Nasal Pillows Newby

[JanSaysHello]

I have just acquired a Swift FX nasal pillows mask and have used it for a couple of nights. (Previously I had a nasal mask.)
I have managed to fall asleep but it does take a few hours.
Does anyone have suggestions or comments about the pillow masks?
Thanks.
Jan

[cosmo]

I can't remember my first days with the nasal pillows but I got the hang of it very quickly and never turned back. Are the headgear fitting ok and are the pillow sizes are ok? Nasal pillows should have no leaks.

[Kitatonic]

Here's what I learned from this forum (you'll want to stay posted!):
1. Have the straps loose enough so the pillows expand gently. Your nose should not be piggy or the tip of the pillow way up the nostril.
2. Buy a tube of Lansinoh (nursing section or on Amazon) and use a dab to keep your nostrils from sores and helps seal the pillow.
3 Experiment with the sizes---many size up, I sized to XS.
4. The Pad-a-Check pillow cozy and straps seemed to support the pillow on my face without having the straps too tight.
5. Some use a chin strap or PapCap to prevent mouth leaks. Monitor your data so you know if this is a problem.
6 Do a search on past posts for all those annoying problems that pop up.

[cosmo]

Why are you having a hard time? Whats are the pressure settings? Did you have problems problems getting Zzzz with the nasal mask or did it start with pillows? Why are you trying nasal pillows?

I have a list full of other questions but we'll start with these and please initial here __ and sign below

________

[Pachyderm's Nose]

I have just acquired a Swift FX nasal pillows mask and have used it for a couple of nights. (Previously I had a nasal mask.)
I have managed to fall asleep but it does take a few hours.
Does anyone have suggestions or comments about the pillow masks?
Thanks.
Jan

Personally I wouldn't use anything else, I just don't think they can be beat for comfort and minimal hardware. Follow Kitatonic's guidelines and if you have any more questions we'll try to answer them.

[4betterO2]

Personally I wouldn't use anything else, I just don't think they can be beat for comfort and minimal hardware. Follow Kitatonic's guidelines and if you have any more questions we'll try to answer them.

what is the best way to block the air from filling the cheeks and coming out the mouth?
I've been wanting to use nasal pillows, but I need to solve that problem first (which is obviated by a full-face mask)

[jencat824]

For me the best tool with the Swift FX is the barrel cozy from Pad-A-Cheek, see link below:

http://www.padacheek.com/PACSwiftII_Barrel_cozy.html

Hope this helps you, it helped me a lot.
Jen

[Pachyderm's Nose]

Personally I wouldn't use anything else, I just don't think they can be beat for comfort and minimal hardware. Follow Kitatonic's guidelines and if you have any more questions we'll try to answer them.

what is the best way to block the air from filling the cheeks and coming out the mouth?
I've been wanting to use nasal pillows, but I need to solve that problem first (which is obviated by a full-face mask)

Time, and training. train your tongue to stay against the roof of your mouth, you can kind of suction it up there and practice breathing only through your nose. I had a lot of trouble with chipmonk cheeks when I started but weird as it seems you adapt and adjust and learn to keep most of that air from entering your mouth. I still get a little bet occasionally but I can let it puff through my lips without losing my therapy pressure.

[Janknitz]

Take a look at the Swift FX fitting Guide in my signature for some fitting tips. It is the most comfortable mask ever!

[4betterO2]

Time, and training. train your tongue to stay against the roof of your mouth, you can kind of suction it up there and practice breathing only through your nose.

As for nasal pillows, I would prefer the ones where the tube goes up your forehead, and there are no braces on your face. My problem though in getting them is that first, i must find a way to block my mouth from opening. I do believe you are right about practicing to train the tongue, but it might take time, and I'd like to start with something I can just bandage around my head including over my mouth. Then I could buy the mask, because if I can't train soon enough, in the meantime the mouth-blowing problem would be solved.

[Livability]

Hi...
Just joined in as a day 1 user (sleep#2 tonight if you don't count the titration study) using the nasal pillows.
My only comment at this stage is they do seem to be a bit difficult to position. Today I experimented a bit during daylight hours to get a better fix on how to locate the pillows.
So far it seems that
1. spreading the 'wings' too wide is less reliable so I am trying to be more delicate and
2. some lubrication is a good idea to help save my skin! (noting the types of lubricants that do not damage the mask)
3. I get a better feel for when the pillows are in the right position if there is airflow at the time I am trying to place the mask though not sure if this is kosher
Any suggestions here are appreciated!