Can Nasal Pillows Work with a Mustache?

[dynamite]

Help please. My husband is struggling with compliance with the Swift LT. The pillows do not seal properly when he moves in his sleep. He is ends up taking the mask off and is not getting 4 hours consecutive sleep therapy. I am wondering if it is his mustache, which is non-negotiable! Is there anyone out there with a mustache who is successfull with Swift LT?

[Raj]

I have a moustache and have no sealing problems with my LT. Perhaps if his (the moustache not the Swift) is extra bushy, he could wear it a bit shorter. Otherwise it's just a matter of getting the straps to the proper tension -- not too tight -- and adjusting the angle of the pillow unit.

[ca_hosehead]

I have a mustache and my Swift LT seals fine. It's not very bushy, that might make a difference. If it's bushy enough to push the pillows out of the way that could be the problem.

Can you figure out why the mask isn't sealing? It could be that the hose is pulling it out of place or that the straps aren't adjusted right.

I don't have any significant bump on the back of my head and I found that the Swift (and other masks) would ride up in the back during the night.

[dynamite]

So how did you keep straps in place? That seems like my husband's problem too. The back strap keeps sliding up. Thanks for your help.

[snozzle]

I also have a non-negotiable mustache...it's pretty bushy, and have only ever used pillows.

Tried:
Adam Circuit
Breeze Sleepgear
Mirage Swift
Mirage Swift II
Mirage Swift LT

I had issues with all of them. I currently use a Respironics OptiLife Nasal Interface System and absolutely love it.

Because it uses my nose and my chin for support, I have less leak issues, more comfort and rarely dislodge the pillows.

Everybody's nose is different...no single design fits everybody; just have to find the right one.

[ca_hosehead]

So how did you keep straps in place? That seems like my husband's problem too. The back strap keeps sliding up. Thanks for your help.

If the strap in back rides up this will cause the nasal piece to be too loose and leak, the mustache isn't the problem.

I use this thing called the Slumbergear:

http://www.slumbergear.com/model004.html

It has an integrated chinstrap. Because of the way it wraps your head there isn't a problem if the back of your head is flat. I secure the Swift LT straps to the Slumbergear with velcro straps. It's *very* stable.

When I bought it there was only one model, looks like they have several now. You might ask them which one is good the Swift. I wear the Swift over the Slumbergear, they may have something where you can get rid of the Swift straps.

Your husband might balk at it, it sort of wraps your whole head with "stuff." I always used a chinstrap before I got it so I had a lot of "stuff" already.

Another thing that you might try is something to attach to the hair. I have ponytail and I would tie it tight and slip the strap for the Swift under the ponytail. That worked pretty well. You could also try some har clips, anything to make an attachment point on the back of the head.

[rested gal]

So how did you keep straps in place? That seems like my husband's problem too. The back strap keeps sliding up. Thanks for your help.

dynamite, if you'll go to this link:

LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards
viewtopic.php?t=15104

There might be some "fixes" people have done to the older Swift that would work with your husband's Swift LT. The headgear might be a little different for the two...the older Swift and the LT version, but at least you could get some ideas of things to try.

Also, if he doesn't have the hose hanging overhead, you might try that. Might help keep the main air hose from tugging at the mask:

LINKS to Hose hangers and methods of managing the air hose
viewtopic.php?t=10640

[dynamite]

Thanks for all the good suggestions. I will be very scientific and try one at a time to see what works. Stay tuned!

[Ganesha]

Hi,

I have a moustache and a Swift LT. I have just started using it but have no problems.
You may want to try combing your moustache before putting on the mask to limit any interference.

Also, to isolate whether it is a pillows or headgear problem hold just the pillows under you nose while looking in a mirror.
Put your thumb over the hose and see if they seal. If the pillows pass this test then it is a headgear adjustment issue.

Mark