Respironics Wisp - First Impressions

[cobra4x4]

I got my Wisp last week from my DME

1st two nights were great, AHI was less than 1.0 after that my numbers went up as did the leaks (possibly my fault as I was trying to better an already good thing).
I used the fabric headgear for the 1st night only then moved over to the silicone headgear which I like better, Its not as flimsy and the plastic clips are much easier to connect/disconnect without worrying about breaking them. Yes the silicone headgear is firmer and heavier but I find it more comfortable as I got a small rash from the fabric rubbing against my face (I'm a very active sleeper).

Good mask overall and the headgear stays in place unlike my swift FX (also a good mask).

[cobra4x4]

After going back to original adjustments on the wisp my AHI last night was back below 1.0 (AHI= 0.7, 0.2 obstructive & 0.3 central), and I slept very very well.

I realized that I had adjusted the mask so that it was sitting too high up and causing my intake breaths to suck against the bottom causing a claustrophobic condition.

I'm not messing with it again (famous last words ... haha!)

[ron4443]

The Respironics Wisp is available at Medigas, Ontario, Canada

[Lyban]

I have been using the fabric wisp for about 6 weeks.
I have been happy with it except today my clips are too easily coming away from the fabric like others have experienced.
I am thinking that the side that you open and close every time you put this mask on has a life of 6 weekks.
Something is going to have to be done, too bad because the wisp is very comfortable in every other way.

[cobra4x4]

After using this mask for 2.5 weeks now, I have come to the following conclusions ....

1. The fabric headgear is not as strong as the silicone, although the silicone headgear is firmer & heavier it will last for quite some time. I prefer the silicone.

2. Fabric headgear causes chafing as I'm an active side sleeper, silicone stays in place and doesn't chafe.

3. Those plastic clips will break very easily (you should have a supply of extras) especially as they become brittle from age.

4. I found that I slip the headgear off/on and don't bother with the cheap clips, Its easier and doesn't mess up my fit ...Yet! I'm sure over time it may stretch a bit.

5. Pressure settings are slightly higher with this mask compared to my Swift FX. Old range was 8.2-14, New range 9-16 as I hit maximum 14cm twice in the 1st 3 days. I did set the S9 autoset to nasal for the wisp.

6. Wisp seals very very well once sweet spot is found and my AHI #'s have averaged <1.0 over the past 2 weeks except the 2 days I made changes in the beginning. The average with my Swift FX was 2.0-2.5

7. My wife loves that the vents exhaust up instead of directly at her.

8. The best feature of the Wisp in my opinion is how easy the hose detaches/attaches for bathroom/snack breaks during the night. There is no need to remove mask.


Cobra4x4

[Acroflyer]

After speaking with Clinical Sleep Solutions about the cloth tearing problem I felt relieved and confident in Resperonic's recognition and solution.

Clinical Sleep Solutions offered to send me new silicone headgear. They did not require me to return the cloth headgear. I only pay $15.00 shipping. I expect the tearing not to occur with the silicone headgear. I'm pleased with the outcome.

[Acroflyer]

The Respironics Wisp is available at Medigas, Ontario, Canada

Check out http://www.clinicalsleep.com/index.cfm before purchasing from Medigas.

[cobra4x4]

Respironics is now supplying both the fabric & silicone headgears when you purchase the Wisp.

I'm guessing its only going to be for a period of time until they fix the fabric headgear flaw(s).

[Iceman27613]

I heard that the improved fabric frame will be launched by Respironics next week...can anyone else confirm?

[schnarch]

I've been using the Wisp for about 6 weeks and love it. My AHIs have been almost always below 1, and I love the way the mask sits without a frame between my eyes. It's also much more comfortable when I sleep on my stomach or side.

Unfortunately the cloth headgear broke at the snap connection, but I was able to get a replacement through my provider. The replacement is the silicone which is OK, but leaves marks on my face and is not as comfortable for me. I am looking forward to Respironics coming out with the updated version.

[Imasnorin]

I just got my wisp and the tech said it was a new design that just came out, mine is cloth covered.

[chunkyfrog]

bump for new reviews and reference

[Gary B]

I have been using the WISK mask for 4 nights now. I was surprised at how comfortable this mask is. You can hardly tell you have anything on your face or head. My AHI was at 1.0 last night. I have only been on CPAP for a total of 4 nights now and jsut figured out how to see this number on my S9 Elite RESMED machine. By all indications, this is a good number. My leakage number last night was 14. I am assuming that this is not bad number. Overall, I have been very pleased with this mask and have not had any issues to speak of with it. I also have the new fabric head gear. Very comfortably. I am a side and stomach sleeper and have not had any issues.

[Uncle_Bob]

Respironics is now supplying both the fabric & silicone headgears when you purchase the Wisp.

I'm guessing its only going to be for a period of time until they fix the fabric headgear flaw(s).

Thanks for posting your views on the WISP. I'm willing to give it a try. Your comments have helped clear up the silicone over fabric choice.
My experince with fabric is that it tends to break down on my face, at least with my aloha in less than 6 months.
I verified with cpap.com and they have heard nothing about both types of headgear being included. You still have to make the choice when you order.
I still need to find out the cost of replacement pillows, cpap.com lists to the pillows sizes and then "+ Included fit pack" for $38.99 Wow thats a bit of a shock after buying nasal pillow replacements for around $20 which then last approx 6 months.

EDIT : I pulled the trigger on this one. $99 over the phone price at cpap.com with $15 return insurance (no brainer). Wish me luck

[RippersVF2]

I have been using the Wisp for about a week now, and I really like it. I was using a Quattro FX but was having leak issues. I was never able to use the auto setting because I would wake up in the middle of the night with major leaks. Now for the past 2 nights I have used auto set at 9 to 16 and have no issue and an AHI of .51! So far so good! Oh and I was nervous about spending the money on a nasal mask because typically I am a mouth breather, but i guess I have trained myself to keep my mouth during sleep. I ordered mine with the silicone headgear and use the medium cushion. At first I tried the large, just because I was used to having a FFM, but after using the fitting guide the Wisp came with, switched to the Medium and has been just fine.