Need mask advice - Airfit P10 v. Swift FX

I'm new (relatively) to CPAP - started almost three months ago. I started out using the Wisp nasal mask and didn't have any major problems with it - fell asleep without much difficulty and had no leakage problems. I checked Sleepyhead readings regularly and my AHI was always less than 2.5, so from that perspective things looked very good. Didn't have much trouble training myself not to mouth breathe, so lucky that way, too. I found, though, that I couldn't make it through more than 5 to 5 1/2 hours of sleep with it on - bothered by having something sitting on my face, and I'd pull it off. I thought it might help to go even more "minimalist" and reading posts here it seemed that many people have been happy with the Airfit P10, so I purchased one out of pocket (my insurance covers a new mask every three months). Again, I had no significant problems - good AHI and no leakage - but had the same experience with it - just feeling discomfort having that pressure under my nose and the feeling of something resting above my upper lip, and ending up waking up after 5 hours and taking it off. Since I'm due for a new mask I'm not sure whether I should try something new. I think it's the feeling of pressure above my upper lip that particularly bothers me. I was considering trying the Swift FX for Her Nasal Pillow mask because it is also a light weight mask, but the design of the pillow attachment is different than the Airfit P10. For those of you who have tried both, did you find that there was much difference in the size of the attachment, or the amount of pressure in the upper lip area? Advice would be appreciated.

For me, the Swift FX had more pressure on my upper lip than the AirFit P10. I think that the angle is just a little different. The FX is also noisier, and just a bit heavier and has a little bit more impact on my head *smile*. I can sleep fine with either one, though, so these things are pretty individual.

I've found mask preference is a very individual thing. I think the P10 is wonderful, but I know someone who started out with the Swift FX & then tried the P10 only to find out it didn't work as well for her as the FX had. Each of our faces is different, therefore masks fit each of us differently.

You might want to try the FX & if that doesn't make the difference you need, try another approach. Try putting tape (just a small amount) over where the mask touches your face. If you feel yourself trying to remove the mask, tell yourself 'no' & try to go on back to sleep. The tape should be enough of a 'trigger' to remind you to leave it on. This will take some effort, but if you keep at it your face will become accustomed to having that alien thing there & you should be able to sleep with the 'alien' peacefully all night.

Good luck.
Jen

Thanks, Jen and Roger. I figured that the Swift FX would probably be heavier, since it is the previous generation to the Airfit P10. It may not solve my particular problem. Maybe I'll try the tape suggestion, and see if it works.

Or you might like the Tap Pap which really doesn't sit on your face at all, just has the individual nasal pillows that insert into your nostrils. All is held firmly in place by the mouth piece. I used to use the Fx for her but now only use the P10 for her alternating with the Tap Pap. I recently am back to using the Tap Pap as I'm having problems with allergies and have a sore nose. Since the Tap Pap pillows don't really it on my face, these don't hurt at all. I find that alternating between a couple of different masks seems to work well for me. Get tired of one - back to the other! You might try it out at CPAP.com with the return insurance so if you don't like it - you aren't out much!

I used to think the Swift FX was the "cat's pajamas",
but there was light pressure on the philtrum, creating slight pressure.
The Airfit P10 does not touch my upper lip at all, but the mask tends to slide up a little bit,
and the cheek strap gets a bit close to my eyes.
Otherwise, they are about equal, the p10 having a slight edge because the pillows last longer
and assembly is a breeze compared to the Fx (what maniac designed that thing?).

Thanks for the additional suggestions. I actually never really thought about it, but I have a pretty short philtrum - maybe that's why I feel the pressure a bit more from the Airfit P10 than some other people would. Theoretically, at least, the Tap Pap might work better for me for that reason. Problem there is that I tried running the hose over my head with the Wisp, and wasn't really comfortable with it. As you have all been suggesting, this really is an individual thing. I think I'll have to reconcile myself to the idea that I'll have to try a bunch of masks before I find the one - or two - that work best for me.

I've used both and though they are different designs I found really couldn't tell much difference in comfort or sleep quality. I use the P10 more often only because the the venting is quieter. A hose buddy really a big difference in hose management/entanglement for both masks YMMV