Swift FX - One step forward, two steps backwards

[kimbo]

I've had a Swift FX mask for over seven months now and loved it for the first 5-6 months. The first month was challenging, but every week gradually got better and I averaged 6-7 hours of sleep per night in the mask with really good low AHI's. I felt like I had the mask figured out, knew where my settings should be, and had never changed the pillows because things were working well.

I'm not sure where the change occurred, I had been traveling a lot for work and decided to change the pillows and the mask has never been the same. It almost feels like the base of the mask inverts when i'm wearing it (i've installed the pillows properly). Tried washing the new pillows and I think I ruined my first replacement set because they leaked profusely and were very brittle. Installed a fresh set and the leak issue was resolved but the pillows feel like they lack the structural integrity of my original pair (the mask has never been the same), the barrel seems to cave in at the base.

Long story short i've been averaging 2-3 hours of sleep consistently on my machine. No clue how I got to this place, but really frustrating since the Swift FX was the only mask that worked for me. My exhaustion is starting to show and people are telling me that I look REALLY tired (boy do I feel it). I want to go back to my DME but I spent months trying on FFM's that all left facial abrasions or leaked terribly into my eyes causing dryness. Anyhow ready to throw in the towel on CPAP, any ideas on how to get back on track here?

[ughwhatname]

I was using the Swift FX and was very happy with it. The only issue was the movement of the headgear and lying on my side I found I needed to adjust the mask at times.

I discovered the Tap Pap and haven't looked back. I think I've been using it for few months now, and I like the lack of mask on my face, nearly zero leaks, etc. I still have my FX for emergency use, but haven't used it since.

[HoseCrusher]

From "outside the box" it may be that you have changed the way you manage your hose. The pillows will cave in if the hose gets pulled in an off direction.

Also, not all replacement pillows are the same. Sometimes you need to go through a couple to find a "good" one.

[Pneumophile]

Good points about the pillows. I have no specific advice for the OP but will say that I've been using the SwiftFX for about 4 years, after unsuccessfully trying a couple others, and it remains the one for me. I recommend sticking with it until you try changing every variable you can think of. I use the pillows for at least 6 months yet they never get too stiff and leaky.

Good luck with it.

[kimbo]

From "outside the box" it may be that you have changed the way you manage your hose. The pillows will cave in if the hose gets pulled in an off direction.

Also, not all replacement pillows are the same. Sometimes you need to go through a couple to find a "good" one.

Great point HoseCrusher -- it just might be my hose management, going to try to add some slack tonight to see if that helps.