LOUD SWIFT FX MASK

[PtownKev]

Thanks for the tips Pugsy! Got the LT today and I am trying it out right now. Seems very comfortable so far and stays put better than the FX I think. I guess I'll find out tonight when I try sleeping with it and tomorrow when I check out the leak graph. The LT seems quieter than the FX but louder than my nasal mask. There is less of the Darth Vader effect but I can still hear the inhalations.

I didn't mean to hijack the original poster's thread but it does go to show that you really just have to try out different masks until you find the one that works for you. Everyone's face is a little different and we're all bothered by slightly different things. It would be nice if there were a one size fits all approach to masks but I guess it's lucky that there are so many options out there. Unfortunately it means a lot of trial and error until you find the magic combination of fit and features that's right for you.

[don56]

PtownKev,
The mirage micro use to be my primary mask and it was quiet in comparison to th fx. But the comfort level was not the best. The resmed softgel is easier on the nose but is a little noisier than the micro and the cushion is quite large, but easy on the nose. This is my primary mask at this time but I'm always looking for the perfect mask (for me). Let us know how the LT does for you.

[Geminidream]

I switched from the swift LT to the FX....like the LT, but the FX is a better fit for me. Its very quiet except when I turn on my side sometimes and have an air leak...then I am told by my other half that its Darth Vaderish....LOL. Sometimes its just making sure you have the right pillows. I think the LT was just as quiet with that same exception. Its a backup mask.

[Pugsy]

The LT seems quieter than the FX but louder than my nasal mask. There is less of the Darth Vader effect but I can still hear the inhalations.

And I think the FX is much more quiet. My husband once woke me up from nice sleep to tell me to put the mask on and use the machine. I was using the FX and machine was on. He says that when I used the LT, he heard it but wasn't bad but says can't hear a thing with when I use the FX.

It just goes to show that everyone is different and sees and hears things differently. I can faintly hear the inhalations but I actually find them soothing so I use it to relax. Might as well, I am stuck with it.

For someone who does like the Swift FX though and haven't tried Padacheeks fleece side straps and/or barrel cozy, I can report that they are very nice. Very comfy and seems to help headgear and mask stability a bit. The fleece side straps are easily made at home but that barrel cozy involved more work than I wanted to do so I just got both from Padacheeks.

The little thin fleece side strap covers that come with the Swift FX and the Swift LT are pretty thin and while they do help, the extra padding of thicker fleece helps a whole lot more.

[PtownKev]

Thank for the recommendation Don. I actually like the nasal masks in spite of the size. I just can't handle the number the Micro was doing to the side of my nose. I'm going to give the Swift LT a shot but if I end up going back to a nasal mask I'll give the gel type a try! And Pugsy thanks for the comport suggestions! I'll see how it goes for a few nights and then figure out where some extra softness will come in handy.

[Uptoolate]

Hi,
I'm newly registered, though I've been reading a little here for a while. My Swift FX is the most comfortable mask I've found so far, but the noise on the pillow and the airblast on my hands and arms were driving me nuts. I found great little green foam diffusers (6 for $15?) at CPAP Pro (nomask.com) but they are too small for the Swift to use as-is. Wandered around the city buying sewing foam, a/c filters, etc., but couldn't make the leap as to how to attach them. I even glued two of the green ones together with craft glue and held them on with a ponytail band. Didn't work. But when I read Greg-g's post last week, and saw the photo he posted in 2009, all became clear! I've slit a side of the foam tube and placed it over the exhaust holes. It's just the right height, and of course doesn't need to go all the way around, just enough to cover the holes. Attached it to the unit with the two halves of the end of a cut-up bandaid. Stays in place, stops the noise, and I really don't think I'm getting any carbon dioxide back. In fact, I think I'm sleeping a lot better now.