nasal pillows

lmn · Post by **lmn** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 2:47 pm

I am thinking about switching from a nasal mask to nasal pillows. I am currently using Resperonics comfort gel maskand it is ok but leaves lots of marks on my face. I use a Resperonics autopap. What nasal pillow system is the easiest to use?

Liam1965 · Post by **Liam1965** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 2:54 pm

You'll get multiple opinions on that. I've tried the Swift, and I quite enjoy it. Some folks find it sits nicely, others say the Breeze works better for not shifting around.

The Swift is better if you wear glasses and would like to read at night with your mask on.

Either one will serve you well, at least (IMO) much better than the (Dis)Comfort Lite and/or the NasalAire II (which has "nasal prongs" rather than "pillows").

Good luck!

Liam. Pillows or prongs, which sounds better to YOU?

seanconnery · Post by **seanconnery** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:21 pm

I switched to Swift pillows and prefer them over a nasal mask. This worked fine for a while until I began to nudge them out of place when I turned on my sides.

At the same time, I began to breathe through my mouth and in spite of reviews against chin straps solving this problem, I bought the Respironics Premium Chin Strap. I was surprised at how gentle they were and very light - they did not really help - that much.

But what the chin straps did do for me was to keep the Swift pillows in place, sufficient for me to be able to shift from side to side without the worry I had before.

It's been only a few nights - too soon to make an absolute pronouncement but this combination is encouraging.

But to your question:

I would not go back to nasal masks as there are too many parameters to try and solve. The designers started by reducing the size of the problem by focusing on the nose opening only and not the area around the whole nose and then, looked at using only the minimum of materials to make the transition between hose and your body - in my opinion a very clever design.

You may to try (if possible) the standard nasal masks, in order to establish a benchmark for reference and then do the pillows. This would give you really good comparison, as all our opinions are based on our personal circumstances.

Good luck.

UKnowWhatInSeattle · Post by **UKnowWhatInSeattle** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:23 pm

I have been using the Breeze on and off (mostly on lately) for the past year and got a Swift a few weeks ago. I like the light feel of the Swift but (at least my particular unit) is quite a bit noisier than the Breeze. Others have reported that their Swifts aren't noisy at all. The Breeze is a little easier to clean. The Swift seems a little easier on my nostrils. Since I don't wear glasses when I'm sleeping, that isn't an advantage of the Swift for me.

C'mon does anybody wear glasses when they sleep? I guess some people want to "gear up" with the lights on and read for a while before sleeping. Me, I like to be almost asleep before I "gear up".

So, I guess I sort of like the Breeze a little better (I have an "old" style one), but am trying to get some use out of the Swift so I don't feel like I spent the money in vain.

Hope that helps a little.

dwells2 · Post by **dwells2** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:56 pm

I have and use a Swift which I find very comfortable and it doesn't shift or leak no matter how much I toss and turn. I tried a Breeze and found it to shift and leak easily and it also put uncomfortable pressure on my nares and upper lip. I wear this interface with the straps of the headgear adjusted very loosely.

I also have and use a Nasal Aire II which I find as comfortable and reliable as the Swift. This device has prongs, rather than pillows, but as bad as that sounds they work and cause no discomfort, at least for me. I use this interface without the head strap, I just place the short strap that comes with it across the back of my head.

I never was able to wear any nasal mask for more than 1/2 - 1 hour. I recommend either the Resmed Swift or Innomed Nasal Aire II, but remember YMMV.

tonimari98 · Post by **tonimari98** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:34 pm

I also had the resporonics comfort gel mask and it made my face sore. so my DME brought me the breeze nasal pillows and I think the are absolutly great. I don't get any leaks and I sleep on my stomach. It took 5 days for the soreness on my face to go away. Good luck with your choice

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