What's wrong with my mask?

[Desperate_in_DM]

I use the Swift FX nasal pillow mask with the headgear. When I was fitted for the mask they decided I needed extra-small nostril pillow. I used it for about 3 weeks and then from talking to you guys, I decided I needed to move up to the small size. With the extra-small I kept getting a feeling like bugs crawling up my nose. I even have blisters inside my nostrils from the constant rubbing. The went into my nose a significant amount.

So I switched the the small. Now often the nasal pillow will lay or rest onto my upper lip. Sometimes it overhangs my lip. I never felt air leaking with the extra-small, but now I can feel air on my upper lip and sometimes on my cheek.

Can anyone tell me 1) what's going on that I feel air on my lip/cheek and why the pillow sits on my lip? AND 2) Based on this information, which size do you think I should be using?

THANKS!!!

[Irene P.]

I don't use the Swift FX, but I do sometimes use nasal pillows (Opus 360). Mine don't touch the lip, so I cannot comment there. And if the Small is leaking and the extra small doesn't, perhaps extra small is what you need. But if that is not comfortable for you, you may need an entirely different type of mask. Some people I have talked to say they cannot wear pillows comfortably.

[Hospiceangel]

Hey Desperate,
I was having trouble with leaking with the small pillows. Seems I needed the extra small but when I went for the fitting the RT had me tighten up the top of the head strap. Just a little, not a lot, until the pillows were resting right at my nares. I was able to sleep all night without having to wake up and adjust. Hope that helps.
Hugs,
Shar:)
IMHO I think you have the strap too loose.

[Janknitz]

The weight of the slinky hose on the FX tends to pull the mask down, but there are a few things which help:

1. Tighten the straps just a little--not so much you feel like you are getting a pig nose, just enough to give the pillows a little more stability. This mask should never be tight. Be sure you do any tightening while the machine is on, so that you can do it with the pillows fully inflated.

2. I use a home made hose hanger to hold the hose over my head--when it dangles the pillows get pulled away from my nose and rest more on my upper lip. I wish there was some way to fix the hose up onto the top of the head (there is a lab rat fix, but I don't want that much stuff on my head) but the hose hanger does the trick.

3. Sew some hook side velcro tape inside the back strap of the mask to stabilize it.

4. Believe it or not, you may need to go UP a pillow size to get a more stable seal. It's worth trying that.

If all else fails, you might want to consider the Swift LT for Her. The hose clip on the top of the head and the adjustments to the angle of the pillows keep it off your upper lip. It's not quite as comfy as the FX, but it is my backup mask and I like it a lot.

[Desperate_in_DM]

I noticed last night that I only feel air escaping when I inhale, but not when I exhale. Doesn't that seem odd? Thoughts on why this occurs?