Swift FX pillow quality question

[kolchak]

Hi
I love the FX but after a few months of use (with normal pressure ranges of 10 to 18) my FX pillows seem to collapse after ~ 5 hours. Most mornings I get woken up early because the pillow collapsed and it's tough to breath because I tape my big mouth shut. I'll wipe out the pillow and try to reestablish the seal.......sometimes this works but most days I have to switch masks to finish sleeping.
Not sure if this is another case of inferior swift pillow quality or something else - maybe a setting of 3 on the humidifier creates to much moisture?
How long do the FX pillows last for other users?
Thanks

[Gerald?]

Hi

I've been using the FX for about 5 months and have had no issues with the pillows collapsing.

Are you using any creams or similar?

Could it be that it is too tight so the pillows are getting squashed?

Is it just one or both that collapse? If one, is it the same one all the time?

[kolchak]

Thanks Gerald - glad your not experiencing the same issue. From lack of replies I'll assume no one else is either.
No cremes or lotions & mask is relatively loose but both pillows just lose rigidity and go flat. I loved the previous generation swift masks too but gave up on them when many people started experiencing problems with the pillows wearing out quickly. Stlll hoping the FX is different because it' s such a great design.

[frh]

After 2 months of use, I put a new cushion on my Swift FX two nights ago. The new cushion feels a little different and my leak rate went down a little.

[dave21]

I'd have to say I've been using my Swift FX for about 5 months too and no problems with it so far. I'm using the small pillows as I find they fit better. I try not to have the straps too tight though.

Thanks
Dave

[jdm2857]

Creams and lotions really should not affect the silicone pillows.

I've had my FX for just one month and all is good. I noticed that the pillow quality is similar to the quality of the original pillow on my LT. That pillow was made in Australia. The LT problems seems to have occurred when pillow production was moved to China. Since my original FX pillow was made in China, I'm hoping that ResMed has the pillow production problem (how's that for alliteration?) solved.

As for pillow angle, it appears to me that the flexibility of the silicone straps should allow the pillow to conform to the nose without an adjustment like on the FX. I'd try re-adjusting the headgear and see if that helps. The proper adjustment significantly reduced my leak rate.

And I've created my own special hose management system just for the FX. It's not patented yet, so I can't share. (Actually I have to test it out a bit more before subjecting myself to public ridicule.)

Edit: On clsoer inspection I found that the FX pillow is definitely thinner and softer than the original LT pillow.

[kokeer]

I only get about two months out of the pillows before they start leaking and need to be replaced.

[kolchak]

Thanks - I'm sorry the FX pillows aren't lasting a long time for everyone but glad to know it's not just me.
Now the real dilema - per my insurance I qualify for a new mask. Do I get another FX knowing the pillow won't last, get another opus that will last but I don't like quite as much or try a different nasal pillow type mask altogether? Luckily my DME will let me test any mask for 30 days and switch if I don't like it.

[linda12345]

I am just a newbie and have been using the FX pillows for only 2 weeks. My DME provider told me that Medicare will approve 2 new pillows per month. I have to wait a month and then I can routinely order new ones and Medicare will cover the cost. If you are on Medicare, perhaps you could check with your DME.

Linda

[kolchak]

Thanks Linda. I'm not on medicare but discovered care first will cover new pillows every month. My DME rep was adament the rule was 6 months but the regional manager happened to be on location yesterday & verified the 30 day guideline. Very happy.

[WilsonVilleUSA]

Thanks Linda. I'm not on medicare but discovered care first will cover new pillows every month. My DME rep was adament the rule was 6 months but the regional manager happened to be on location yesterday & verified the 30 day guideline. Very happy.

Most insurance will cover a MASK every six months and PILLOWS monthly. Some will allow even more, I believe medicare guidlines (which many insurances follow) will cover a mask every 3 months, 2 pillows/mo, a hose a month, humidifier chamber 6 months, and 2 disposable filters/mo.

This is seems pretty liberal to me. My masks usually last a year or so, pillows a couple of months, I try to remember to change filter monthly, and hose or humidifier chamber change as needed.

[Janknitz]

A good way to ensure that you have extra pillows is to use "the Great Pillow Exchange" here on CPAPtalk for those pillows that do not fit.

It makes sense to package your first mask with three sizes of nasal pillows so that you can find out what works, but for subsequent mask purchases it would make more sense to let you choose the correct size of pillows rather than be stuck with two that don't fit. But at least the wrong sizes can be traded on the pillow exchange. If you get a new mask every three months, you will have a new pillow for every month.

Even better when your insurance will cover replacements every month! Though it's always good to have a spare or two.

[Skier757]

Hi forum,

I just posted some pics of my old and new Swift FX hoses and pillows in a new thread. I have seen a change in the pillows and the hose. I am not sure if it is a wear issue, or a change in the product.

From my nearly four months of experience with the Swift FX I think the headgear should last a long time, other than the strap pads which take a beating from my beard stubble over night. The pillows seem more delicate. I am thinking the thin outer parts of the pillow are wearing thin and stretching which is causing the leaks some are having after several months of use.

I am off CPAP for a few weeks to recover from sinus surgery, but when I start up again I am going to ask for monthly pillow replacements rather than every three months getting the whole kit.

Anyway, check out my thread with pics, I did not want to hijack this one,

Regards,

Brooks, aka Skier757

[Janknitz]

Is there a code on the packaging that tells you where things were made???

[Skier757]

Hi,

I looked at both packages, and both say the same.

If I am reading it right, the headgear is made in Australia, the rest is made in China for both my original and the new set.

Here are pics of the original and new packages:

Original package:
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff28 ... ackage.jpg

New Package:
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff28 ... ackage.jpg