Please compare the Aloha to the Swift LT for fit and comfort

[KimberlyM]

I have a Swift LT and like it, but I wondered if the Aloha would be a little more comfortable. I have been alternating between the Swift FX and Swift LT so far. Does anyone own the Swift LT and have the Aloha too? Could you compare the comfort and fit of both brands and state which you prefer? Thank you ahead of time!

[kaiasgram]

I have a Swift LT and like it, but I wondered if the Aloha would be a little more comfortable. I have been alternating between the Swift FX and Swift LT so far. Does anyone own the Swift LT and have the Aloha too? Could you compare the comfort and fit of both brands and state which you prefer? Thank you ahead of time!

I can't speak to the LT, but I started with the FX. The FX is more lightweight than the Aloha, but I ended up preferring the Aloha because it fits my nasal openings better and is a more stable mask (less subject to displacement when moving around at night). And while it is a little heavier than the FX, it's not by much.

[KimberlyM]

I have a Swift LT and like it, but I wondered if the Aloha would be a little more comfortable. I have been alternating between the Swift FX and Swift LT so far. Does anyone own the Swift LT and have the Aloha too? Could you compare the comfort and fit of both brands and state which you prefer? Thank you ahead of time!

I can't speak to the LT, but I started with the FX. The FX is more lightweight than the Aloha, but I ended up preferring the Aloha because it fits my nasal openings better and is a more stable mask (less subject to displacement when moving around at night). And while it is a little heavier than the FX, it's not by much.

Thank you for your response. Are the side straps on the Aloha flexible at all and as comfortable as the side straps of the Swift FX?

[allen476]

I have both and have found the Aloha a little more stable and comfortable. The pillow size is about the same but I find the Aloha a little more comfortable. Even though the FX is lighter, I like the Aloha better. After 2 nights with it I haven't had to readjust it when rolling over.

Swift Lt

Pro's
Better angle adjustment

Con's
Unless you rout the tubing over your head using the tubing clip on the head gear, it will dislodge the pillows from your nose.
The headgear comes very close to your eyes. An annoyance.
Thin pillows. They only last a short time before they need replaced. I yearn for the old pillows as one would last a long time before needing replaced.

Aloha

Pro's
Light
Head gear is down further on the face giving a feel that there isn't much on your face.
Stable and the tubing while it can be routed like the LT, I have left it floating like the FX and it still was fine with no leaks.
Head gear stays in place for me.

Con's
About the same size as the FX. So if you have a larger size head it might be too small.
Pillows rest on your upper lip. While not annoying to me, it might be to you.
Pillow angle adjustment is a little iffy. While the angle out of the box was fine for me, others might have a hard time getting it adjusted.
It does have some hard plastic on it but you wont feel it.

[kaiasgram]

I agree, the Aloha side straps are not quite as lightweight and flexible but I think that's what makes the whole mask a little more stable -- and they are covered with a soft fleecy material so are quite comfortable. I also agree that there's a little more resting on your upper lip with the Aloha -- but I've played with the angle a bit and that has helped -- and I realized last night that it's actually helping me keep my mouth closed along with my chinstrap.

[KimberlyM]

Thank you both for your answers. I think it will be my next mask to try. I also want an Elan.

[BostonGal]

I have the Aloha and I like it....agree with folks about where the pillow rests and that it is more stable...but I find the back strap on the headgear rides up during the night (i've tried tighter and looser). The top strap has 2 alternatives for placement which is nice. the back strap hits right at the fattest part of my head. I wish it rested a bit lower like the swift fx for her. This prompted me to try the Bella Loops never thinking they could possibly work for me and my small ears...but right now they are my new love affair.

[KimberlyM]

I have the Aloha and I like it....agree with folks about where the pillow rests and that it is more stable...but I find the back strap on the headgear rides up during the night (i've tried tighter and looser). The top strap has 2 alternatives for placement which is nice. the back strap hits right at the fattest part of my head. I wish it rested a bit lower like the swift fx for her. This prompted me to try the Bella Loops never thinking they could possibly work for me and my small ears...but right now they are my new love affair.

I've wondered about the Bella. The problem I have with the Swift FX is the hose. I toss and turn a lot and get tired of having to mess with the hose all night long. I tried hanging it above my head and don't like the way it tugs on the pillows. It always seems to be in the way.

[BostonGal]

I tried the Bella Loops partly because a few people on the site like them (pugsy comes to mind). Since I already had the hose and pillows, it was about 25 bucks for the loops from cpap.com (free shipping!) Of course when i saw what 25 bucks bought i was pretty skeptical, but what they heck. What I like about them is I can sleep on my back without getting a lot of leaks. For me, my back is not a good position as my sleep report said back + REM sleep = Lots of Apneas; but my AHI is still pretty low. I can sleep on my side for a little bit but then my hips hurt (getting old sucks).

I never noticed an issue with the hose. I have a rod iron bed frame and i just place the hose over the bed frame and it gives me room to move without bunching anywhere. But if you are having hose problems with the FX, you will have them with the loops.

i don't want to talk you in or out of something. I do think the Aloha is a great product. For me I just need to figure out how to get the back from not riding up. It may not be a problem for you. I'm still going to use my Aloha. I kinda like mixing it up a bit.

[portiemom]

I love the Aloha, and I have tried almost every mask out there. The pillows are adjustable, they stay in place as I am a stomach sleeper and toss and turn my head all night due to spinal problems. The head gear is very adjustable, I think if it rides up in back with the lower strap that it happens if your head is rather flat in the back, mine is not. I route overhead so the pillows do NOT rest on my upper lip at all. This mask has a very independent headgear, lots of adjustabilty to it, can wear it very loose. pillow fit is a bit (tiny) wider apart IMHO than the Swift Lt. Can you tell I love this mask!

[KimberlyM]

I love the Aloha, and I have tried almost every mask out there. The pillows are adjustable, they stay in place as I am a stomach sleeper and toss and turn my head all night due to spinal problems. The head gear is very adjustable, I think if it rides up in back with the lower strap that it happens if your head is rather flat in the back, mine is not. I route overhead so the pillows do NOT rest on my upper lip at all. This mask has a very independent headgear, lots of adjustabilty to it, can wear it very loose. pillow fit is a bit (tiny) wider apart IMHO than the Swift Lt. Can you tell I love this mask!

thanks portiemom, I am really leaning towards trying one. Do you have the Swift LT too? I wonder if the straps are more comfortable on the Aloha. The side straps don't bother me until you get to where they connect to the pillow, I can't put my face in the pillow with that bar there.

[ufo13]

Just a few things I found that help make the Aloha mask almost perfect. For me when I made sure I double checked the instructions, and corrected the following everything fell into place:
1---I find (for me) if I adjust the pillows to the fourth line on the side of the prongs that go into the pillows----It provides the BEST angle and best fit to the nares! (there are 4 line adjustments)

2---After doing my velcro fix on the back strap-----see "tips for swift users" post-----make sure you adjust the BACK straps FIRST and then the TOP strap making sure the back strap is closer to your neck and not higher on your head and the rounded side straps very close to your ears! IMO this makes this interface even more stable, and also makes the Aloha comfortable, at the same time helping the pillow angle and almost leak free!

Hope this helps!

Steve,
ufo13

[BostonGal]

Thanks ufo13. I saw your other post too so I'll try it out. Funny thing is I don't have the riding up problem on the FX for Her, I think they made it so the bottom rests lower on the back of your head. I was trying to figure out what to do about the Aloha to macgyver it to not slide. I'll try it out. Thanks!

[Pugsy]

Do you have the Swift LT too? I wonder if the straps are more comfortable on the Aloha. The side straps don't bother me until you get to where they connect to the pillow, I can't put my face in the pillow with that bar there.

I have used the Swift LT in the past (over a year till the Swift FX came out) and I have tried the Aloha (all of April) and the Aloha side things are much more comfortable than the Swift LT side things. I think that with the Aloha you will be able to put your face into the bed pillow much more comfortably. While I personally still prefer the Swift FX...the Aloha comes in at a real close second.

[avi123]

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