Is it time to get a new mask? Maybe a new hose too?

[WAFlowers]

Once upon a time, a long time ago, I was a very prolific poster on this forum under the username WAFlowers. (Search for it and you'll see what I mean.) But life got busy once I started CPAP and had the energy to live again and I've been gone from here almost 3 years!

Anyway, in all that time I've been using the same equipment! And I guess it comes as no surprise that it has been deteriorating.

I've got hose clamps in on various parts to keep air from leaking, such as the coupler for my connecter and the deteriorating rubber connector at the end of my Aussie heated hose. (Are they still available?)

Now the headgear on my beloved original Swift has fallen apart after almost 3 years of non-stop use. What am I to do?

I could buy another Swift. Or one of those new-fangled Swift II's that just came out. (I tell you, I've been out of touch for a LONG time.) Or one of those even newer Swift LT's.

So what would you do if you were me?

[Babette]

BUY ALL NEW MASK, HOSES, FILTERS, SEALS, ETC.

Good lord, men do hate to shop, don't they?

As for recommending a mask - Swift LT gets good reviews here. Also the HeadRest. And my personal favorite, the Nasal Aire II. You can read more about that one down below in my links.

Please go buy yourself something new. You deserve good therapy. Don't make me get out my big stick and beat you to death....

LOL,
B.

[WAFlowers]

Recently I've hated to spend money because I didn't know of the USCIS (formerly INS) was going to let me stay in this country after March 12. If not, I would need the cash for moving my family back to Canada.

Now that that is cleared up for a bit, and the equipment has degraded to the point where I have no choice, I guess you are right; it is time to shop.

Just the other week my wife dragged me out to buy 3 new pair of pants and 4 new shirts, insisting that I get rid of some of the stuff in my closet that was falling apart. Time to do the same with my CPAP too, I suppose.

I bought a HeadREst once but ended up giving it to a friend. I found the headgear would slide around too much on my bald head! (That sounds like a bad joke, but it's true.)

The only complaints I've had for the Swift are from my wife: she wishes it was quieter and wouldn't blow on her. Since starting CPAP I haven't been able to cuddle with her in our sleep. It's been years now.

[sagesteve]

All I can say is that I'm VERY pleased with my recent Mask change. The Mirage Quattro was getting the job done. I had a leak rate of 31.8 - 32.3 (pressure is 9) and I couldn't get my AHI rate below 1.5 ... ran as much as 1.9 I changed to the CPAP PRO No Mask! http://www.nomask.com SUUUUPER pleased. no straps, no pulling, no air blowing out the vent to wake up my wife etc. etc. I'm running a leak rate of 14.5 (pressure still 9) and my AHI this morning was .05!! I slept 7.5 hours straight through. I really think those other straps and the pulling can wake you up at night. This No Mask is just that...trouble free! Really LOVE it.

PS BILL? My cousins name was Donald Flowers. He lived in Chino, CA. Father was Harold Flowers.

[WAFlowers]

I roll around so much that a "No Mask" couldn't possibly stay in place. I once had the hose completely wrapped around my neck! Or maybe it was my wife trying to "off" me? Nah, couldn't be.

[sagesteve]

I USED to be the same way. I would really tear up a bed. But since my CPAP and this new mask...I really don't move once I go to sleep.
PS BILL? My cousins name was Donald Flowers. He lived in Chino, CA. Father was Harold Flowers.

[Babette]

Bill, I think the Swift LT will be a real pleasure for you after the original Swift. Maybe the vent situation might change. I don't know. I haven't used either mask, just read reports here on the forum.

If you're still pinching pennies, go check out http://www.cpapauction.com. Since you were here last, Ebay has quit allowing the sale of MOST (not all) cpap equipment. Our host started up their own auction site, and you can often find some good deals there. I've mostly just bought little things from there, and I usually only buy from reputable sellers with a high feedback rating. Do be aware of that.

Cheers,
B.

[ozij]

WOW, Bill - that's been a very long time!
The Aussie heated hoses are still around - I use cpap.com's quick connects, and my hose's rubber connectors are still fine, after 3.5 years.
Rested Gal taught us how to deconstruct the headrest, and use legs from tights to stabilize it. Maybe it's worth a try, since one of the Headrest's master strokes is the way it's exhaust points above your head, and not at your partner.

Good to see you!

O.

[WAFlowers]

I USED to be the same way. I would really tear up a bed. But since my CPAP and this new mask...I really don't move once I go to sleep.
PS BILL? My cousins name was Donald Flowers. He lived in Chino, CA. Father was Harold Flowers.

I just go from left side to back to right side to ...

All my traceable family is in and around Toronto, Canada. But follow it back far enough and we might be related. Who knows?

I've heard rumors that a brother of my great (or great-great) grandfather emigrated from England to the US back around the turn of the last century.

[WAFlowers]

O, I wonder why the rubber is turning to mush on my hose?

I guess if I use legs from tights and leave them long they'd look like floppy bunny ears? Too bad the kids are too old to amuse that way anymore (21 and 18).

[sagesteve]

Yes, that's where my family is from by way of Scotland. Donald's cousin was a McKelvey (their mother's were sisters). Now you're gonna LOVE this one. Guess who Donald married? OK, here it is....VIOLET!!!! YES, her name was Violet Flowers!

[Babette]

Bill, here are Rested Gal's links to the Headrest, including how she and others have labratted this to take off the "headrest" portion of the mask:

viewtopic.php?t=3098

Cheers,
B.

[WAFlowers]

sage, I can match that one. My grandfather Henry married Rose. Yep, Rose Flowers! Then my father Vern married June. My mother is June Flowers!!

[sagesteve]

Man...talk about quuuinkiedinks!!

[WAFlowers]

Babette, I think the problem was more than just the headgear. I also have this habbit of half-burying my face in my pillow. Without the cheek straps of the Swift I don't think nasal pillows would work for me. I recall having everything from my old HeadRest sliding all over the place.

The friend I gave it to loves it and says it works well for him. His wife loves it too because they spoon all night.

Once upon a time, I used to spoon all night too. Actually since my wife started menopause she gets too warm for me to get close to her (for her comfort) anyway.