Nasal Pillows and Leekage

I am using the Swift Nasal pillows and am finding that they occassionally leak out one nostril. I can feel the air slipping out onto my lip (and this is NOT the carbon dioxide output...I understand the difference). So I wake up yet again to correct. I am a tosser and turner usually sleeping on one side and switching to the other side every 30 minutes or so. I have found that slide sleeping exacerbates the leakage so I am sleeping more on my back. I know the mantra (try try again), but did anyone switch masks after using the pillows for a while?

Thanks Guys!

I read a book about sleep apnea shortly after getting my CPAP. One suggestion it had that I have found helpful is to use KY Jelly (not a petroleum-type like Vaseline) on your nostrils to allow a better fit of the pillow. (Vaseline will break down the materials in the nasal pillow, whereas, KY does not harm it.) I'll have to admit, it is more comfortable, and eliminates any soreness or rubbing of the nose during sleep. Seems like it leaks less. Doesn't make sense until you experience it yourself.

These pillows seal by inflating with pressure. What you might do is try the next size larger and that might solve your problem. Also try side sleeping on the edge of the pillow so the barrel in not so much in contact with the pillow and getting pushed to the side. If your mask is fitting right you should be able to wiggle the barrel up, down and sideways under pressure with no leaks.

Also be sure to look at the CD that comes with the Swift. It will show/tell you a lot about fitting it and adjusting it. I messed and fiddled with mine a lot after I first got it, trying to find just the right spot. you can also move the barrel forward and backward to get less noise or a better fit. And remember to have the straps relatively loose. One reason for the leaks might be the straps are too tight and do not allow the barrel to move within that normal range.

I gauge mine by being able to put about 3 fingers flat against my head under the bands. You might need to have the top band a bit tighter to hold the barrel up against the nares too

I know the mantra (try try again), but did anyone switch masks after using the pillows for a while?

Sorry the Swift isn't working out for you, DanishLass. Not all "pillows" interfaces are created equal. If you're not able to get the Swift going well for you after you try some of the suggestions (particularly trying a different size) don't hesitate to try other brands of nasal pillows masks. The overall design and headgear, as well as the feel of the pillows themselves, is very different from brand to brand. You aren't stuck with switching to a traditional nasal mask just because one manufacturer's nasal pillows mask isn't suiting you.

Others you might want to try before giving up entirely on nasal pillows are my favorites, the Breeze and the Aura. There's also the Nasal Aire II (didn't suit me, but it has many fans) which is a nasal "prongs" interface. Nasal pillows don't go inside the nostrils much at all. Nasal prongs, on the other hand, have to be wedged up inside the nares more.

At any rate, there are more "nasal pillows masks" worth trying before giving up on nasal pillows based on how one pillows interface works. You might want to try some of the other pillows masks before turning to a nasal (covers the snout) mask. That is....if you really prefer nasal pillows in general. Which I do.

The Activa is the only nasal mask I truly like -- and I've tried plenty of them. I find it to be nearly as comfortable as my Breeze and my radically deconstructed Aura.
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My disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, nor have I ever worked in the health care field. Those are just my personal opinions. A mask or machine I love/hate could be completely the opposite for others. Finding suitable equipment can be an expensive trial and error experience.

Hilsen! <LOL>

I had given up on the Swift, but then increased my pressure AND bought a different pillow, Now I have no problem at all with them. On the RT's advise, I went to a larger size, but it seems that the added pressure actually helps the seal (went from 10 to 12).

Also, the pillow I use is called a "shapeable" pillow ($12.99 From Target) and it is soft and cushy - a bit like memory foam, but softer and easier to change positions (almost as smooth as water) - but it holds my mask or NP in place without suffocating me! Now I alternate between the F&P HC405 nasal mask and the Swift. I feel that the Swift might be more efficient about getting the air into me, but who knows? So I use them both.

Hey! Found a plaque in a Norwegian gift shop a few years ago.... "You can always tell a Dane... But you can't tell him much." <LOL> Have it hanging over my desk at work.

- JB