New User with Mask questions

[diekatzepap]

Just started using my CPAP on Friday night with the Respironics Comfort Gel nasal mask. One of my problems is that I have very fine long hair and the headgear tends to slip around easily. I am having to keep pulling down the headgear to stay under my ears to keep a good fit. I am also a side sleeper and so far only being two nights into this, I find that sleeping on my back is the only way to avoid leaks from the mask. I am thinking of trying a nasal pillow mask (Swift FX for her). What are your suggestions since you all are the experts with these types of issues? Thanks

[jules]

a couple of suggestions - some ppl used velcro on their headgear to keep it from slipping - there is a fix in the lab rat awards for Swift about using velcro

another idea is to tie the mask in place using a piece of elastic, sweat band, nylon knee high or the like just don't block the exhaust - use this in addition to the headgear

lab rat awards

viewtopic.php?p=127492

[ems]

I would give the Swift FX for her a try. I think it would solve the problems you are having pretty easily. See if you can try it out for a week or so... then you will be able to compare and decide which works best for you.

[Pugsy]

Give the Swift FX nasal pillows a try. I am side sleeper and often end up on my stomach with face smushed into the pillow. It is pretty darn comfortable. Make sure you get the "For Her" size headgear. My hair is very short so nothing much for it to stick to but I don't have a lot of problems with headgear slipping. It might happen every now and then but not often.

Another thought for any type of mask is your bed pillow. If you can find one that allows you to position the mask at the edge of the pillow without much pressure it will help. There are special cpap pillows with little cutouts or there are pillows like I use with buckwheat hulls as filling. I just move the hulls around till I have a little "nest" for the mask.
I think Robysue uses an old feather pillow that allows a lot of positioning of the filling.

[ThirdOutOfFive]

Do try another mask. I started with the Swift FX for her, but found that did not work for me. I have a deviated septum, which caused the S size mask to be too big for one nostril, and the XS to be to small for the other. So, I went to a nasal. But, each of us is different, and lots of people love the Swift. So, go for it! Good luck!

[sheep1234]

I would NOT suggest the FX! It's horrible. I'm sure you can find my other posts about the pitfalls of that mask, lol. I have the Swift LT for Her and I love it.

I also have long hair and what I do is use a ponytail holder and make a low pony/bun thing. lol I find that if I don't tie my hair up my headgear will slide around like crazy.

[HoseCrusher]

Some of us find the Swift FX absolutely wonderful...

I guess this is a case of Your Mileage May Vary.

[Pugsy]

Swift LT vs Swift FX....yep one of those Your Mileage May Vary things which is so common in CPAP therapy.

I used the Swift LT for a little over a year then the Swift FX became available. So I have used both. They both work well for me. The Swift FX has the softer side straps. So even less "stuff" on my face.
Both seal well and both are quite comfortable when properly fitted.

I toss and turn a lot. I rarely have the Swift FX nasal pillows move or leak much. I don't have the mask tight at all. Zero discomfort. Weight of the short hose does NOT cause me any problems at all. I have used it routed over head and hanging down. Both work well but I just prefer hanging down loose.

Mask preferences are highly personal. What works for one may not work for another. .

[Meowser]

I use FX for Her and love it! Seals great, lightweight, and as Pugsy said, there is less 'stuff' on your face.

Its very comfy. I also have long hair (goes down past my blades) and what I do is I put in a bun with a scrunchie and it holds it in place.
No sliding around.

I did that lastnight cause I didnt feel like taking my hair out of the french braid it was in and it moved around alot.

Good luck finding one!

[diekatzepap]

Thank you all for the suggestions. Thought I could just call my DME and get a new mask sent to me via mail, but WRONG, I have to go into the office with the RS to get a new mask fitted. Very dissapointing since the office is quite a long busy drive from my home. I'm going into my DME office tomorrow for a fitting we shall see how it goes. Of course, they did not ask me a preference on the mask I would like to try. Probably will have the RS push their preferential equipment on me. After reading many of posts here I now know to be more "forcefull" in dealing with the DME. I'll keep you all posted.

[diekatzepap]

Got my new mask and it is the Swift for her model went home and right away took a nap with it and it is so much better than the other mask. Last night I was able to sleep on my side without much problems. I feel a little better rested, but it's still quite an adjustment having air up shot up your nose and having to only breath in and out nose style. At least with this new mask I can open my mouth easier to take a deep breath if needed as I adjust to everything. My Hubby has been on CPAP for over ten years now and I'm not about to give up. One night at a time to better sleep and health.