Strange Swift FX problem

[jbn3boys]

I've got you beat. My machine scored AHI was 5.9 for last night. However there are two differences. 1. I have a different machine and 2. I wake up totally rested. My average oxygen saturation for the night was 96.4%, what was yours?

I actually don't have an oximeter. But on my sleep study, my sats never got lower than 90%. My sleep doc thought I really didn't need worry about my oxygen stats.

But, yeah, you do have me beat. I'm still exhausted. But, I have to say, today is a little better.

[Geminidream]

I also have the FX (not For Her) and I have the same issue. About 2-3 hours into sleep I have little annoying leaks and no amount of fiddling with it will fix it. I wind up taking it off and putting it back on again. I can usually go right back to sleep but its still a bit annoying. I have covered everything obvious, but have not found a solution. I just live with it. At least the therapy is affective and my AHI numbers are always very low.

[Janknitz]

NO, I meant RUBBER O-rings used as knitting markers, not plastic ones You can only find those in specialty knitting stores (or hardware stores).

Both of you reporting this problem are on auto machines. Maybe the pressure is up when they start leaking? That's why turning off the machine and starting over works--the pressure goes back down. On a ResMed machine you can use the Mask fit feature to fit the pillows at the highest set pressure. On the PR machine, you have to go into the clinician's menu, set it to the highest pressure, fit the mask, and then return it to the original settings (what a PITA!).

As for the vinegar, I stand corrected again. I was happily using vinegar when a moderator on the OSAA list said it was a no no, but now I suppose it really isn't. To quote Emily Lotilla in a high squeaky voice-- "Never mind" .

[jbn3boys]

NO, I meant RUBBER O-rings used as knitting markers, not plastic ones You can only find those in specialty knitting stores (or hardware stores).

Oops! But the hair bands work, so I'm good!

Both of you reporting this problem are on auto machines. Maybe the pressure is up when they start leaking?

Mine may BE an auto machine, but I am NOT using it in the auto mode. I am at straight BiLevel, with no ramp. So that's not the problem, at least for me.

[digitaleagle]

I also use the Swift FX and have noticed big differences in new manufactured pillows. In fact I just got two of them brand new from my DME and one will not hold a seal no matter what I do. I noticed that one of the pillows seems a lot thinner than the other one which would explain why it is collapsing and leaking. I'm going to take it back to my DME next week and get a new one. You would think you should be able to get at least a month out of each one.

It's too bad that Resmed can't get their manufacturing quality control right.

I also notice leaks during the night. So much so that I have a nasal mask ordered again. I'm going to try the Resmed Softgel as I'm a pretty active sleeper and am getting tired of constantly having to adjust the pillow throughout the night.

[cortez356]

Are any of you having rain out problems? I noticed that if I get too much hu idityn the FX loses it's seal.

Bob

[Taff]

Walter (DH), is in-between a medium and a large fit of the pillows, but the large felt much more comfortable for him.

However, when using the large, he developed large leaks through the night (probably while changing positions) that show up on the software. The leak noise doesn't wake him, but it wakes me up! There's even more noise when his jaw drops; it sounds like someone turned on a vacuum cleaner. (PapCap and earplugs are now on order, hopefully, so that I can sleep!)

I wrapped one medium-sized Goodie Ouchless elastic (twice) around the base of each pillow so that it was not so tight that it would restrict airflow, tightened up the top silicon strap, and removed the microfiber pads.
He complained the nasal pillow felt 'heavier,' but quickly adapted.

I checked the data this morning. There were no large leaks, except for a few jaw drops (which woke me), and Walter slept 7 hours straight, with AHI of 3.5.

I'm not sure the FX is right mask for him, as the jaw dropping seems to happen often. He'd already complained loudly to me that he doesn't want any more stuff on his head and face, and wants to stick with the FX despite the leak data.

He had this reaction -----> when I asked him with a straight face, if he wanted me to tape his mouth shut when going to sleep since he didn't want to try the other options.

That's when he agreed to the PapCap and to try the Hybrid at some point.

[DadscreepyCPAPmask]

I also have this leaking problem with my FX as well. Some nights more than others. My AHI's are usually 2.2 or under and I have been showing a 2% large leak in the last 7 days. I have the Respironics viewer software on order from CPAP.com and I hope its here soon so I can get a better look at things. I do not have an AUTO machine either for the record. I really love the Swift FX mask, but these small leaking problems are a bit troubling to me. I really hate to switch back to a nasal mask exclusively

[Janknitz]

I really love the Swift FX mask, but these small leaking problems are a bit troubling to me. I really hate to switch back to a nasal mask exclusively .

2% showing up in the "large leak" data is NOT a "small leak". It has to be a very big leak to show up on that data, which records only 7 and 30 day averages. My guess is that you are mouth breathing at some point in the night.

[chunkyfrog]

As for the vinegar; does anyone really believe that the manufacturer is going to say ANYTHING that adds to longevity of the pillows? I mean REALLY? Were talking ResMed, here. . .
I have found diluted white vinegar to be perfectly harmless on an occasional basis.
(My brother uses rubbing alcohol--and rarely has to replace anything.)

[DadscreepyCPAPmask]

I really love the Swift FX mask, but these small leaking problems are a bit troubling to me. I really hate to switch back to a nasal mask exclusively .

2% showing up in the "large leak" data is NOT a "small leak". It has to be a very big leak to show up on that data, which records only 7 and 30 day averages. My guess is that you are mouth breathing at some point in the night.

Great! Is it possible that I only mouth breath with the FX and not my nasal mask? That software will show that then? Why are my AHI's continually low then?

[jbn3boys]

Okay, so I got the best AHI last night that I've had in a long time. But I did a big no-no with my mask. Go figure! I've read MANY places/times that the Swift FX headgear must NOT be tight. But guess what--I tightened the back strap last night. I "though" I just made it a little less loose, but when I actually laid down, it was quite snug. I was too tired to change it, so I just went to sleep. I woke up and checked my numbers this morning, and my AHI was down to 2.9! I know that doesn't sound great to a lot of you, but I've only had FOUR nights that low or lower, ever! Maybe I have to wear my FX tight...

[wolewyck]

I also find that a bit of lanolin not only helps with potential nare irritation but also reduces the occasional night leak.

[jbn3boys]

I also find that a bit of lanolin not only helps with potential nare irritation but also reduces the occasional night leak.

I've tried lanonlin, but I haven't seen a real difference.

[sleeplessinaz]

YAY!! Good for you---:) Hope it continues to work out well for you--I may give mine another try again keeping that in mind ----
Carrie