Leaks and the Swift FX

[DocWeezy]

Obviously, something must have frozen over because claustrophobic me actually used a nasal mask last night and LIKED it. Unbelievable! I had practiced with it all day while I was working, and had managed to get over most of the suffocation feelings of having my mouth closed. The looseness of the headgear was a welcome relief to the problems I've been having. I did take a Lorazepam last night to quell any panic attacks, and tonight I'll try it with half a pill. But overall I was pleasantly surprised at how well I tolerated it.

Hey--old dogs can learn new tricks! Nose breathing after all those decades! And no dry mouth!

Anyway, my question is: if I have a few little leaks throughout the night--I know my lips were opening sometimes--but all of the leaks were well below the "leak line," do I need to worry about them? My 95th percentile was 9.6, and the leak line is 20 (I set my machine to the "pillows" mask option).

I don't want to tape my mouth...that might be a bit more than I can handle right now. I made a soft chin strap and that seemed to be enough so that my mouth didn't really open, but I woke up a couple of times with my lips open a little.

AHI was good at .3--that's about normal for me.

Thanks!

Weezy

[bap40]

Maybe you have found YOUR perfect mask. Sounds like you just need to work on getting the straps at the right level of tightness.
Good Luck

[Pugsy]

Obviously, something must have frozen over

Ahh, so I get to blame you for the 30 degree difference in temps this AM. Brrr.

Regarding your question. First night with a new type of mask can always be a bit difficult. I wouldn't be horribly concerned (at this point) with a few little mouth leaks though I imagine many will want to mention that there were probably a lot more than you think you had and the are probably speaking the truth. Your leaks aren't huge and your AHI is of course to die for. If you also feel good, then give it some more time. Use the chinstrap. It takes the body some time to relearn that it doesn't have to always have an open mouth to breathe. Also consider that the use of Lorazepam can (at least in theory) affect the muscles and when you can get by without it, the open mouth may even decrease a bit.

While not everyone is lucky enough to be able to learn to keep their mouth shut, some of us have been able to do it. It is sure worth a try if you find that you really like the freedom that the Swift FX offers.

Just do as you already have been doing, watching those reports and gauging how you feel and give yourself a bit of time for things to adjust to the new mask system.

[pap4life]

I think you found the right answer. I use the Swift LT, which is similar, however it fastens to the forehead strap and goes over my head. I like it a lot and is relative leak free for me..Sometimes meds are the only way to go.. I do have to use a chin strap otherwise my lips start flapping..

[Myolin]

I just went back to my Swift LT2 weeks ago. It was the mask RT gave me in the beginning telling me that even if I had some leaks not over the line it was good, he told me that I could take the habit to shout my mouth without awake myself. I did not succeded at that time and I changed to a full mask but never been at ease for a long time with them. Now I returned to my firs mask, I know that I am a mouth breather, when in the night my mouth is opening I shut it already and go back to deep sleep, the RT was wright it is possible to get use to. It is the lightest apparel possible for now so let's enjoy it. All that to tell you to not worry, you do fine and the therapy is working.

[Janknitz]

It sounds like you did just fine to me! Congratulations!

Try to get in the habit of sleeping with your tongue placed firmly on the roof of your mouth, on that ridge behind your front teeth. That way, if your lips open, they will not leak air, because the tongue in that position seals off the oropharynx and prevents leaks.

[basicinstinct911]

It sounds like you did just fine to me! Congratulations!

Try to get in the habit of sleeping with your tongue placed firmly on the roof of your mouth, on that ridge behind your front teeth. That way, if your lips open, they will not leak air, because the tongue in that position seals off the oropharynx and prevents leaks.

Great advice.. that works for me too

[DocWeezy]

I found myself naturally doing that, Janknitz! Cool! Didn't know if that was "normal" or not, but I do remember waking a bit and realizing that's what was happening.

Weezy

[Astrophytum]

Hi,

I use the Swift FX too. And for me it's the best mask I have tested. Very quiet, no leaks.

Regards,
Astrophytum

[Geminidream]

Congrats DocWeezy,

It sounds like you are off to a good start with a new mask. As long as your numbers are good and most importantly, you feel good, then you will do just fine. Give yourself some time to get acclimated to the FX. I use it and love it! The LT is acceptable, but I much prefer the FX. I keep the LT as a back up. I also agree with the advice on keeping your tongue placed behind your front teeth. Although I was not much of a mouth breather before, I have found that if I don't start out that way, I tend to be one half way through the night. And just like with drugs that help you sleep and make your more relaxed, I have found that alcohol has the same affect for me when it comes to mouth breathing.