Swift LT for her VS Bravo nasal pillows

I just spent my first night with my new CPAP. I have the Resmed Escape II w/ heated humidifier, a pressure of 7, and the http://www.resmed.com/en-us/products/ma ... LT for Her mask.

Although the Swift LT for Her was infinitely more comfortable than the face-chafing mask I used at the sleep lab, it is not completely comfortable. The nasal cushion presses up against the bottom of my nose and my upper lip. Although it isn't painful per se, it gives me the sensation of smothering that I had to try hard to suppress. As a result I only slept for about 2 hours last night. I wore the mask for about 6 hours, but I could only sleep for part of that time.

Searching the internet, I found the http://www.cpapsupplyusa.com/RespCare-B ... illow mask. It appeals to me because it leaves more space between the frame and the bottom of the nose.

So here is my questions for your seasoned CPAP users:

1. Has anyone tried both the Bravo and the LT for her?

2. Am I just having first night adjustment issues and will probably adapt to the Swift LT for Her?

3. Or should I order the Bravo right away, the sooner to get started?

I should add that the Swift LT was paid for by my insurance company, but I would have to pay for the Bravo myself. The DME rep who came to my house implied that they didn't allow exchanges, but added that "we want to make sure you're happy." I don't know if my DME even carries the Bravo, but I will ask when the rep calls next week.

Thanks in advance.

I don't use the "for her" but I think that just means it comes with XS pillow size, but the mask itself might be a little smaller...

Anyway, I haven't used Bravo, but I have found a common mistake with Swift LT users is clamping it on too tight. It's actually designed to work with a little less tension on it. And once again, I find Lanolin will help eliminate any tenderness from "rubbing" and helps achieve a seal with less tension.

I will say that I found with the Hybrid that not all nasal pillows are created equal. I couldn't get mine to seal with any size pillow, but I do find the dual wall of the Swift LT makes for an easy seal for me.

Let us know what you find out if you try the Bravo...

Oh, excellent advice! I tried it with a bit of give -- so that the "pillows" weren't compressed -- and it was much more tolerable. Still curious about the Bravo, but I now feel more optimistic about making the LT for Her work.
Thanks so much.

I use the Swift LT for Her, and found that it is all in the adjustment. If it is not too tight, that is a good start. Second, I found that if I keep the hose that runs up the face and clamps on the top "looser", i.e. with a bit of a curve in front of my face it makes a huge difference in how it fits on my face and nose.

To get the pillows to seat just right is important too. Off a bit and I don't feel like I'm getting enough air. It was taking me 5 - 10 minutes to fiddle with them to get them right, then I started using a tip from one of the members here. When first putting them on, with the machine on, BRIEFLY block the exhaust port with your finger while pulling the mask down from the nose a bit. The pressure puffs the pillows open, let them relax against the nose and UNBLOCK the port....they are seated just right for me then.

Oh, and I'm not sure where you are, but to my knowledge, under most US insurance, you have 30 days to try different masks to find one that is right for you, and you should not have to pay for them.

Just as an aside, if you're having a devil of a time with your Swift LT pillows some night, make sure that inner wall hasn't gotten pushed down the wrong way. Wow, that was a pain last night. And I didn't snap to what was going on until I got up this morning and thought to took a look at it. I thought maybe I had hit a wall in usage for a nasal pillow (about 4 weeks), but that wasn't it at all. I remember seeing that in the documentation, but just assumed that it would be right unless I purposefully shoved those down. But it seems that running water into can force it down as well.

Thanks to everyone who responded. It's amazing how helpful it is to find other people who have had similar experiences.
I've had some success with loosening the straps, but it is still taking me several minutes of fiddling to feel that I've got the pillows to fit comfortably. I'm going to try your trick tonight, debjax.

Thanks again.