New CPAP user, question with Swift II

[Danbo58]

I've visited here over the last several months as I waited to get the appropriate tests done. In September, over a year ago, my initial sleep study found a little of PLMD, but no sleep apnea. Yet, over the last year, I've gotten worse in terms of being tired. I can literally fall asleep at my desk shortly after lunch, and have almost done the same while driving home from work.

Finally, this October, another sleep study found the sleep apnea. But I had to go for another to try out the CPAP equipment and find the appropriate pressure. Do I know the overall results of my study? No, not at this time. But I also have RLS besides. And I know the pressure setting is 10.

By reading through these forums, I was able to discuss equipment with the DME well before they brought it out. The result is the equipment you'll see noted for me below. I so very much appreciated reading everyones reviews and the like.

Anyway, I've chosen the Swift II because of being a side sleeper, and it seems to work quite well. The only downside (I'm a big, tall guy) is the side straps that go behind the head. They seem to come in contact with my ears on each side, causing me to wake up at times with sore ears. Anyone have any suggestions on resolving that? I've tried the soft strap covers purchased from CPAP.com that are used to prevent marks on the face. But that doesn't seem to help. I've also purchased a chin strap since I can tend to open my mouth at times. I've tried that both on top of and under the Swift II, but still no true relief for my ears.

Any suggestions would be most welcome and appreciated. And if anyone's interested in the cost that the DME will charge insurance versus what I could buy it from CPAP.com, let me know. I found it quite amazing, as well as amusing.

[mindy]

Welcome!

I use the Swift II in summer I haven't had your problem or read of someone else having it. I'm wondering if perhaps ear warmers might work. I've seen ads for an ear muff that has 2 separate, unattached pieces that are sort of like ear socks.

Another option would be to do some more major surgery on the Swift II headgear and replace part of it with Rested Gal's pantyhose tights.

The following post does have a suggestion:

viewtopic.php?t=3243&start=0&postdays=0 ... 570c6c2f6

To find this, I did the following search in google:

swift and "sore ear" site:cpaptalk.com

I hope you can find a solution!

Mindy

[Guest]

Thanks for the info!

I did the same search as you mentioned, and did read what others had said regarding the Swift. Unfortunately it appears to be somewhat different then mine. I have the problem where it affects the top of my ears, and not the ear lobe. I have tried letting lay over my ear tops, but that becomes uncomfortable as well.

Guess I'll keep looking. I don't want to mess with the headgear just yet as I have 30 days to decide if I want to stick with this one or use something else. Although, compared to the optilife I tried at the sleep study, this one keeps a seal much better.

[JohnDFW]

Danbo58 – I know exactly what you are talking about concerning the straps and your ears. Or at least I think I know because I had the same problem. You didn’t say it directly but I believe you are talking about the straps hurting the point at which your ear attaches to your head.

To resolve this issue for me I used one of the cottony (if that’s a word) pads like the ladies use to remove makeup. Before I go to sleep I put one of these pads between the strap and the irritated point.

Once I acquire a new set of head gear I’m going to modify the connection point of the straps somewhat but don’t want to risk destroying my only setup. I hope this helps.

John

[Danbo58]

You hit the nail right on the head. That's exactly what I'm talking about. Now I'll have to figure out what you're referring to as a potential solution for the time being. My wife's not a big time make-up person, so not quite sure what that is.

Also gotta search these forums to find out what to put around my nares as the pillows are starting to make them a bit sore at the moment.

Thanks for the advice so far! Much appreciated.

[ozij]

That cutting edge at my ear was one of the reasons I couldn't use the Swift, I wear glasses, and could not afford to have any soreness above my ears.

You can use Ayr Gel or KY Jelly on the Swift while you let your nares get used to it - this was recommended by Resmed reps in a chat about the Swift when the Swift just came out.

O.

[mindy]

Yes - I still use KY liquid. I put it on (1-2 drops) about 3-5 minutes before I put on my Swift II. It not only helps with soreness but also helps seal so there are fewer leaks.

Mindy

[FreeLancer74]

If your wife can sew, cut the headgear on the cheekstraps toward the top (like where your hairline meets your face kinda top, to prevent weird strap marks) and sew in two short pieces of elastic. Should help you be able to adjust the headgear higher up on your head and still maintain pressure on your nose without lifting your nares to the heavens. Good thing about sewing is, if it's too short or too long, she can undo it, adjust it, and resew it for a "perfect" fit.

Just my 2 cents.

[Danbo58]

Thanks for the other tips. I am going to see about getting some Ayr Gel to help with the soreness until I get used to it.

As for the straps still, not sure. No, my wife can't sew (I'm even better at that for repairs then she is). So will have to find a different way. And, for at least this month, I can't cut it until I know for sure I'm going to stay with it (although I believe so at this point).

[rested gal]

To resolve this issue for me I used one of the cottony (if that’s a word) pads like the ladies use to remove makeup. Before I go to sleep I put one of these pads between the strap and the irritated point.

Great suggestion by John!

Now I'll have to figure out what you're referring to as a potential solution for the time being. My wife's not a big time make-up person, so not quite sure what that is.

Dan, you can probably find them easily at a pharmacy's cosmetics section. Or ask any female employee there. Tell 'em they're for your wife, if you don't want to fess up.

[Guest]

Hi Dan

You may be able to used a pad-a cheek or snuggle straps normally used for the vertical straps of of the Swift

If not then Karen I think her name is could probable customize something for you

Sleepdeprived

You hit the nail right on the head. That's exactly what I'm talking about. Now I'll have to figure out what you're referring to as a potential solution for the time being. My wife's not a big time make-up person, so not quite sure what that is.

Also gotta search these forums to find out what to put around my nares as the pillows are starting to make them a bit sore at the moment.

Thanks for the advice so far! Much appreciated.

[Pad A Cheek]

I actually do have a PAD A CHEEK solution to the Swift II ear problem. Someone had the same problem about a month ago and I designed a solution.

If you want to try this, just PM me and I will discuss it further with you.

Karen

[mindy]

Dan,

I think Karen is terrific - she got me a new design for my Quattro really fast and it definitely helps!

Mindy

[ColinP]

Hi Danbo

I had the same problem with the swift when I started. I tightened the straps on top of my head slightly, and lossened the straps behind my head at the same time, and that moved the straps just a little higher at the front where they go past your ears. It also moved them forward a bit, but I found that I didn't need much adjustment to get them off the top of my ears.

If that hadn't worked, I was planning to trim the bottom couple of millimetres of the strap off, to make space around the ear.

Colin