Full Face Mask vs. Swift Mirage Pillows?

I have the Swift Mirage Pillows. I've been on CPAP for just over a week. I use the chin strap. I don't like it because I can't put it on myself very well. And I have to ask my wife if it's on correctly. This involves waking her up usually to either put it on me or assist while I put it on.

The last couple of nights my wife has noticed and now I've noticed that I'm leaking air through my mouth. I've always been a mouth breather. There was never any doubt about that. My dental records will prove it. One option is to get some sort of dental plate or something to put in my mouth. Sure, that's one option. I haven't been to the dentist in a couple of years so it's about time I go get a good cleaning anyway. But I'm left wondering about the FF masks. People seem to all agree they LEAK! Some worse than others. The pillows don't seem to leak. I don't want to trade one problem for another. But if I could get rid of the chin straps, then a FF mask might be the ticket!

Some of you use both. Which do you prefer? Why do you use both? If you use full face mask, what are the pitfalls of your particular unit? If you use pillows, you either don't have the pufferfish syndome and/or the chin strap is working for you or tape/mouth piece is working.

Last night I pulled the Swift Mask off twice. I'm assuming this can happen with any mask of any type. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm assuming, based on what I read that the FF Mask will leak more. Which one do you think is overall the best for a true mouth breather? Is there any reason alot of you mouth breathers are using Swift Pillows? Is it because of the leaks?

People have danced around this question but I wanted to ask it (them) directly.

Well first of all, welcome to the Land of the HoseHeads. It sounds like you are near Level 5 on your quest for HoseHead Heaven.

I've never had a problem putting on any of my 4 masks in the dark. However, I've struggled with mouth issues for 6 years. At the present time I tape my mouth closed. But as soon as you do that, the 'BlowFish' will appear
unless you can 'blow him away with gas'. I find it's more pleasant to use the tape than fight the gruesome Full-Face mask. I think the answer is to train your tongue to stay in place when you are asleep. I am making some progress toward this end.

Right now my nose is a bit sore from the nasal pillows, so I'll probably try the 'simple seal' tonight. Last resort the UMFF.

BTW - If you want a UMFF, I'll probably auction mine next week on Yahoo Auction..

Since I answered your other post I will very concisely describe what I use to include in your poll

I mainly use Swift Pros, light, I can see, feels good, no claustrophobia
Cons need to tape mouth and tie jaw shut (of chin strap) and tough to sleep on side since if it hits the pillow it shifts and leaks some

Secondary mask I have UMFF Pros, can breath with both mouth and nose, pretty decent seal, handles side sleeping better
Cons, can't see well, tv or whatever, tends to leave a mark on my nose bridge up high. Cant scratch itches on my nose When it leaks it squeels or "farts" Disturbing to my husband. Occasional squeel from vent at top but can usually make that go away by pushing it around (must be a vibration. Most leaks occur if I swallor or shift my jaw while opening or closing my mouth. I have two sizes M and S and the smaller is better (both are standard depth) Was going to be my primary (liked it fine) until I realized I could indeed use a nasal.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): swift, seal

I'm sort of in the same boat, only in reverse. I've been on the Remstar Pro for one week, but with the ComfortFull full-face mask. The first two nights were miserable -- about three hours sleep each night -- mostly because of constant leakage around the mask. The best night I've had so far was last night, but I still woke up several times, including once after I tore my mask off in my sleep.

I've been reading all of the comments regarding the Swift and am thinking seriously about buying one. A friend of mine has a Respironics Comfort Curve and is pretty pleased with it overall. Has anyone tried both the Swift and the ComfortCurve?

The full-face mask just isn't working for me and I'm thinking that I might better tolerate a completely different style. Of course I'd probably buy a chin strap of some kind, at least until I get accustomed to using the nose gadget.

OCO

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, swift, Comfort Curve

This sounds a bit like me. I used a nasal mask, Fischer Paykel and because of nasal irritation on the bridge I switched to a Mirage Swift with pillows. Well, after a titration study I find my AHI has gone up and my snoring index as well confirming I am a serious mouth breather. The Swift is more comfortable but clearly the results are not good. My AHI average is now 12.9 and snoring index a whopping 75.5 up from 9.2 and 54.6 respectively.

So, now I am trying the chin strap which I honestly believe is a waste of time. The negative comments re: a FF mask are discouraging and now I have no idea of how to proceed.

Tonight I go back to the nasal bridge torture mask and will suffer the discomfort knowing at least I am getting some benefit. Some of us are sufficiently different as these posts indicate and I am also convinced so called docs and dme's for the most part will not solve our problems, at least based on my experience.

So, the same question....WHAT TO DO???

Rastaman:

My titration was with a nasal mask which I found very uncomfortable. Also it left red marks on the bridge of my nose which took three days and otc cortisone to clear up. When I went to the dme to pick up my equipment he listened to the problems I had with the nasal mask and suggested I take the Swift nasal pillows. I did and have been very happy with them.

From my limited experience and knowledge, I suggest you stick with the Swift and try mouth taping. I updated my mouth taping procedure and posted it at viewtopic.php?p=82672#82672.

Whatever you try good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

rooster

Just to follow up on my earlier post here:

I wrote that post on Friday (yesterday) morning, one week to the day since I first started using the gadgetry. I was really frustrated at that point, convinced that I'd never be able to adapt to it and concerned that I might have to spend more cash to try and find a mask that might work. I was just about ready to toss the whole thing and take my chances with the apnea.

Last night I put on my stuff as usual and it fit properly as it always does when I first put it on. However, despite briefly waking up three or four times during the night (normal for me) I didn't really wake up until about 5:00 this morning, feeling well rested and refreshed.

I guess what I'm getting at is that those on this board who say to stick with it really have it right. Tonight may be another story altogether, but if I can get even an occasional good night's sleep, I'll be quite pleased.

Don

Dang. I'm starting to get the idea I should just stick with my Swift Mirage Pillows. LOL! There just seems to be a pitfall hiding behind every mask. Ultimately, I'd like to TRY a FF Mask but it sounds like most of you that have them also have a nasal mask as well.

I'm going to look up the taping. I had some surgery last year and put something to help hold the would together and used butterfly tape. But that's NOT the same thing as the tape you guys are describing. I remember having trouble with SOME tape but I can't remember what it was. And why not try something different with the mask I have now. It's tiny. That HAS to be good.

I've only really had ONE night where my mouth was coming open with the chin strap. I'm getting better and better about putting the chin strap on too. By myself I even LIKE breathing through my nose because it's a new experience just like using the CPAP machine.

I don't want to fight TWO battles right now and it sounds like I might need to fight on regarding APAP vs CPAP. I'm convinced I have different settings because I wake up different times in the night freaked out, when I used to sleep all the way through the night BEFORE CPAP. I think the pressure is too high at certain times in the night.

If you check closely, you will find that some of us on here have only a full face mask and do quite nicely with it. I can't see trying to tape or anything else. My UMFF has worked very nice since day one.

rastaman:

just like handgunner, i'm a serious mouth breather who can't handle the idea of tape and chin strap. for me, if i'm going to do all that stuff, i might as well go full-face. i also use UMFF but would like to try comfortfull 2 since my UMFF doesn't hold a chin seal all that well, but i haven't seen anyone else complain about that.

as for swift. it is an attractive option, and i am going to try to train myself to keep my mouth shut (some people can do this) once i get prescription nose stuff on tuesday. i am one side sleeper who has no problem side sleeping with swift because i have trained myself to sleep on one side all night--the side without the hose. but swift also can make your nose really sore, so i need vaseline.

for many people, there are pluses and minuses for every mask, but there are dedicated swift users and dedicated full-face mask users. in full-face masks, there are people who swear by one over another, and people who alternate nights between two full-face masks.

but yes, mask stuff is frequently a process of trial and error.

caroline