Swift II straps stretching, pillows sagging

ColinP · Post by **ColinP** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:35 am

My Swift II is nearing six months old now, and I've noticed that there is more and more extra strapping as I pull it tight enough to seal properly. I reckon that the straps have each stretched by about a centimetre so far, and I'm wondering if this is normal, and if so how long it'll keep stretching for. The ends flap about and tickle me from time to time (and my head is on the larger side).

The other thing I've noticed is that I have to make it a fair bit tighter now to get the same seal that I got easily when it was new.

Perhaps I'm supposed to dump it after six months and buy another one. (It's not likely to happen - they're way too expensive for what they are already.)

I have an idea from reading other posts that most people make use if their medical insurance to replace their masks, but out here in the third world, I couldn't get my insurance to pay for anything beyond the sleep studies, so I'm quite interested in keeping the thing going as long as possible. I suspect this means trimming the straps, and possibly even replacing them with something else after another few months.

I'm considering just shoving the end of the hose up my left nostril, it'll be a lot cheaper in the long run. Breathe in with the left, out with the right, might take a little practice to get used to it....

Colin

p.s. Just noticed that the title could almost be describing my body instead of my mask

greyhound · Post by **greyhound** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 6:17 am

My original Swift headgear eventually stretched out so much that they were no longer useful. I purchased just the replacement headgear because I didn't need any additional pillows (I had traded so that I had three of the size I needed).

If you go the replacement headgear route, I suggest buying the Resmed headgear. I originally bought a generic headgear replacement, but it broke in less than a month. Fortunately, cpap.com gave me a credit for my generic purchase which I used to buy the Resmed headgear.

ColinP · Post by **ColinP** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:04 am

I didn't even know you could get the headgear separately, so thanks for the tip, it'll save me money for sure.

Needsdecaf · Post by **Needsdecaf** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:09 am

I have seen on the board that people have come up with all types of modified headgear. I think that the best setup is the one that works for you. If you want, you could try ordering a different type of headgear, such as the Tiara Sapphire or Topaz.

Get creative and get comfortable! Especially given your location, that may work best.

I'm starting to think that the best solution is a ski mask with the mask fit underneath.

karlchrisb · Post by **karlchrisb** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:43 am

Please also don't forget about cpapauction.com
I got my Swift II from there for under HALF of what it would cost on internet retailers and less than a THIRD of what home medical supply stores sell them for.
Also, I believe there is a section for just headgear, too.
Good luck - I feel your pain - my insurance/doctors/DME are terrible and I spend a lot out of pocket myself.
Just wish there were coupons/rewards programs for CPAP!
Chris