Who uses the Mirage Swift Nasal Pillow System

I have used a Swift almost exclusively since Jan 2006. I swap to the Hybrid when I have congestion.

The Swift may have saved my life because when I put it on in a sleep lab I said "I can do this!" for the first time in 2 years after diagnosis.

I am a side sleeper and a tosser/turner and have no problems with the Swift. IMO there are two rules to apply in using it:

• Bigger pillows are probably better
  Looser is better than tighter.

I am considering an Optilife or Opus just to try a change but it amounts to whimsy rather than a real need to change.

Good Luck

David

I use the swift nasal pillow system. I am a new cpap user since October '06, so I have ONLY used the swift so far. I just replaced my nasal pillows after 3 months of use.

I find that the swift makes a good seal with your nostrils. If you don't clean it regularly, then you can have problems with seal.

It is kind of noisy.

When I turn on my side I do get leaks with the nasal pillows, so I try to stay on my back as much as possible. I just try to reposition it and go back to sleep.

The straps did leave marks on my face that last for hours, so I have gone to using the "padacheek" product which eliminates the marks and makes for better sleeping.

In my experience (which as I say is limited), I would give this system a 6/10, so I am open to trying new systems. However, I am not horribly unhappy with the current system.

Kent

bethlori wrote:And what do you think of it? I'm possibly switching to it tomorrow from the Comfort Classic

Hi Beth,

I use the Swift II and just love it. I am a side sleeper and it doesn't give me any grief, I just sleep on the end of the pillow. I love that it's so light, and my face is not covered with a mask. I often forget that I've got it on and think "I'd better put my mask on". Everyone is different though, good luck in finding a mask that works well for you.

Peter

Hi...Louise here in Houston, Texas age 59! I found this forum on the cpap.com site when I ordered a chin strap.

I have been on CPAP almost 3 weeks and for the first 2 weeks, I used the Mirage FF mask. Then, one morning, I woke up with a huge ugly abscess on the back of my neck from the lower strap rubbing (and likely, me adjusting it all night for 2 weeks). After a trip to the doctor and getting an antibiotic, I stopped at SleepMed and got a Swift as a replacement. I have used it for several nights-not an experienced user by any means-but thus far, been very pleased with it.

I also am a side sleeper. I hurt my back many years ago and can't sleep or even lay on my back for more than a couple of minutes at a time. I have always slept on the edge of the pillow and also use a VERY firm pillow. I switch from side to side multiple times a night.

Once I adjust my head, I have had no problems with the Swift leaking. The only problem I have had is that the inside edge of my right nostril gets a bit sore part way through the night.

I used the chin strap they gave me (looks sort of like a sling shot) but it didn't work worth a darn. So I did some research and ordered the one that is the wide white elastic band. I used it last night for the first time and it was wonderful. I had to use the back narrow strap only (took the front one off after a while). W/O any narrow strap, it tended to move a little and the back strap made it MUCH more secure. It was wonderful to not wake up with with funny noises coming out of my mouth and the dogs looking at me like I was some alien trying to talk to them or finding the chin strap dangling from the end of my nose.

I STILL am having trouble falling asleep at night. I suspect I got to bed too early but man, it sure feels good to crawl in and relax with a book or my laptop!! I have always, for as long as I can remember, woken up multiple times to use the BR. I still do but MUCH less than I was before I started CPAP treatment. Also, when I wake up, I do not have to rush to the BR with a full bladder but am even able to "decide" whether to get up or just go back to sleep! That is wonderful after having gotten up every hour on the hour for months and months!

I am glad I found this forum!

God bless,
Louise

I have always, for as long as I can remember, woken up multiple times to use the BR.

Hi Louise,

That was one of the triggers that suggested to my GP that I may have sleep apnoea. I told him I get up sometimes 6 times a night for a bathroom break. Post cpap, once!! Very nice. I would always fall asleep within a minute of hitting the sack pre cpap but now take longer, because I'm sleeping so much better, but that's a great trade off. Good luck.


Peter