Swift and Aura comparison

Snoozie -guested again · Post by **Snoozie -guested again** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 7:18 pm

As some of you know, I have recently purchased the Aura, and still continue to wear the Swift and switch between the two. Since I have been using the Aura, I have adjusted and love the interface- no marks!

I have been doing my own little test between the two, and have experienced definite differences with no explanation as to why. My problem is that when I wear the Aura, I don't feel as rested as when i wear the Swift. Also, my breathing is more labored while wearing the Aura. Sometimes I have to lift it to get a breathe of fresh air before I finally fall asleep, and sometimes still get headaches, and wake up with my chest hurting from labored breathing. Now - the strange thing, is that I have less leaks with the Aura than with the Swift. It fits really well and is quite comfortable.

I am going to wait until the end of the week to run my card reader again and have documented which days I have worn which mask to see what the differences are, but in the meantime, has anyone else that has tried the two experienced any differences in how they feel?

In the meantime, I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem, as I find it very strange. Why would one system make you feel different than another when you are constantly at the same pressure? I can't figure it out and am hoping someone can offer suggestions, as I really like the Aura and don't want to give up on it.

Newsgrouper · Post by **Newsgrouper** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 10:11 pm

I have noticed that if you bend the Aura's interface wire too much it crimps the soft plastic a couple of inches above the pillows. This seems to restrict the air flow and make breathing more labored. Try straightening out the wire a bit to reduce the crimping.

Jere · Post by **Jere** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 10:47 pm

Snoozie -guested again wrote:My problem is that when I wear the Aura, I don't feel as rested as when i wear the Swift.

That is EXACTLY my experience. I have a Swift and now an Aura. Today I was completely wiped out. I was thinking of bumping up the pressure a notch to see if that makes a difference. I definitely feel there is less pressure coming through (I test this in the totally unscientific method of how long I can exhale air through my mouth). I'll check for crimping, too. It is hard to use those wires without crimping.

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jcarn · Post by **jcarn** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 8:27 am

there's definitely more restriction in airflow no matter what you do to the Aura. It's kind of a trade off, more comfort, less air.
The Breeze is probably the best for airflow. Not good for back sleeping though.

sleepylady · Post by **sleepylady** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 1:30 pm

Hmmm, I've had the opposite experience. I don't have the Swift now, but when I did it just didn't work well for me. I currently have the Activa which I absolutely detest and the Aura. Now with the Activa I found I had lots of leaks and always woke up tired. Ok it wasn't nearly as bad as before CPAP, but enough that by the end of the day I had no energy to even go shopping. I've been using the Aura for a week now and have found that for the last seven days I'm not tired when I wake up. I even have energy to want to do projects after work. Also I don't feel there is a restriction of the airflow.

Good luck Snoozie. Hope you can get to the root of the problem and continue to use this great interface.

Melinda

th · Post by th » Tue Dec 13, 2005 7:00 pm

If I use my swift I can go as low as 4 (with the auto-pap) to start. When I use my Aura I need at least 6 to start. I feel like I need more air to start with when I am using my Aura. The Aura is still my #1 mask. And my leaks are lower than with the Swift and also excellent AHI numbers
th

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 8:45 pm

Jere, I have gotten to the point that I am afraid to wear the Aura on the nights that I have to work the next day for fear of how I will feel, so until I try to figure this out, I only wear it on the weekends or days off. When I wake up and feel as if a headache is coming on, I switch masks and it seems to lighten up a little, but I am going to ask Dr. if he can up my pressure by 1 to see if things get better.

Thanks, Newsgrouper, I will check for crimping also.

I don't ever sleep on my back and have been looking at the Breeze, but I keep telling myself "no" - not another interface yet.

Melinda, Glad it is working for you. I am not giving up on it.

th, I haven't checked my numbers yet, waiting until I have a day off to do a comparison, but I do think my leaks will be lower with the Aura as it seems to have a very snug fit - that's why I am puzzled by all of this.

Snoozie · Post by **Snoozie** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 8:46 pm

The above post was me forgetting to log on again!!

Jere · Post by **Jere** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 9:55 pm

Not that 1 night means anything, but I did up my pressure by 1 last night and felt much better today.

The beginning of a trend or another disappointment - who knows? I'll check back in and let you know.

Snoozie · Post by **Snoozie** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 4:29 pm

Jere,

Glad it helped. Was wondering how you upped your pressure. Do you have an auto? Anyway, very encouraging. I definitely have to talk to my Dr. about this. Just feeling too out of it, even with exercise.

Jere · Post by **Jere** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 10:14 pm

Snoozie -

My CPAP came with the clinician's manual, including instructions on how to change the pressure. Also, the tech showed my how to do it (not sure why).

The 2nd day on the higher pressure with the Aura was as good as the first. Still not enough to prove anything, but I remain optimistic.
.

Humidifier

Additional Comments: Auto range 11-15

Swift and Aura comparison

Swift and Aura comparison

Re: Swift and Aura comparison