Nano replacement experience

I've been on CPAP for a month and just switched from the Swift nasal pillow for her to the Swift Nano. The nano (2night's experience) is going to work much better for me and leak went from 20's-30's to 7. The Nano seems much more fragile than the pillows, but the DME said the insurance replacement cycle is 3 months as opposed to a monthly cycle for pillows. I'd like to know other's experience as to the durability of the Nano. I'm wondering if I should go ahead and buy a replacement mask in order to have a standby replacement. That would also allow me to switch back and forth - will that extend the life?

I always have a replacement, just in case. Most DMEs let you order 3 months of supplies at a time. Medicare (which I don't have but kinda sets the standard) pay for nasal pillows OR cushion replacement 2x/month.

Ask your DME for a copy of their replacement schedule. Never, ever believe what they tell you, always get it in writing. The saying I hear is "If it's midnight and your DME tells you it's dark outside, check for yourself." Sad, but true.

I like the Nano, too. Glad it's working for you. A tip I got here that works for me: To extend the life of silicone, I simmer (yep, on the stove) my pillows or cushions with baking soda every now and again. Perks 'em right up!

LTen wrote:I've been on CPAP for a month and just switched from the Swift nasal pillow for her to the Swift Nano. The nano (2night's experience) is going to work much better for me and leak went from 20's-30's to 7. The Nano seems much more fragile than the pillows, but the DME said the insurance replacement cycle is 3 months as opposed to a monthly cycle for pillows. I'd like to know other's experience as to the durability of the Nano. I'm wondering if I should go ahead and buy a replacement mask in order to have a standby replacement. That would also allow me to switch back and forth - will that extend the life?

Would be interested to see how you go. I haven't really found that the Nano is any more fragile than the pillows. It's been around for quite a few months now and I don't think I've had to replace any so far. It's a great little mask, I hope you go well!

I've been using the Nano for around two months and think it's a really great mask. Very comfortable and few leaks. It's holding up just fine. I use unscented baby wipes every nite and wash with baby shampoo once a week. It still looks and feels like new. I expect to get many months out of this pillow but I do have an extra just in case. I doubt that I'll have to replace the headgear any time soon.

Good to know that the Nano might be more durable than it looks. Thanks everyone.

3rd night with the Nano and my hubby woke me bc the mask was making a loud noise. I had hoped that would stop, but hopefully I will learn to situate it and tighten/loosen to reduce leaks. I had a very red imprint on the bridge of my nose last 2 nights. I really don't see how the mask can be putting pressure bc it is so pliable. Anyone have that experience and what is the remedy or work-around?

This board is so very valuable! I'm impressed.

I don't understand why you would have a red mark on the bridge of your nose either. Even over tightening it, I don't see how that can happen. Are you sure you have the right size?? I can't be much help b/c I don't see how this is happening. The pillow is so soft and "mushy" I don't know where it can be pressing.

That's exactly what I thought - what is there to make a mark?? The DME gal just guessed on size and gave me the smaller one. She also said that if I bought a standby mask, I'd have to pay full price for mask and headgear, ie, $90. I already knew that wasn't true, but I don't want to order an extra until I figure out the nose thing and the leak.

Because I was having a horrible problem with sealing the Nano, I purchased another cushion (different size) exactly 1 month from the date I bought the entire mask.

I could have gotten 2 cushions, but since I am not sure that even changing the size of the cushion will result in me being able to make the Nano seal correctly, I purchased only 1. I used my 2nd cushion purchase to purchase another Activa LT cushion.

The 3 month cycle is for the entire Nano mask.

You CAN get just the cushions at the rate of two (2) cushions per month.
You can even get a 3 months' supply of cushions (6 cushions) at the same time - but I usually avoid that only because I may decide to change masks before I can use them all up.

UNLESS, your insurance plan says differently.

Too bad Re$Med only sells the Nano in single size packaging. I like Philips-Respironics much better!
The Petite size in the Wisp made a red mark on top of my nose.
It also rubbed the sides of my nostrils until quite sensitive. So I wear the S/M--the right size for me.
I bought my first Wisp from cpap.com, which leaves the other size cushions in the fit pack.
Surprisingly, my Apria rep replaced the "off" sizes for my size cushions in the Wisp I bought from them a month ago--and it didn't count against replacement cushions the following month--Awesome!