New mask and I need some help

[sleepyinstlouis]

I paid a visit to my DME yesterday and tried a new mask - Swift LT for Her. The reason for the change was due to my dentists' concerns regarding my current mask pressing against my upper gums causing them to be swollen.If the problem isn't fixed, then there might be things he may have to do. Rather uncomfortable things.

My sleep was okay for the most part. It took me a bit to get used to the pillows, but it wasn't as bad as when I tried the nasal pillows at my sleep clinic. I know that there are a few people here who use this mask and I could use your advice. I'm not dealing with the sore nose yet, but more of the leaking. How do you deal with that? I'm majorly a side sleeper, though I do start out on my back when I go to bed, mostly because it's how I get myself ready for the mask. I noticed that the back tends to slip up so that might be part of the problem.

Any suggestions would be great.

[Pad A Cheek]

I do know that if you use a gel type protector for your nasal area before it becomes sore, that also will help with the seal. There are things on the market that are water, not petroleum, based that will work. Ayr Gel, Lanoshin, and KY Jelly are a few that come to mind. As they say "A little Dab 'll do ya" You are probably way too young to remember those commercials.

I also have some suggestions for the back strap slipping up, but they are something I sell, so if you are interested in knowing more, please feel free to PM me. You may be able to rig up something yourself, and I will share with you what I make.

I wish you luck, and just to make things more fun, there is a new Swift version that just came out called the Swift FX.

Karen

[momadams]

I've discovered Weleda zinc oxide cream - it's non-petroleum. I protects my nostril area from irritation caused by the condensation.

[sleepyinstlouis]

Hehe, actually I do remember them, Padacheek. Many many nights watching Nick at Night with my parents, I got to see quite a few classic commercials

I'll look for the gels you mentioned. Unfortunately I'm out of KY at the moment , so maybe this will be an excuse for me to get some more. Look for a PM from me Padacheek I really want this to work. I've already have some dental work coming up to fix a broken tooth (root canal, yay! ), and I don't look forward to being down for a few days if my dentist has to do what he's saying he'll do (gum reduction). I'm a baby when it comes to pain.

[Jersey Girl]

Dear sleepyinstlouis,

I also use a Swift LT for her (slept with it last night). I always put a teeny, tiny amount of Lansinoh Lanolin ointment on the bottom of my nares. It's just a tiny bit tacky and so the nasal pillows really adhere to it. I too am a side sleeper.

I use AYR nasal gel just slightly INSIDE the nostrils about 15 minutes before bed so that my nose is moisturized and doesn't feel so dry. I also turn up my humidity to 2 - not so much to get too much condensation, but enough not to dry out my sinuses.

Best regards,

Jersey Girl

[sleepyinstlouis]

Well, it's been about 5 days and Ithink this is working. I had some issues the first couple of nights getting the nasal pillows to sit right. The Ayr has helped a lot and I don't seem to be having any issues with it leaking. I did have my husband help me with the straps to try and get it snug, but not too tight. He's calling me Darth Vader again, so I guess I'll have to seduce him to the Dark Side. The one thing I like about this mask is the clip for the hose. It's so handy and I can actually sleep on my side without having to fight the hose, when I shift positions.

The gums aren't as swollen as they were with my other mask, so hopefully when I see my dentist in August, things will be okay. I will be seeing him next week (don't wanna go! I don't like the shots *whimper* ), so I think he'll be pleased with this.