Wondering if Swift FX For Her was the right choice

I've only used my new mask twice now, but I feel like I'm fiddling around with it a lot in the night. I mean, it's very comfortable and once I'm asleep I sleep well. As soon as I change positions, however, I get a leak and it sometimes doesn't resolve right away so I shift it up, down, to the left, trying to figure out how to get it to seal again. Tonight I will tighten the straps a little and see if that helps. I was really indecisive about whether to get the FX or the LT. The FX is smaller and lighter, of course, which I like, but since I like to put the hose above my head I wonder if the lack of sturdiness of the mask is a problem as the hose tugs at the mask unless I get it placed just right. So I wonder if I should take it back and get the LT instead.

Anyway, like I said, I'll try to adjust the straps tonight and see what happens.

I'm surprised there is no product challenge yet between the LT and FX.

Hi,
I'm a week-old newbie. Got my Swift FX for her on Friday along with my CPAP (Resmed 9 Elite). I run the hose (in a velour cover) up over the headboard and then down between the nightstand and the edge of the bed. Which means as far as the FX goes, the hose connection is always pointing downward or to the side (I'm a side-sleeper). My initial impression on reading your post is the Swift FX with the hose pointing up might be too much leverage on those little pillows. I've actually been loosening my headgear over the past week and found if I have the right size pillows, I don't get leaks. What mildly bothers me is the exhaust air rattling against the sheets. I believe there are headgear models which are clearly intended to point the hose up (Sorry, too new to know all the different models). Might want to try that route.

BTW, after using pillows for a couple of nights my nares (nostril openings) starting feeling 'weird'. I can attest that Lansinoh (100% purified lanolin for breast-feeding moms) is a miracle problem-solver. Cost all of $13 at Rite-Aid and made the last half of my week a happy thing.

I love the FX, but after several weeks of trying to get it to stabilize all night, I switched to the LT. For me, the LT is great--I don't have to tweak or twiddle it at all once I put it on. I still wish I could use the FX all the time because the headgear is so small and light, but the LT is a good second on lightness AND it never moves around on me--so that makes it worth it. I also discovered that I really liked having the hose be fastened on top of my head, especially once I routed the hose over the head of the bed. Now I can toss and turn at will and nothing pulls or dislodges the mask. The FX just didn't work as well for me.

However, I've found that the FX is great for naps because it doesn't mess up the hair as much.

Others have that the FX seals better than anything else. It is all so personal. The bottom line is: what works best for YOU? Keep trying masks until you find the one that works reliably and comfortably for YOU every night. I went through ten masks to find the LT!

Weezy

I have had the same struggles with the Swift FX. I really want it to work, but have not even been able to sleep in it yet. I currently use the LT and may just stick with that. I had originally bought the FX in the regular size, but the top didn't have a small enough notch, so I got rid of that one and bought the FX for Her. Now I can adjust the top correctly, but I still get leaks. The LT is very stable, as Docweezy noted. I think I need to be satisfied with that.

It's no shame if it's not the right mask for you

The greatest attribute of the FX, its "barely there" quality, is also its greatest flaw--it's very hard to stabilize for that reason. Tweaks like the velcro fix and the hose hanger help, but for some people it's just not enough.

The LT is a great compromise. It's not as lightweight and unobtrusive as the FX, but it's still much MORE lightweight and unobtrusive than most of the other masks. And it's rock-solid stable. So if you are comfortable in the FX except for the stability issue, you should definitely give the LT a try.

As it turns out, last night was a lot better. I'm wondering if the hose will be less of an issue when my new machine arrives, as it comes with a performance hose. I've read they are lighter than the "regular" variety.

I found the LT very comfortable, too. I am just afraid I may regret switching when summer comes around. The FX will be nice for the minimal contact. So, will keep trying. I have 30 days to exchange it.