New Swift FX Bella Mask.....

Pillowtoss wrote: Does this come as just the ear pieces to save money?

Thanks everyone.

If you go back through this thread, there is information on how you can get it (just the ear loops, ear loops and headgear, complete setup). I believe there are also links to places you can get it. Of course, our host site, cpap.com, does carry it, too.

I guess folks are willing to make adjustments to a new appliance for two reasons - 1) They've already spent a tidy sum of money and hate to waste it and 2) they want it to work because it's the "latest and greatest." I didn't like the FX in its first form and it didn't like me; I guess because I am too active a sleeper for it to endure. There are 16 pages of posts on this new addition and even though I didn't read them all, I don't remember too many that said "I put it on and it's wonderful." Guess I'm just not into having to modify something to make it work. If modifications are required then is it the mask for you?? Just asking....

jimnsc wrote: If modifications are required then is it the mask for you?? Just asking....

It's a very rare mask that will fit everyone without some sort of change wanted to make it better.
We tend to always want to see if we can make a good thing a little better. If I didn't sleep on the buckwheat pillow (which has a firm surface) and on my side with cheek laying on the pillow I wouldn't have any strap marks that I want to stop from happening. I would rather add a little extra strap covering than try to find a new pillow.

I will say this...my step sister had never used any type of mask except the over the nose kind and didn't even know nasal pillows existed and though it was normal to have a decimated nose all the time from the nasal mask. She was excited to use the Bella Loops though I was a bit leery of her going from never having even used a nasal pillow mask straight to the Bella Loops but she wanted to try it.
She absolutely loves the Loops and hasn't needed or wanted to change a thing.

The Bella Loop mask system is going to be just like any other mask...it will come with the standard YMMV sticker. Some people will love it just the way it is, some like it but want to make things a little better and some people will hate it. Pretty much the same thing gets said about every mask out there.

I agree, Pusgy.

Also, the fact that this post is 16 pages long, in my opinion, is a good thing. I means there are not 18 different posts on this new mask. It's nice that all of the information (or at least most of it so far), is all in one place. If I remember reading something about the Bella, I know where to come to find it.

I also don't know of many people at all that have EVER said "I put it on and it was wonderful" in regards to a cpap mask. If you are one of those people, consider yourself truly blessed!

Pillowtoss wrote:I just came across the Bella on another site . I couldn't believe it this thing barely looks like a mask. I had to stop in to see what you all thought of this mask.
Has anyone had any problems with this and hurting the top crease of the ears? I'm thinking of trying it. I currently us the swift fx for her. Does this come as just the ear pieces to save money?

Thanks everyone.

I have attached ear lobes will this cut or cause soreness in that area. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? If so what have you experienced or done to help the problem?
I love the Swift fx for her and wondered if the Bella is a step in the right direction for an upgrade? I'd hate to buy the Bella and have it cutting at my ear lobe all the time.

Thanks all

I have been using the Bella for a couple weeks. Overall i like the ease of use. Quick on and off. I do feel like when i sleep on my side i do have to make adjustments. However, with the standard headgear i am constantly pulling the bottom strap down. Not a perfect solution but a nice option.

Original Swift FX--like sleeping naked.
Still not fantastic, but maybe as close as I can get--still looking, though.

jimnsc wrote:I guess folks are willing to make adjustments to a new appliance for two reasons - 1) They've already spent a tidy sum of money and hate to waste it and 2) they want it to work because it's the "latest and greatest." I didn't like the FX in its first form and it didn't like me; I guess because I am too active a sleeper for it to endure. There are 16 pages of posts on this new addition and even though I didn't read them all, I don't remember too many that said "I put it on and it's wonderful." Guess I'm just not into having to modify something to make it work. If modifications are required then is it the mask for you?? Just asking....

From reading posts and threads on many different masks, I was under the impression that everyone exchanged hints and ideas for improvement for each type of mask, in the past for such things as technique in putting a mask on, liners, etc.

I don't think there is anything new about exchanging tips and ideas. In fact there is a good chance that most mask improvements come from ideas about modifications thought up by users, focus groups, etc.

I don't remember reading too many posts about other masks that just said: "I put it on and it's wonderful."

You asked: "If modifications are required then is it the mask for you??" I would for one have to answer Yes for any mask I would try.

Regards, Nate

Nate

http://www.resmed.com/us/assets/documen ... er_eng.pdf

Above is the link for an in depth user guide for this mask.

This link shows the individual parts. http://www.resmed.com/us/products/swift ... s&sec=true

I can't seem to find the link for the images showing "attached" vs "detached" ear lobes.
Seems like it was discussed back on one of the other pages in this thread. While I don't think the silicone will physically cut into the tissues where the ear lobe attaches to the skin on the head, I am sure that it could sort of pinch that area a bit and someone might find that it creates too much "pinching" to be able to sleep comfortably. This is probably why ResMed says this mask may not be suitable for those people with "attached" earlobes. Comfort may also be dependent on just how much tension is along the "attached" area in general.

PillowToss, I posted at the beginning of the month, asking for input on the attached earlobe thing. Tetragon replied; she's got semi-attached lobes and feels that the problems she's experienced with fit are unrelated to attached/unattached/semi-attached ear lobes.

I've ordered a set of loops and will let you know if they work for me when I receive them.

welki

Pugsy wrote:I eliminated the marks on my cheeks (laying with cheek on the pillow) by adding a small extra fleece "sleeve" over the 2 pink sleeves. Covers both with one sleeve. Easy to make. Quite comfy and no marks on my face. I used a couple of scraps of fleece from a homemade hose cozy.

Pugsy, are you covering the straps the whole way up until near your ear, or just the section over the pink straps? I have to do something about these marks... Otherwise I really like this!!! Something about the angle, which doesn't appear different, is enough to put less pressure on my nostril. Also, I have 3 earring holes in one lobe, and I leave studs in the top holes (not the primary, lowest hole) and it does not interfere with the Bella.

SleepingUgly wrote:Pugsy, are you covering the straps the whole way up until near your ear, or just the section over the pink straps?

Pretty much covers the area from the barrel cozy up to a little past the pink covers up to my ears.
The fleece sleeve is very loose. My suggestion is make a cheap mock up with some extra length and then trim it down till it suits you then make a nice one from good soft fleece.

I just purchased the ear loops, only, on cpap.com: with shipping they cost 24.95 with 7.00 shipping. A total of 31.95. You have to already have the swift fx for her to swap the head gears.
I didn't like the swift fx for her with the conventional head strap at all!. The ear loops are much better, I found.

I slept for the first time last night with the ear loops, placing the pink sleeves to rest on my cheeks, the narrow silicone loop behind my ears, pulling the loops snug, but not tight, as the instructions said. It was secure. The tube has to be directed downward (not up over the head, like I prefer to do) in order to direct the nozzle part to flow upward in your nose--as also detailed on the instructions. I'm an intermittent stomach sleeper and and that downward directed tube made it difficult.

On my machine info: no large leaks were reported, but my AHI was up from 3.4 to 3.9 (I'm supposed to have it below 6 per my sleep MD). I will be watching this before I make judgement on the ear loop headgear, as it's been only 1 night's use, thus far. I didn't have any marks, though.

The ear loops are so minimal that I mean to give them a good try.
I am always looking for the ideal mask!

I will sleep several nights with the Bella just fine, and then one night they'll leak repeatedly and require a different adjustment. They can't be stretching out already, can they?! I wonder why this is happening...

I have been using the Bella for about 3 weeks now and find that it will be great for about 3 nights, then my ears will hurt so I will change to either the regular head gear or change masks completely to use my Swift FX for her Nasal mask. I'm still a newbie cpap'er and haven't downloaded sleepyhead so I don't have my stats yet, but I go to the sleep doc on Wednesday so I will find out about leaks and more then. I can say that I like the flexibility of going between the loops, regular headgear and the other masks though.