airfit p10 vs swift fx

I've been using the Airfit P10 since I started CPAP 6 months ago. I tried a couple other masks just for comparison, but I didn't like them and returned them.

Though the mask is fine still even after 6 months, I'll probably order another one to have as backup. Since it's been working fine for me I'll probably just order the same thing. But I keep looking at the Swift FX as well, as the straps are more adjustable. Any strong reason to consider the Swift FX or should I stick with what I know works?

I have used the Airfit P10 for months and while it is quiet and has no leaks, my nose is continually bruised because I have a larger than average head, I guess. SO, went back to Swift FX. The only disadvantage of this mask, IMHO is that air is released at a greater rate. This can be annoying to a bed partner (my cat hates it because it blows on her), but also noisy if it is blowing against sheets. Still, it gives nice white noise and let's me sleep better without disturbances on the floor above me. When I bought mine, it came with those soft pads so that I didn't have to deal with the plastic on my face. There is a tendency for it to want to slide up the back of my head at night, but I had the same problem with the Airfit.

SewTired wrote:I have used the Airfit P10 .... SO, went back to Swift FX. The only disadvantage of this mask, IMHO is that air is released at a greater rate.

actually, the p10 and the swift fx vent *exactly the same* amount. (check the charts in the back of the manuals)

the fx doesn't have a diffuser so all the air's coming out in one stream, whereas with the p10, it's going in a wide pattern to the front and sides.

Only you can decide what works best for you. I needed to make the same decision and chose the swift fx at first solely because I liked the adjustable headgear and was nervous that the airfit didn't have the same range of adjustment. I used the swift for almost a month and found that I had a lot of leak problems that seemed to be caused by the flexibility of the piece that the nose pillows come out of. I returned the swift and got the airfit p10 which has a rigid piece under the pillows and this has worked much better for me. I subsequently bought some extra headbands for the airfit for a good price on ebay.

Our sponsor, cpap.com, offers free or low cost return insurance on some of the most popular masks which is an excellent way to see how well a particular mask works for you.

palerider wrote: the fx doesn't have a diffuser so all the air's coming out in one stream, whereas with the p10, it's going in a wide pattern to the front and sides.

Thanks Palerider. The explanation about how they were different escaped me. The problem with the diffuser is that the tiny holes seem to reduce air flow after using for some months, even if you are cleaning it. Another poster suggested using a Water Pik, but I just don't have a place for yet another contraption. Thus, you should be aware that you probably have to replace your P10 more often than a mask without a diffuser unless you can figure out a better way to keep those tiny holes from accumulating whatever it is that it accumulates.

The sizes of the pillows aren't the same between the two masks, from what I remember. The Swift FX size medium pillow seems to be just right for me and I have almost no leakage even with tossing and turning. The headgear works well with my long hair. I don't like the air vent. If I have my arms out because I've gotten warm, the air blows right down on them and gets uncomfortable quickly. I put up with this because of the rest of it works so well for me.

Chilehead wrote:I've been using the Airfit P10 since I started CPAP 6 months ago. I tried a couple other masks just for comparison, but I didn't like them and returned them.

Though the mask is fine still even after 6 months, I'll probably order another one to have as backup. Since it's been working fine for me I'll probably just order the same thing. But I keep looking at the Swift FX as well, as the straps are more adjustable. Any strong reason to consider the Swift FX or should I stick with what I know works?

hi, chilehead. i started out on cpap last year and i used the swift fx from the start. and i really wanted it to work. but eventually, i came to realize it wasn't working. i had thought this meant the end for me on nasal pillows. so i tried a nasal mask and even a full mask.

then back in january, on a whim. i bought the airfit p10. it had free return insurance which appealed to me. well, i'm happy to say i really like it! it just feels more comfortable on me.

i think it may be as someone posted above. the pillows seem to be sized better for me. i also like the softer pillows. and overall i felt the p10 was just lighter.

your mileage may vary of course...

Tried the Swift FX first and just didn't like the air venting and increase in sound even with my sound machine going, much prefer the P10. My DME had loaner masks when I first got my cpap, in Dec, not sure if they let you keep trying as time goes on, but you might check with yours.

SewTired wrote:

palerider wrote: the fx doesn't have a diffuser so all the air's coming out in one stream, whereas with the p10, it's going in a wide pattern to the front and sides.

Thanks Palerider. The explanation about how they were different escaped me. The problem with the diffuser is that the tiny holes seem to reduce air flow after using for some months, even if you are cleaning it. Another poster suggested using a Water Pik, but I just don't have a place for yet another contraption. Thus, you should be aware that you probably have to replace your P10 more often than a mask without a diffuser unless you can figure out a better way to keep those tiny holes from accumulating whatever it is that it accumulates.

Could you use canned air like used on computers ?

ger365 wrote:

SewTired wrote:

palerider wrote: the fx doesn't have a diffuser so all the air's coming out in one stream, whereas with the p10, it's going in a wide pattern to the front and sides.

Thanks Palerider. The explanation about how they were different escaped me. The problem with the diffuser is that the tiny holes seem to reduce air flow after using for some months, even if you are cleaning it. Another poster suggested using a Water Pik, but I just don't have a place for yet another contraption. Thus, you should be aware that you probably have to replace your P10 more often than a mask without a diffuser unless you can figure out a better way to keep those tiny holes from accumulating whatever it is that it accumulates.

Could you use canned air like used on computers ?

or... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MylY6a6KXMY&t=2m25s

I have been using a CPAP for 23 years. I just was provided with an Airsense 10 APAP by the VA. They gaveme a Swift FX mask. I have been using the Airflt P-10 for 7 years very successfully. I tried the FX for a week and it definately is not as comfortable and trouble free as the FX. I am asking for the VA to switch resupply to the P-10.

I switch back and forth between the P10 and the Swift FX. There are things that I like and things that I dislike about both masks. Which I use is based on whether my P10's headgear has recently been washed once it is too stretched out and what the ambient air temperature is---I have a fleece frame cover for the Swift FX's silicone headgear and that makes things feel "warmer", which is welcome in the winter and less welcome in the summer.

I personally prefer the pillows in the Swift FX: They are softer and squishier. They also don't sit in a rigid hard plastic/silicone platform the way the P10 pillows do. I also find that for my nose it is easier for me to get the cones of the Swift FX in the proper orientation and at the proper depth than it is for me when I'm dealing with the P10's cones.

But the mesh vents for the P10 are superior (in terms of comfort) to the jet engine exhaust vents of the Swift FX that are angled so that they blow directly on the user's chest or arms. The flip side, however, is that if those P10 vents get clogged with moisture, it can create a sensation that the mask is not venting as well as it should when you use very low pressures like I do. (Min EPAP = 4, Max IPAP = 9 with a PS = 4.)

As for the short hoses: I like the fact that the Swift FX has two swivel points---one at the mask end and one at the coupler to the main hose. The P10 only swivels at the coupler between the short hose and the main hose. But the P10's hose is much lighter than the Swift FX's, and in that respect I prefer the P10 hose.