Need New NP mask...

Dark_Star · Post by **Dark_Star** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 8:02 am

Ok.. I have been using a decapitated Twilight NP (Aura?) for the past year and have good success. But last couple months it has become less effective. Maybe the nasal pillows are getting old and stretched out.

So I decided ...It is time for a new mask..

3 choices... Please chime in.

1) Buy another Twilight (Now called Headrest Nasal Cpap by AEIOMed)
2) Mirage Swift LT (a little pricey .. but I do not mind)
3) Opus 360 (good price .. decent reviews)

Any advice.. THANKS!

WindFlyer · Post by **WindFlyer** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:02 am

I can't comment specifically on nasal pillows since I'm a full face masker myself. In my experience, however, it's best to stick with what works than to end up kicking yourself by spending money on something that it turns out doesn't work as well.

That's my two cents.

akcpapguy · Post by **akcpapguy** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:21 am

I'm gonna agree with Windflyer. I have patients who have been on CPAP for years come in and say "I wanna try some of the new masks out". I often ask them WHY first, many times they just say, "I just wanna see what they look like". The advice I give them is, If your old mask is comfortable, your able to get a good seal with it, and your therapy is effective, don't change the mask. If you need a new mask, stick with the old one.

I can't tell you how many of them have gone with a different mask anyway and have returned that mask within a week and gone back to their old model of mask.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:49 am

While my experience was very similar to akcpapguy and WindFlyer in the begining (I tended to keep going back to the Breeze which was very effective at maintaing an AHI under 0.4), ... the more I tried, the more I learned about the style of mask that worked best for me. For example having tried the Swift I, I knew that the Bravo was not going to work for me when it came out and avoided it. The fact that I always went back to the Breeze guided me to trying the Optilife, Opus, and newer Swift LT. The first Opus even dissapointed me but the revised Opus 360 raised it to the level of my modified Breeze and now the Swift LT I find even works better for me.

Keep in mind everyone is different but the journey through the roulette of masks can lead to better comfort while maintaining the level of effectiveness if not improving upon it.

Re: your question of choices -

The Opus 360 and Swift LT are very similar and both are somewhat different from the Headrest. You could try the Opus or the Swift LT and if it does not work sell it on this forum or the auction site and just replace the pillows for your Headrest (headgear is probably still just as functional as what you are used to). Alternatively, there have been several Swift LT and Opus masks being sold here on this forum so you could buy used.

Dark_Star · Post by **Dark_Star** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 12:12 pm

Ok.. I decided to get the Swift LT.

I ordered it yesterday and it is supposed to arrive today!

I realize it may take a few days to work out the adjustments.. BUT I am hoping it will be comfortable and work well for me.

If anyone has any advice on using it .. please feel free to chime in.

Mask