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I'm currently using the OptiLife and am looking for a mask that would be more gentle to the inside on my nostrils ... I have a lump inside of one nostril that hurts from the pressure of the pillow (Petite size). The OptiLife cushion doesn't seal against my "petite" sized nose very well (Small size). Yes, I've tried using both the Ayr gel and the Lansinoh.

I need to reduce my leak rate!

The Swift LT For Her sounds interesting because of what I understand is a "dual chamber" pillow ... where the pressure against the inside of the nostril is lighter?

1) Is the pillow pressure on the inside of the nostril really "lighter"?

2) Is there an annoying "whistle" that I have read about on previous posts?

Thank you so much for your opinions.

Jan

Hi,

Anyone help me on this question?

Thanks,

Jan

Hi Jan,

I'm pretty new and have never had any other mask than the Swift LT for Her. I really like it. I don't notice the pressure on the inside being lighter, so if it is, it's not noticeably so. It is very comfortable resting inside the nostril, though, and my leak rate is stellar right from the get-go. I do have a bit of a whistling sound sometimes in mine. Usually it's when I first put it on, and some messing around with it can sometimes make it better. When I switched to the small nasal pillows from the medium, it reduced. It also seems higher when I am using the ramp feature than when it gets to a higher pressure, so it seems like maybe that happens when it's at a low pressure and you have to breathe stronger to exhale. I wouldn't NOT buy the mask because of it. It's a minor issue and seems to be resolvable. At least for me. I have many, many problems with CPAP, but this mask is NOT one of them!!

Good luck!
Lisa...

I use the Swift LT, basically the same as the LT for her. I have a petite face and nose and use the small pillows. I do find the LT pillows to be softer and more comfortable than the HeadRest Nasal Pillows I used to use. I've never used the OptiLife, so don't know how it compares to that. I do have occasional problems with a whistle in the pillows. It is not loud, but I have a hard time falling asleep with any noise. Sometimes I can make it stop by exhaling strongly. Other times I have to adjust the pillows a little. I use either AyrGel or Lansinoh to get a good seal.

Janna

I need to reduce my leak rate!

The Swift LT For Her sounds interesting because of what I understand is a "dual chamber" pillow ... where the pressure against the inside of the nostril is lighter?

I find the Swift Nasal very comfortable..........since you are concerned about the fit due to a bump in your nose. Is there anyway you can call DME's in your area to see if you would have the option to try the Swift on with air pressure to check the fit at your nasal opening......I may be giving DME's more credit than deserved here, but if you happen upon one that is helpful then you may have and idea of fit w/ pressure to see if the pillow works with the bump.

Good Luck.

elg5cats

I found the Optilife did not fit well and leaked like crazy. I had much better success withthe Swift LT. I don't have a problem with whistles. Nor have I had a problem with the pillow causing any abrasive bumps or soreness either on the exterior or interior of my nares. I rests more against and slighly in to the nose rather than entering very far at all. You don't strap this mask down so tight. As far as I have read, most don't tighten the straps too tightly. I probably do a little bit more since I am a side sleeper and tend to bump the mask when turning. The For Her version comes with an XS, S and M sized pillow so you could see what works for you. I use a medium very comfortably. The Swift LT for Her is exactly the same mask as the general Swift LT. It's the colors used and the size pillows they are sold with that aer different.

I only had a little whistle once and it was easily silenced by repositioning the pillows. First started with the Small size but after a few nights with a little leak I changed to the Xtra Small and leak improved greatly. I love the Swift LT for Her.

I went home from titration study with the Optilife pillows in medium. Decent enough for the study I guess but headgear doesn't conform to my face well in the chin strap area and the pillows were too large for real effectiveness but the pillows themselves were quite comfortable. If the headgear had fit better I likely might have done well with their smaller pillows. I would love to try their cushions but I can't get the headgear to be properly secured.

If you have a natural bump in your nose that gets irritated by the nasal pillows you may want to try the Respironics Comfortlite 2, which has a simple cushion, that you sort of bury you nostrils in - nonthing enters your nose. You can see it in the second photo of this fitting guide

Thank you all for your responses.

From what i can gather, there is a difference on how the two masks fit.

Unfortunately, I'm past the point where a DME would offer another mask to try unless they were going to sell it to me ... and their prices are outrageous.

Looks like I'll be adding the Swift to my collection ... and hope that it works better than the OptiLife.

Jan