What happens when things go good?

I can tell you! Things were going very well with my xPAP therapy. Then the new mask that I've had for about a month BROKE! That's the Aloha, for those keeping track. Suddenly the tab won't stay in the whole, and that's because there is a tear there.

So I'm back on my Swift LT until tomorrow, when (luckily) two NEW masks arrive.

Back to the Aloha. I had tightened that way more than I realized. Mind you, it wasn't so tight that I couldn't get a finger under the strap easily. It didn't HURT, but compared to the Swift LT it was significantly tighter to get no leaks. That's odd, because I felt the other way when I first put the Aloha on.

I think the different strap configurations squeeze my head so the other mask gets loose-feeling!

Murphy's Law I guess. Good thing you have replacements on the way.

I am using the Swift FX nasal pillows which seem to be working well for me. Except for the fact that the DME did not have the full headgear and gave me the Bella ear strap thingies. I absolutely hate those! I have gotten used to the pillows on my nares, but to keep the mask on at full pressure requires a tightness that renders my ears sore. I have taken to using cotton balls with the straps, but that just complicates the fit which doesn't leave a lot of room for error. Too loose and I am waking up constantly with leaks. Too tight and I am waking up with sore nares and/or ears. One night the cotton ball popped out and that left the mask loose and I nearly hit the ceiling it woke me up so suddenly! The DME is supposed to be getting in the full headgear this week. But if that doesn't happen (I have little faith it will) I may have to order some myself. Based on your experience it does sound wise to have backups anyway, no? Do you have to get a prescription to order backup/replacement masks?

7 days and counting!

Hi NLJT,
If you're asking whether another place, such as CPAP.COM, will require a prescription to order masks and such, the answer is unfortunately yes. And yes, ALWAYS have a backup. I have a backup CPAP machine and backup masks. There's many reasons ... some people use different masks when they have a cold, for instance.

I'm a believer in backup power supplies too.

Anyway, back on the prescription, ask your doctor for a copy for yourself. Then you can fax it wherever you need.

-Kevin

NotLazyJustTired wrote: Do you have to get a prescription to order backup/replacement masks?

Full mask setup do require a RX but individual replacement parts don't.
EBay is a good source for the Swift FX replacement parts...like your missing headgear. Sometimes you can buy the parts and build your own mask for a lot less than buying the full mask setup from DME.

Thanks folks for that very good advice. If I don't hear from the DME today I will place an online order. I do like the wisdom of getting the Rx from the doc as well in case of an emergency or whatnot. Thanks Kevin.

How do the pillow size of the Aloha compare to Swift LT?

cosmo wrote:How do the pillow size of the Aloha compare to Swift LT?

I wear a large for both. With the Aloha I could ALMOST wear a medium, but it eventually finds it way inside...

Kevin, now you've really got me thinking about that Aloha in the event this Swift FX doesn't work out for me. Based on the pics I've seen online it appears to have some adjustability and overall looks like you can pretty much dial in the placement. I see now why many are using this. I need to give the FX some time, especially with appropriate headgear, but I do think I may try Aloha at some point.

NotLazyJustTired wrote:...but I do think I may try Aloha at some point.

Hi,

As a long time Swift LT user, I have had the Aloha on my wish list for a while. I just got set up with a new DME that is local to where I live, and they direct bill my insurance with no co-pays needed. Sweet deal, except they don't carry the Aloha. I am going to have to break down and pay for it myself. The Swift LT is nice, but not perfect. I keep thinking that the perfect mask is out there somewhere, but so far, none that I have tried are anywhere near as nice as the LT. Maybe the Aloha will be the one.

-john-

Anyone know if there are any photos out there comparing Swift LT/FX pillows to Aloha?