Swift FX mask sniffles/flutters/vibrates ?

[NightSky]

Hi I'm a new auto-CPAP user, I've used it for about 10 days. I am starting to get used to my Swift FX mask, but it bothers me that I get this little vibration that feels a bit like my nose keeps sniffling, but it the mask doing it. I have tried both the medium and the large nasal pillows (small is too small) and they both do this sniffle/flutter/vibrate. The effect isn't a large one, but I still find it a bit annoying. Once I finally fall asleep it doesn't seem to bother me then as I guess I am no longer conscious of it, but it makes it harder to fall asleep. I have heard of rainout, but I don't think it is moisture condensation as I can't see any when I look. Maybe it is the inner silicone nasal pillow thing fluttering?

So I wondered if I am the only one experiencing this (maybe my nose is funny) and if there are any suggestions about what to do, because I think I otherwise like this mask in comparison to the bulkier ones that I see. Thanks.

[chunkyfrog]

Check the inner cones of the pillows. They should face the same direction as the outer cones.

[caffeinatedcfo]

I have that mask in medium and do not experience this. I have heard of defective pillow masks though. Could it be a fitting problem? Perhaps try turning pressure on before fitting into your nose. Do you have the Resmed logo pointing up?

[archangle]

Check the inner cones of the pillows. They should face the same direction as the outer cones.

Gee, thanks. I didn't realize the inner cones could invert. That should be a great help when cleaning. I've been a little paranoid about the area between the inner and outer cones not getting clean. Inverting them before cleaning should help the water get into there.

Actually, it took me a while to realize that there were inner and outer cones.

By the way, my Swift FX fits a little funny. Right after I wash them, and sometimes when I first put them on, they don't seem to fit right. Then once they heat up a little, or after I tinker a little, they sort of fall into place and fit like a glove.

It might help to run some hot water over them before putting them on to soften them up.

It also seems that sometimes, looser is better than tighter. They do need to sort of inflate themselves onto your nose.

[jdm2857]

I just did a very sohphisticated experiment and found that the CPAP airflow moved inverted cones
into the correct position. I suspected this would be the case because the instructions for the mask
do not mention checking the position of the inner cones.

Also, have you tried using Lansinoh with your mask? It's a purified lanolin product intended for use
by nursing mothers to protect sore nipples. You'll find it in drug stores, supermarkets, and
department stores like Target, with the supplies for nursing mothers. Use just a tiny bit on and
just inside your nares. The idea is to make the surface a bit tacky, not slippery.

And one last thing: It often helps to pull the pillows away from the nose for a second or two
(with the machine blowing) and then reseat them. This allows the pillows to inflate fully.

[jaybeem]

i know exactly what you are talking about. I think is from a tiny leak that makes the pillow "flutter". It goes away when I re-seat the pillows. I have slightly elongated nostrils and it is hard to get a good seal. I would second the recommendation to get some Lansinoh, as it REALLY helps. I got mine at Target. Amazon has it at http://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-Lanolin- ... s=Lansinoh, but it is an add-on item.

[NightSky]

Thanks for all the suggestions. The inner cone is not inverted. I think fit is ok as I have tried readjusting things quite a bit and it doesn't seem to help. The resmed logo is up.

I think Jaybeem is right. Sometimes it does stop if I re-seat the nasal pillows, but then it starts again as soon as I lay down on my side or move to my other side. If I deliberately breathe more softly it mostly goes away. Perhaps my nostrils are a bit elongated too, I never considered it before.

I have not tried the Lansinoh. I will get it and see if it helps and report back in a couple days. I appreciate your help, everyone.

[NightSky]

I tried the Lansinoh for a couple nights now. It helps dampen the flutter but it still happens sometimes. I guess I'll have to decide if I can get used to it while falling asleep, or look into other masks.

[jaybeem]

I am glad the Lansinoh helped.

I tried switching to the next smaller size pillows two nights ago, which is the size I was in for my sleep study, but not the size my supplier fit me with. I actually think I am between the two sizes, as one seems a little too small and the other a little too large. The leaks on SleepyHead were worse with the smaller size, but the leaks did not awaken me. The leaks were fewer with the larger size, but the "flutters" were worse, and the "flutters were awakening me. I am going to go back to my supplier tomorrow and discuss proper fit or possibly another mask.

[Papit]

. . . I think Jaybeem is right. Sometimes it does stop if I re-seat the nasal pillows, but then it starts again as soon as I lay down on my side or move to my other side. If I deliberately breathe more softly it mostly goes away. Perhaps my nostrils are a bit elongated too, I never considered it before. . . .

Hi NightSky. The Swift FX has been my favorite for about a year now after trying several masks. My experience is similar to yours re. nostrils size, reseating the pillows to at least temporarily get a good reseal and, most of all, having trouble maintaining the seal when I roll over a bit to either side. That more than anything else has been the FX's weakness for me. So long as I slept supine face up, the FX seal worked fine for me.

There are masks out there that are more tolerant to side sleeping.

I just completed a new CPAP sleep study and the tech had me use a hybrid pillows/mouth mask (ResMed Mirage Liberty: http://1800cpap.com/resmed-mirage-liber ... 4AodGlYAJw ) with a somewhat more snug fit than I'm used to. It has a headgear that is far superior to the Swift FX for keeping the mask well stabilized. I had no leaks at all even whether sleeping lateral right side or supine face up. You might want to give it a shot. Besides the good pillows seal, it is designed to eliminate potential mouth breathing issues. I think I've heard that other mfr's also offer this type of hybrid mask that may be as good or better. Can anybody provide the links for them?

[MagsterMile]

Papit, I read your earlier post regarding Hybrid and the link to 1800cpap. I looked at that link. When I received my Hybrid from the DME the pkg contained 3 mouth cushions S-M-L and 3 nose pillow sizes S-M-L. The link to 1800cpap shows you have to order by various sizes. I know that there are other vendors out there that give you all 3 sizes in your pkg and for a lower price. I like the idea of mixing and matching sizes between mouth and nasal cushions. The head gear for the Hybrid is superior to the Mirage Liberty IMO.

[nanwilson]

Papit, I read your earlier post regarding Hybrid and the link to 1800cpap. I looked at that link. When I received my Hybrid from the DME the pkg contained 3 mouth cushions S-M-L and 3 nose pillow sizes S-M-L. The link to 1800cpap shows you have to order by various sizes. I know that there are other vendors out there that give you all 3 sizes in your pkg and for a lower price. I like the idea of mixing and matching sizes between mouth and nasal cushions. The head gear for the Hybrid is superior to the Mirage Liberty IMO.

Magster
There are indeed 2 different hybrids available, one is the Resmed Liberty and the other is the Respcare/Innomed Hybrid. It looks like you have the Respcare version as do I. It comes with 3 sizes of pillows and cushions and is significantly cheaper that the Resmed. The Resmed version you have to order whichever size you need but with the Respcare you get all 3 in the package. I use the medium pillows with the medium mouth cushion, but you can mix ANY combination to get the best fit possible... eg: a small set of pillows with a large cushion or vice versa. Cpap.com (our hosts) also sell both hybrids .

[Papit]

Thanks for the tip, Nan and Magster. The Respironics/Innomed Hybrid does look like a better buy especially with all those sizes in the package. Other than that, another key difference is the design of the mouth portion of the two masks. In the Respironics/Innomed Hybrid it features an under-the-chin seal. In the Resmed Mirage Liberty, the lower edge of the seal goes across the cleft of your chin.

[jdm2857]

The under-the-chin part can be cut off if you don't like it.

[jaybeem]

I saw my DME two days ago. He agreed that the medium pillows were too big and the small too small. I came home with a WISP and love it so far. No leaks, no flutters, and stays in place well for side sleeping. I only had two hypopneas the first night I slept with the WISP and no other events.