any input with Resmed to ask for resizing options for the pillows. I am between M and L. She wrote that down and said she would write them a review.

-Cheers

Chuck,

I sure hate to hear that, as things have gone so well for you with your treatment. Your story of how your life has improved since your heart trouble is an inspiration.

I wonder if there will turn out to be enough anecdotal evidence for the makers to put some science behind it. At any rate, your experience with the mask may help someone else who thought it was "just them".

Guess you'll be stockpiling those old Swifts.

Kathy

I have been using the Swift II for 4 nights. After such a good experience with the original Swift, I decided to try the new model, although the Swift is the only mask that works good for me after trying 3 other brands and models before. My experience so far has been mixed.

On the one hand the Swift II is definitely less noisy than the Swift. To me, it also looks the same, feels the same and works the same as the Swift. Only after reading the postings here I realized that the location of the pillows is slightly different.

One strange thing has happened since using the Swift II. Although I don’t remember waking up during the night, I feel I am sleepy during the day as if the sleeping is not as good in quality as with the Swift. I will continue my trial for some more time but I will go back to my old Swift if things don’t improve.

David

Possibly in an effort to maks the devices quieter, there is too little vent airflow for the c02. That may be why the swift is difficult to breathe with. You may look into using a pin or something or something similar to make the holes bigger and more like the first swift.

GoofyUT,

This is not related to your post but I am sorry to here about your problems with your new mask.

Just wanted to let you know I like your avatar. English or German Shorthair Pointer? Like the look of both.

Becky

He's a German short-haired pointer, named Jumpy, who's well known by many around these parts. He's my third GSHP rescue, and came into my life a few months after Goofy, the most wonderful creature that G-d ever created, passed on. He's made my life an interesting adventure (he's autistic).

Cheers!

Chuck

Well he is a beautiful dog. Too bad he is autistic.

I almost adopted a really cool english pointer named Homer from a pointer rescue group here in Texas but was beat out by a family who just fell in love with him.

Becky