Guys--Do you like the Swift FX or the Swift Lt better?

[KatieW]

This question is for my husband, who has been on cpap therapy since the end of January, and doing great. He's been using the Activa Lt, but now wants to try Nasal Pillows. He's on medicare, so pillow replacement isn't an issue.

I tried the FX briefly, but it didn't work for me (it was very comfortable, but I didn't like the way it vented), and have never tried the Swift Lt.

He does have a beard and mustache, so I don't know if that would make a difference. How do the 2 compare, in comfort, stability, leaks, etc? Thanks.

[DocWeezy]

I loved the FX, but it wasn't as stable as I wanted. I tried the LT and it is now my "forever" mask...I've been using it every night for about 5 or 6 weeks now and still love it. It is VERY stable. I got the Padacheeks short hose cover and cheek pads. I still use the FX for occasional naps, and wish I could use it every night, but it seems to work nicely for one or two nights and then it won't seal for love or money. I haven't had that problem with the LT.

Don't know how it would do with a beard...

Weezy

[jimnsc]

Different strokes for different folks, I guess. I tried the LT and it was comfortable but the headgear would cause leaks as I turned from side to side during the night. The FX is a keeper for me because it stays put during all my activity while sleeping and is light as a feather. When my allergies flare up I have a FFM as a "go-to" mask. I have only used the FX for about a week - the leaks are virtually non-existent except for one night I used a product (which shall go nameless) that cased the pillows to slip and slide. With "bare nares" it's tops. I'm also experiencing the best AHI's with the FX. Guess which one I prefer.

Just to add that I use a HoseBuddy to route my FX overhead as FNK mentioned and it keeps it out of the way of tossing and turning.

[Pugsy]

I have used both.

I like FX better just because I like "less on the face" thing. Before the FX, the LT was my main mask. LT may be a bit more stable (just a bit) but I have small face and those plastic side pieces sort of left marks on face (end up with face in pillow) despite extra fleece protectors.

Facial hair shouldn't make any difference with either one. Leaks with either one were never a problem unless the head gear slipped a bit and either one could do that. Comfort? The FX is more comfortable but the LT was certainly comfortable also. Just me and my preferences. Venting has never been an issue with either. I don't rig the hose to go up over head. I prefer it hanging loose. Everyone has their own preference in this also. Same old cpap sticker, YMMV.

My husband does say that he cannot hear me using the FX at all and he could hear me using the LT. Says the FX is quieter.
Course others will say just the opposite. Your husband will just have to try them to see how it goes. Do you still have your FX?

[jnk]

LT is my forever mask, and I have a mustache.

The LT allows me to route the hose from above and behind my head, which allows me to ignore the hose as I turn from side to side.

The FX is a nice mask, but it wasn't better than the LT for me, since I route the hose the way I do.

[KatieW]

Your husband will just have to try them to see how it goes. Do you still have your FX?

No, I sold it. Darn!

[SleepingUgly]

I tried the Swift FX briefly in a lab, and it didn't work, but I am about to try it again. I don't have a mustache, so this probably won't help you. (Don't you love how you specifically address the guys, yet we can't stop ourselves from answering? )

[PtownKev]

I've tried both and found both comfortable but neither worked that well for me. They are both very light but the LT felt more stable and I had better luck with leaks than with the FX. Ultimately, I decided that nasal masks work better for me than the nasal pillows and gave up on both of them, but I would use the LT if I wanted to try pillows again. I hated the exhaust on the FX which blasts a column of air out at an angle, forcing me to keep my arms covered at all times lest they be hit with the vortex!

[sister]

My husband has been using the swift fx for a couple of months now and he loves it.
No other mask for him!

[robysue]

Like the FX just fine since it works for me and it has about as little as possible touching my face. Can't bring myself to say "love it" yet since xPAP is still a real bother for me every single night.

I could not wear the LT for more than 5 minutes when I tried it on: The L-shaped parts of the frame dug into my high, hollow cheek in a most uncomfortable fashion.

[pbach]

I can't speak about the FX or LT with a beard.

But the FX hose was to heavy for me I had to readjust it often.

Love the LT. It stays out for me and the ladies version comes with covers for the sides.

[lars4life]

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[lars4life]

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[KatieW]

Thanks everyone, for your comments. I'll pass these on to DH, and let him decide. It sounds like he should eventually try both. He is a side sleeper, and currently uses the papcap which route the hose overhead, so he might prefer to start with the LT, for a similar set-up. I know some of you have modified the FX, so the hose goes overhead.

[msradar65]

I love my LT. It was my first mask. The one I wore for titration and still is my primary mask. I use a pad-a-cheek barrel cozy and its been fantastic.