Swift LT

I've been experiencing swelling and soreness, in the inside bottom nasal borders with the Swift LT. The large pillows seem most comfortable and by deploying them as loose as possible without leaking, and using Ayrs gel I'm not waking up from nose pain anymore. I've sometimes developed infections in these swollen tissues, leading me to feel that the hair in that region needs to be carefully groomed so as not to abrade the skin via the pressure from the nasal pillows. The difficulty comes with the cold weather here in Oregon. So wet outdoors and so dry indoors with lots of yeasts and molds flying around all the time.

I am growing a beard, but my nasal pillow difficulties began a month before after I switched to the Swift LT. from the equally problematic Optilife mask.

Responses are appreciated.

Hello--I use the Swift LT but not have experienced the problem that you are having. I also have used the OPTI LIFE without a problem, But then again I am female and don't have hair on my face or up my nares. You might have the mask on too tight ----loosen the straps esp. around the back of your head. I am not sure what your pressure is but if it is up high that might be part of the problem too --I am only at a "7" --keep trying--don't give up!!!!

Carrie

I use the Swift LT and had some soreness in the inside bottom nasal borders when I first got it for about 8 weeks. I used KY jelly inside my nostril that would dry and Cover up the sensitive skin and the friction as I moved breathing. The KY Jelly would even give a better seal as it dried. At some point my skin got Callused enough I didn’t need the KY anymore. Don't try cutting the nasel pillow ends since it didn't help me and scewed up my extra medium pillow.

I also had a problem on the tip of my nose that was caused by the ResMed Logo on the pillow that would rub against my skin at the lower tip of my nose and even caused redness and even a small sore. I cured that by sanding off the Logo from the pillow.

Shilohcane wrote:Don't try cutting the nasel pillow ends since it didn't help me and scewed up my extra medium pillow.

Unless you're having problems breathing with the Swift LT, yes, don't bother cutting the nasal pillow ends. I, however, didn't seem to get enough air during the breathing process when I used the medium nasal pillows. I tried the large nasal pillows, but they didn't seem to fit right and leaked too easily. I cut my medium nasal pillow openings and it definitely allows more air through.

Allen

I have success to report. After carefully trimming the space just under my nose of moustache hair and the inside nares with a nose hair trimmer, I've achieved three nights now of irritation-free sleep. The pressure from the pillows had been grinding the hairs into the skin causing the problem. Thanks for your replies. One thing I've learned from this forum is that you've got to keep searching for answers. Though I've been a CPAP user for nine years now and feel the therapy has helped me immeasurably, this is the first I've had such trouble.

I haven't tried the nasal pillows yet but I've been experimenting w/the OptiLife cradle cushion instead of the nasal pillows. I LIKE the ease of putting the OptiLife on and taking it off. I just haven't figured out how to use a chin strap w/the OptiLife successfully and the chin support isn't sufficient and I think not meant as a chin strap but rather as a stabilizer for the mask itself.

I tried the Swift LT and liked it somewhat. I just couldn't overcome the cutting into the bottom of the nose/upper lip and the moisture accumulating there. And the "angle" I needed was BETWEEN the "cog spacing" so wouldn't hold in place. Since I do have a mask that is comfortable and leak free w/the use of a chin strap I saw no reason to try real hard w/either the OptiLife or the Swift LT figuring 2 weeks was plenty of time to "play" w/them trying to get them comfortable and leak free. If I didn't have my current comfortable nasal cushion I'm pretty sure I could make one or both of the OptiLife and/or Swift LT work for me.

Hi Slinky--I used the Opti Life before I got my Swift LT. I really liked the Opti Life but I don't have a really big chin and the chin strap would slip and slide at night as I am a side sleeper. It is only useful to stablize the mask --it is not meant for mouth breathers. I like the Swift LT too --both are pretty good masks for nasal ones. I am glad you gave them a try!!
Carrie