Air Fit P-10 headgear slides around--help!

[Yahtzee]

I got my CPAP about six months ago and it has changed my life. I'm finally getting real sleep after years of exhaustion. The only thing that tends to disrupt my sleep now is the slipping headgear.

I'm using the ResMed Air Fit P-10 nasal pillows, and the headgear is just that little elastic split strap. I don't know if my head is a weird shape or if my hair is just too slippery, but the band slides all over at night no matter how I spread the split. The only thing that works is to put my hair up in a bun and tuck part of the strap under the ponytail holder to keep the strap from moving. I hate having to do this every night--not to mention the fact that I have to keep my hair long enough to put up in a bun--and would prefer to have headgear that would stay put. However, since I'm having great success with the CPAP, I'm hesitant to change anything.

Will the Swift FX be worse or better for me? Is there another option that will work well or should I stick with the P-10?

One other unrelated question: I am breaking out--rosacea (I think), which I've never had before--around my nose and mouth, in places the mask does not touch. It has to be related to the CPAP, but I can't for the life of me figure out how. I've been putting lanolin on the whole area before I go to bed now, and that definitely helps. But I'm dying to know how/why I would develop rosacea from a CPAP. I wouldn't have been surprised to get a rash where the mask meets my skin, but that's not happening. The spot under my nose, where the pillows rest, is perfectly fine, as is the side of my cheek where the straps lie.

[webbie73]

I find the strap does slip around a little. I wash the headgear in warm water and air dry. This helps shrink it back to the original shape. I also found I need to slip the bottom part of the split down below the "hump" at the back of my head. I am on the look out for a old fashion scarf to wear to bed to see if that helps. I was using the Swift FX before but will NOT switch back. IMHO the P-10 is a better mask.

Not sure you can blame the rosacea on cpap since the break out is not where the mask hits but hey I am not a dermatologist.

[Yahtzee]

I was using the Swift FX before but will NOT switch back. IMHO the P-10 is a better mask.

Not sure you can blame the rosacea on cpap since the break out is not where the mask hits but hey I am not a dermatologist.

This is exactly what I wanted to know. If the P-10 is better, I'll stick with it. Thank you!

[ems]

The Airfit P10 isn't a "better" mask. The "better" mask is the one that works best for you. Many people like the P10, but many also think the Swift is the best one out there. I alternate between the two... makes life fun.

[UppaMike]

I have rosacea and use a Swift FX. I have found that I occasionally have breakouts in areas that the mask doesn't touch. My doctor prescribed MetroGel which I use nightly and that keeps the breakouts under control. I also use the Pad-A-Cheek strap covers and wash them every two weeks. They keep the straps off my skin and I do believe they make a difference.

Previously I was using a Wisp and the breakouts from that were just awful, particularly around the nose. Because I have a huge head I decide not to make a switch to the Airfit P10 for fear that it would be too tight. Some people say the Swift FX is a noisy mask but it doesn't keep me or my wife awake. In fact, it is much quieter than my snoring was!

I am over 200 nights with 100% compliance. I can't believe the difference the CPAP has made!

Mike

[palerider]

IBecause I have a huge head I decide not to make a switch to the Airfit P10 for fear that it would be too tight.

*whispers* "it does stretch"

[UppaMike]

Palerider, I knew that! But I am content with the Swift FX and just don't see a need to change for change sake. I did that going to the Wisp and I was never completely satisfied with it.

But thanks for whispering that in my ear! At least you didn't shout!

Mike