PR Wisp nasal mask

[apw5746]

Just got off the phone with my contact where I got my CPAP from. There going to order the Wisp kit as I'll be eligible for a new mask the middle of next month. Can't wait. According to my contact the fabric frame has been improved dramatically.

[newpapper]

I tried out the silicone at the DME, but the mask they gave me is the fabric one. It seems to be easier on the face than the silicone but not quite as stable. The fabric frame is reversible and has a very slippery side and the opposite side which has more grip. Maybe I have it too tight but I don't like the pressure it puts on my upper gums.

[sewsleepy]

I am really thinking about this mask but I am hesitant because I have kind of a bony face. I could never get the regular nasal masks to seal at the corner by the eye. How is the Wisp at following curves on the face and sealing?

[sleeplessinaz]

I have the Wisp. The headgear is massive. It is very adjustable though. Come with three sizes of the nasal cushion. I like it except for the giant headgear.

[apw5746]

Got the Wisp yesterday and tried it out last night. The mask covers the nose and my claustrophobia kicks in big time. Went back to my Swift FX after 45 minutes. Not sure how to get used to it.

I agree it sleeplessinaz about the headgear

[NateS]

I have to respectfully disagree about the headgear - to me it's one of the best things about the mask. (Of course I don't have long hair to contend with.)

I am on my third Wisp in a row (as they eventually wear out), and have really liked the design. To me the headgear is a very important part of the engineering that keeps this thing in place. One of the things I grew to hate about the Swift FX is that the dang flimsy strap over my head kept slipping forward towards my forehead, causing the cushions to fall out of my nostrils during the night. I had a similar problem afterward eventually with the Aloha - I loved the articulating angle of the nasal pillows but the inadequately designed straps still allowed the nasal cushions to slip out of my nostrils during the night.

IMHO, the Wisp stays in place most of the time because of two factors: 1) The fact that the headgear makes use of the back of my head as a sort of fulcrum instead of the top of my head; and 2) The way the double-walled triangular cushion uses the air pressure coming into the mask to create a comfortable form-fitting seal on the face surrounding my nose.

The one tip I recently stumbled upon to further improve the seal staying in place all night was this one - When the cushion would start to leak slightly at the base of the triangle, I used to tighten down the bottoms straps in order to tip the bottom of the triangle closer to my face, but then I would sometimes wake up with marks. I knew I had to keep the bottom of the triangular nosepiece tipped closer to my face than the top, but tightening it up was not the answer to comfort. Finally, I concluded that maybe I was pulling the back of the headgear down too close towards the back of my neck, so I experimented with pushing the large piece of the back of the headgear back up a little from my neck, and voila! that sufficiently adjusted the angle of the nosepiece so that the base tipped down in front a tiny bit more just the below my nose. Now that's what I generally adjust - sliding that back piece slightly up a little, instead of tightening the front straps.

Best wishes, Nate

[bwexler]

For those of you using the Wisp, what is your 95% pressure?
I have been using the SleepWeaver Elan, but with my ASV machine my pressure has been climing and I now see 16 to 18 CM.
This is starting to cause leaks and I am looking for an alternative. The wisp is near the top of my list right now.

[cpapernewbie]

Your mask will not affect the 95% pressure, unless there are big leaks (???)

In my case - changing from Swift to Wisp, my 95% pressure is still 10

[bwexler]

When using my old S9 Autoset my pressure never went above 10. Now with my ASV machine my pressure is much higher 16 to 18 some days. The higher pressure causes the leaks in my Sleepweaver Elan cloth mask. My concern is can the wisp stay leak free at the higher pressure that I am now using?

[apw5746]

The hair issue doesn't bother me as I shave the head, and the seal is great. If I have to, I will shave my mustache if necessary. When I can feel my pulse in my face area, I know I've tighten the straps to much. It's just the claustrophobic feeling having something over my nose. Additionally, the air I'm breathing feels warmer than when I use the Swift FX. I don't a humidifier at this time. There has not been any nose hurting from the nasal pillows or congestion, I need to figure out how to get used to it.

apw, aka Pat

[graydragon2]

I love the feel and look of the wisp but I could never get used to it. I felt like I was really struggling and really having to work to breath in and out with it. My pressures are 7-10. If I pressed the ramp feature I felt like I was getting no air at all. If anyone has any suggestions I may try it again.

[apw5746]

I need to figure out how to get used to it.

apw, aka Pat

I sat most of the afternoon watching NCAA men and women's basketball with Wisp on. Seemed to do okay. Getting ready to hit the sack for the night, and give it the old college try. Will talk about my experience tomorrow.

Pat

[flyingwithoutwings]

I too am a Wisp fan. The first time I tried it I couldn't breath and after 5 miserable days I gave up and went back to the Swift FX. Then a few weeks later I decided to give the Wisp another try and the rest is history. I have the cloth frame and have no leak problems. I also like the Swift FX but my AHI is lower with the Wisp.

[apw5746]

I need to figure out how to get used to it.

apw, aka Pat

I sat most of the afternoon watching NCAA men and women's basketball with Wisp on. Seemed to do okay. Getting ready to hit the sack for the night, and give it the old college try. Will talk about my experience tomorrow.

Pat

Wore it last night without a hitch. I take Mirapex, and Neurontin for restless leg syndrome. If I take a couple extra of the Neurontin, which I did, it also makes me pretty tired after about 45 minutes; so I did. Read several chapters in my book, and sure enough I got very mellow and sleepy. Slept like a baby, except when my bladder woke me up. No fuss/muss with the hair since I'm bald, and didn't notice the warm air (exhaled breath). The headgear isn't as comfortable as my FX, but I don't have the leaks. It's a tradeoff I can live with. Or in this case, sleep with. It left no marks either. Will stop taking the extra Neurontin when I get totally used to the mask. The frame is cloth also.

[apw5746]

Second night was great! It's a keeper for sure.