Question for former Swift LT users

[qltwvr]

Have had the Swift LT since the end of March, I think I need to look into a different nasal pillow mask. I have a short nose, so not much space between nostrils and eyes. I seem to have the arms of this mask pushing right up under my eyes, and am wondering if anyone has experienced this, and if so, what did you find worked better for you? I have tried adjusting the Swift LT many times, but can't seem to come up with a solution. The first day of CPAP I had the Comfort Gel, and could not get a seal with that. Chipmunk cheeks I think! Thanks for your input--JS

[plr66]

qltwvr, I'm not sure I can really visualize your description of what's going on. But my first thought is that you need to greatly loosen the top strap (the one with the clip attachment on it) so that you can nearly fit your little finger between it and the top of your head, without stretching the strap. Then pull down and snug up the back strap so that it sits lower on the back of your head, and is just tight enough not to be stretching the straps. You should have the pillow installed so that the fat part of the bulb is toward your upper lip, and the imprinted edge of the pillow pointing toward your nose. It is of course very possible that the mask is built for larger faces or features. Just some suggestions.

[qltwvr]

Thanks for your reply plr66. I will be interested in reading the results of the trial for the Opus 360 mask. Out of curiosity, how much space do you have between the arms of the Swift LT and your eye? Not experiencing leak problems, and glad to be getting treatment for the apnea. I was one of those diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. --JS

[john5757]

JS,

I would agree that the one of the things that I did not like about the swift is the straps are quite close to my eyes. I also had pulmonary hypertension and my right valves were leaking but under control with CPAP. I am in far better shape now that I was 15 years ago.
I am also trying out the Opus 360 mask.

Thanks for your reply plr66. I will be interested in reading the results of the trial for the Opus 360 mask. Out of curiosity, how much space do you have between the arms of the Swift LT and your eye? Not experiencing leak problems, and glad to be getting treatment for the apnea. I was one of those diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. --JS

[Pugsy]

how much space do you have between the arms of the Swift LT and your eye? N

I just now put my Swift Lt for Her on and I see that I have about 2 finger widths between the little arm and the bottom of my eyes. Bear in mind I have very small hands (size 4 ring finger will give you an idea, no tape measure handy to get exact measurement). My nose is not short, nor is it overly long either. I can see where someone with a short nose would end up with the little arms pretty close to eyes.

There are other nasal pillow mask alternatives. Right now I am trying the Nasal Aire II prong system. Too soon to comment on it as I am having trouble with the head gear. The prongs themselves would do a great job if I can just get the headgear and tension stable. BTW I love the Swift LT for her and found for me that it was more comfortable and did a better job than the Optilife nasal pillow mask I came home with after the titration study. I am just trying the Nasal Aire II because I liked the idea of less stuff on my face and thought the prongs wouldn't be so easily dislodged with my frequent tossing and turning..

[Babette]

Pugsy, try attaching your NAII directly to a chinstrap. I find this much more stable than the provided headgear.

You can see how I did that here:
http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p36/ ... aise/CPAP/

I was just about to recommend the NAII to the original poster.

Cheers,
B.

[Pugsy]

Pugsy, try attaching your NAII directly to a chinstrap. I find this much more stable than the provided headgear.

Interesting way you have that rigged up. I will try it with my homemade chin strap since it is all I have right now as I don't have the one you show. I did try using the homemade chin strap over things just to add some tension but it wasn't quite enough. I hate the head gear that was supplied with the mask. PITA to put together. I am lazy.
I will go to the store and get some velcro strips to work with.
Thanks
Brenda

[TerryB]

qltwvr,
Did you notice the mention of the "Swift LT for her"? Perhaps the smaller size will solve your problems if the suggested adjustments don't.

Good Luck,
TerryB

[qltwvr]

Have heard the only difference between the Swift LT and the one "for Her" is the color and nasal pillow sizes that come with the mask. I think it would have made more sense if the "for Her" mask was designed with the frame being somewhat smaller.
As a side sleeper (mostly) the fewer parts of the mask that stick out on my face, the better. That is why the Opus 360 looks promising. Do those of you who have this mask think it is less obtrusive, or less noticeable that you have the ' tenaciously clinging baby monkey ' strapped to your face?? Thanks for taking the time to post. I appreciate all the help I have received on this forum. --JS

[plr66]

Thanks for your reply plr66. I will be interested in reading the results of the trial for the Opus 360 mask. Out of curiosity, how much space do you have between the arms of the Swift LT and your eye? Not experiencing leak problems, and glad to be getting treatment for the apnea. I was one of those diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. --JS

The closest point for me with the Swift LT arms is about 3/4--1" from the outside corner of my eyes. I think I have a small to medium length nose and an average sized face, whatever that is. I use the medium pillows. Have you experimented with the suggestions I gave? Possibly tilting the pillow base differently on its hinges will make a difference?

[qltwvr]

Thanks plr66--The top closure was loose a pinkie's width just as you suggested it should be, and I tightened up the back a little more. Didn't seem to make any difference in where the arms of the mask ended up. Have tried all kinds of angles with the pillow area mechanism. The arms are about a pinkie's width from my lower eyelid. I'll just keep on keeping on, not much choice! Someone posted they did not like the Opus 360 as they are a side sleeper. Looked like less mask on the face in the picture. Must not be very comfortable then? Would like to hear what other people think of it.

[Muse-Inc]

Have heard the only difference between the Swift LT and the one "for Her" is the color and nasal pillow sizes that come with the mask. I think it would have made more sense if the "for Her" mask was designed with the frame being somewhat smaller.

When I was asking my sleep doc about a smaller head frame mask (lost lots of wt), he showed me the Swift LT for Her but didn't have one I could try on so I opted to stay with my OptiLife at that time. With all the adjustments, it seems as if it could be adjusted for adult, albeit small faces. Are there pediatric sized masks? That might be an option you could explore.

[jdm2857]

DIfferences between Swift LT and Swift LT for Her

Pillows: Small, Medium, and Large vs. Extra Small, Small, Medium
Color: Dark Blue vs. Light Blue
Headgear Covers for Face: No vs. Yes

[Hawthorne]

But you can buy the headgear covers separately and they fit the Swift LT as well as the Swift LT for her.

[jdm2857]

So why does "him" have to pay extra for what "her" gets for free?