New Mask

bethlori · Post by **bethlori** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 1:13 pm

So yesterday I went to the sleep center to have a nice long talk and get a new mask. The comfort classic was just not cutting it for me. During the night it would inch up to my eyes. I came home with the Mirage Nasal Swift. It is hard to tell if I like it or not, or rather how much I like it or don't. It definitely makes the 11 pressure a bit too strong to fall asleep to so I have to ramp down to 4. It is also a bit noisier than the CC and it will take a bit of getting used to having those things touching my nose. But all in all I think I had an ok night's sleep. I just can't wait until I start feeling better (ie less tired, more energy etc). When do you think that will happen?

Sleepy-eyes · Post by **Sleepy-eyes** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:18 pm

"Patience Grasshopper, patience". It won't happen overnight........or a week, a month, or.....................................! It'll happen when it happens. Soon for some, later for others. I've been on the machine since last September and just in the last two weeks have started having restful nights and days of boosted energy. And this may just be a "bubble". You never know! Just keep being compliant with your therapy and hang in there.

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:27 pm

With any nasal pillow mask, many including myself, use some type of
ointment between the nares and the nasal pillows to avoid irritation.

sleepinginseattle · Post by **sleepinginseattle** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 4:29 pm

Don't give up. I tried several masks before I found one I liked. The Swift and Breeze were two of the nasal pillow styles I tried. I liked (and occasionally still use) the Swift but in the end I decided I liked the Ultra Mirage II mask more than the pillows. It's strange because I was certain that the smaller, less obtrusive, Swift would be my favorite but the Ultra Mirage II gives me a better seal and disrupts my sleep a lot less.

Keep trying the Swift. I found that lanolin ointment (made for breastfeeding) was an important part of wearing the Swift. It may have reduced irritation but just as significantly, it helped create a tighter seal to my nose.

What I don't like about the Swift is the headgear. The buckles are too big and because I like to sleep on my back and side, it was difficult to position them so my head wasn't resting on them. Also, the Swift buckles come loose with even a gentle tug making readjusting the fit a constant chore. The Ultra Mirage II has a smooth Velcro type strap system that I find more comfortable. The buckle at the side snaps off to release the mask quickly (with one hand) and reattaches with the same fit every time.

If you do decide to go with a new mask, check the size carefully. It doesn't sound as though your Comfort Classic was a good fit. That or the headgear wasn't properly adjusted. All faces are different, all sleep patterns unique; it's ridiculous to think that one mask is the best for everyone. Trial and error is really the only way to find the one you'll like best. That said, the sizing guide available on the commercial side of this site was very useful for determining which size of Ultra Mirage II would fit me best.

Also, sleep supply sales people rarely have a clue to what YOU are going to find comfortable. They pushed me to try the Breeze and I hated that mask! When I wanted to return it for something else, I was told that it's not returnable. The process is expensive too.

Good luck and keep the faith.

Cale

pedroski · Post by **pedroski** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 2:41 am

Hi Beth,

I don't know if you've seen these yet, but there are lots of fixes on the forum for Swift users.

viewtopic.php?t=5965

viewtopic.php?t=10032

viewtopic.php?t=4290

Sooner or later you WILL start feeling better, we've all gone through what you're experiencing now, and it's only natural to be anxious about something this important, but you WILL get the hang of it.

Peter

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): swift

bethlori · Post by **bethlori** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 8:48 am

Ok second night and I found myself waking several times with "tickle-ing" under my nose where the swift pillows lie. I kept lifting it off and scratching and then put it back on. Anyone ever experience this?

frete50 · Post by **frete50** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 9:01 am

Yes and with a FF it is really hard to scratch your nose without removing the mask. You then have to readjust everything.

neverbetter · Post by **neverbetter** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 11:47 am

another great benefit of the hybrid mask

JimW · Post by **JimW** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 8:50 pm

bethlori wrote:Ok second night and I found myself waking several times with "tickle-ing" under my nose where the swift pillows lie. I kept lifting it off and scratching and then put it back on. Anyone ever experience this?

Possibly a gentle air leak at the lower part of your nares? If I feel a little 'tickle' anywhere with this mask, it's usually a very small leak. You may also want to watch for possible contact irritation/allergy with the mask material.