SWIFT LT or SWIFT FX??

[imfletch]

To those who have tried both...which is the better mask?
I have been using the LT, but wonder what improvements were made when the FX was constructed.
--jim

[khauser]

You're not REALLY expecting just one answer, are you?

I have both. Originally I like the LT better. The FX is, I believe, the older of the two, but it's a little beefier. I think MOST people I've seen express a preference like the FX better. Nowadays, I have a slight preference for the FX, but if I got new pillows for both I am not sure that would hold. Since they are both relegated to "back up" now, that's not going to happen.

I'm probably going to give one or the other away...

[jdm2857]

I've tried both and am using the FX. It's the newer of the two.

Swift > Swift II > Swift LT > Swift FX

[imfletch]

... Since they are both relegated to "back up" now, that's not going to happen.

I'm probably going to give one or the other away...

GIVE? AWAY??
Put me on your list!

[Pugsy]

I started therapy in May 2009...at that time there was no Swift FX available so I started with the Swift LT. Great mask but when the Swift FX became available in spring (or so) of 2010 I had to try it because while those side plastic things on the LT weren't a horrible annoyance...they were there and annoyed me a little.
So the Swift FX came out with its minimalistic headgear and I changed and never looked back.
Now I changed again last month to the Tap Pap. I will keep one Swift FX setup just in case I have the urge to go back but I suspect that I won't look back with this new change either.

There are some people who prefer the LT though. It's a close call which one is "best" because we all have our own little individual quirks or preferences in what we like. Each mask has its own little set of pros and cons. Some of the pros for the Swift FX in my situation are cons for someone else.

It all comes down to a person really needs to try one or the other or both and see which one they happen to like the best.
Pretty pricey experiments though.
If you can't find someone here on the forum getting rid of one...you might try EBay...sometimes some killer deals on both those masks because both are so very popular. You have to know the parts required though because they are sold individually to bypass the RX requirement. Build your own mask so to speak.

I have already given away all of my spare Swift FX parts so I don't have enough to make a new whole mask or I would give you one of my old ones to try.

Now the Aloha which to me is very similar to the Swift LT (I always felt it was like an improved Swift LT) isn't found on EBay that I have been able to see. So no killer deals on it that I have been able to find.

[Xney]

I've used both. The LT and FX fit a bit differently in terms of their pillow sizes, so if you're "in-between" two sizes on one, the other one might have a better fit.

I personally prefer the overhead routing on the LT due to being a side/stomach sleeper, but I would say the best mask is the one that fits the best.

[RogerSC]

I started on the Swift LT, since my DME didn't have the Swift FX (that my sleep doctor wanted me to have), and it was okay. The best thing about it was it having enough structure to be able to run the tubing over my head, and attach it on the top of the mask, since I sleep on my side, but on the other hand, it's kind of rigid and less comfortable. A few days later, they gave me the Swift FX, which I've been using for over a year now with pretty good success. It is real lightweight, with minimal structure (good), you can't attach the tubing to the top of the mask like you can with the LT. So I went to a tubing holder that holds the tubing up, and then the tubing drops down to your mask. So you don't have to pay attention to where the tubing is when you roll from side to side (if you're an active sleeper like me *smile*), it's always coming down to your head with about the right amount of slack. Very nice.

I've tried a couple of other masks that haven't worked out for various reasons *smile*, the Wisp is supposed to arrive here today. I wanted to try that one, read good things about it. But I keep coming back to the Swift FX, it keeps working for me. The reason that I try other masks is to get less leakage and a little more comfort, haven't found it yet. So I'm staying with the FX until I find something that works better for me.

[jencat824]

I've tried lots of masks when the IQ mask I'd used for several years changed its headgear & was no longer an option for me. I love the LT, it gives a little more structure than the FX and that's what works for me.

I was I the process of trying to find another mask when I discovered this forum. I got such a wealth of info here, the forum helped me with lots of problems I didn't even know I had. I think if you need more help with keeping the mask on the LT would be best, but if you don't need that structure, the FX gives more freedom.

Jen

[sleepstar]

I'd say FX only because the LT appears to be obsolete now where I am.

[Gearhead]

Hello, I've used both the LX and the LT. In my case, I strongly prefer the LT, since my leaks are much lower.

Here are the reasons why I think the LT has an advantage:

- The angle of the pillows can be adjusted. The pillows rotate on a detented pivot mechanism. This allows you to precisely adjust the entry angle of the pillows into the nares, and then the angle is "locked"

- The LT has two small "cheek support" arms. These rest lightly on your cheeks and help to stabilize the pillows, reducing pillow motion during sleep

- The LT allows overhead hose routing. I think this is desirable because the connection to the 6ft hose is made at the top of your head. So the 6ft hose is anchored by the headgear as opposed to tugging on the pillows

[caffeinatedcfo]

Just moved to the Swift FX from the Quattro FFM. I love it! A couple of hosers here have commented their liking of the new TAP PAP, which is strap-less.

[Pugsy]

The LT has two small "cheek support" arms. These rest lightly on your cheeks and help to stabilize the pillows, reducing pillow motion during sleep

- The LT allows overhead hose routing. I think this is desirable because the connection to the 6ft hose is made at the top of your head. So the 6ft hose is anchored by the headgear as opposed to tugging on the pillows

This is how come I say one persons pros can be another persons cons.
I didn't like the cheek support arms at all. I always felt they were too close to my eyes and they sort of annoyed me.
I also have tried the routing of the hose up over my head...I didn't care of it either. I don't like those hose buddy things either.

Different strokes for different folks.

[jdm2857]

If one wears a chinstrap (or even a headband) one can run the tubing from just about any mask upwards and attach it to
the top of the strap with some Velcro and ingenuity.

I do this with both the Swift FX and Mirage FX while using my PapCap.