Swift and Breeze - How Loud?

I am currently using a FlexiFit Nasal mask and I am considering switching to a nasal pillow mask because the nasal mask sometimes irriates my upperlip/moustache.

One thing I like about the FlexiFit is how quite it is. I think it is because of the filter on the exhaust port.

Does anyone have any comparison to the Swift or Breeze? How noisy are they?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi Leinie,

Everyone's hearing perception seems to vary when we start trying to compare mask "noise". Also, even hearing the same sound in the same way, it can bother one person and not another. With that in mind, these observations apply just to how I perceived (and can put up with, or not) the sounds from those two interfaces.

To me, the Swift was considerably noisier than the Breeze, even when I tried the popular "fix" (netting in the cyliner) for the Swift. Breeze's noise is only when I inhale...intermittent, in other words, upon each inhalation. Swift's is continuous but varying. Breeze's inhale sound seems softer to me. I wouldn't know how to say which of the two is "noisier" since they both make their own unique sound. Only way to tell which sound you find less objectionable would be to try them both.

Since neither is virtually silent, the way your F&P Flexifit is, you may find both "loud" when you try them; in which case, I wouldn't worry so much about choosing between them based on sound. I'd look more at the other features to decide which to try first. Although I prefer the Breeze, I do think the Swift probaby suits more people straight out of the box.

Here are some links to discussions about both masks. Perhaps that will give you more of a cross section of opinions about them...and their sounds:

Aug 02, 2005 subject: LINKS to Breeze nasal pillows topics

Aug 02, 2005 subject: LINKS to Swift nasal pillows topics

To me, the Swift was considerably noisier than the Breeze, even when I tried the popular "fix" (netting in the cyliner) for the Swift

RG do you think the netting helped with the noise factor in the swift? Could you tell a big difference with it?

I've not tried a Swift so I can't say.

My Breeze is a bit quieter than the Activa mask, FWIW. I really can't imagine a mask being any quieter than the Breeze.

th, I couldn't tell that netting quietened either of the two Swifts I put it in. I tried several different types of netting, and various sizes of pieces. Couldn't tell a bit of difference although others have reported it helped dampen the sound of their Swifts.

I'm sure I could have gotten used to the sound of the Swift had the interface suited me in other ways. The exhaust hitting stuff was too annoying for me when I slept on my side.

I vote breeze - in my opinion it is a lot quieter than the swift. And, as Rested Gal said, the swift fits more people straight out of the box, but for me, within a month or so it was driving me mad with its side arms. It is very comfortable on the nares, and softer than the breeze, but when you get the breeze set up properly - again, in my opinion - it is sooo much better than the swift in terms of nothing being on your face as you sleep.

Also like RG, the only noise I have on the breeze is as I inhale - and that goes for even when my pressure increases to the high 8 - 9 region, whereas the swift would be thundering away by that pressure.

One more thought about facial hair (which RG cannot advise on ), I have found that you need to be careful with the length of hair and a nasal mask. At present my beard is short and spiky, and that can have the effect of pushing the nasal pillow away and making it more unstable! In fact, I have found it so annoying with my Aura (the mask I am presently using to evaluate) that I will shave it off today. I found the same with the swift, and a little with the breeze, although I think the breeze design is the most stable for facial hair - again in my opinion.

sir_cumference