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Trouble adjusting the Swift FX for her nasal pillows
Hi all. I am new to CPAP (three weeks) and use the Swift FX for her nasal pillows. I am having a heck of a time getting the nasal pillow to fit well. Either air escapes from the side of the nasal pillow or they hurt the inside of my nostrils or move around when I change position from back to my side. I have changed sizes, readjusted the side and top straps by tightening and loosening them (also watched the video on the manufacture website). I wash my face everynight to remove any make-up or oil and do not put any face cream on that area of my face. Just got some k-y jelly to try putting inside the nostril to better seal them. Already tried nasal mask and could not deal with the claustrophic feeling. I know it has only been three weeks but I now have a sore inside my right nostril. Gonna try to use the nasal mask for a few nights to allow the sore to heal but really want to try to make the nasal pillows work. I have a deviated septum but the respiratory therapist said that would not be a problem with the nasal pillows. Anyone out there have a similar experience or have any thoughts to share?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jan on
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Hi-- I use the same mask and find that I need to use a small pillow roll that I put under my neck when I sleep on my side. That stops the nasal pillow portion of the mask from brushing up against my sleeping pillows and dislodging the nasal cushions from my nose which causes annoying air leaks. I use a tiny dab of something called AYR in each nostril before I go to sleep. I know that you aren't supposed to use anything with petroleum jelly or it causes the pillows to deteriorate over time.
I also found that I can only use the nasal pillow for about 4-6 weeks before it starts to lose shape and collapse so that air starts escaping. If the pillows are hurting or pressing too heavily against your nose then the mask is too tight.
I got a lot of help from the folks in this forum on this topic and I am betting that you will get some additional tips soon.
Don't give up! And, good luck.
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Hi Karen Try suspending your hose it puts less strain on nose tissue.Good sleep Chris
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Karen,
Using a hose management system would help some. Also, I would suggest making very sure you have the right size pillows. The pillows should definitely NOT intrude so far into the nostrils as to make them sore, and should NOT be pushed up INTO the nostrils. Here's how I fit mine. I start with the straps loosened up.
1. turn on machine
2. hold inflated pillows up to nose, obtain seal.
3. Place head gear over head ( in the middle of my head), tighten/loosen so that pillows just BARELY maintain a loose seal while sitting up.
4. Settle back strap into place. Tighten the back strap to hold the pillows more firmly in place.
It might take you a few tries the first time, but it has worked really well for me.
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Hi Jan,
It is really good to hear from someone else who is using the same mask. I have looked for the AYR cream but haven't been able to find it so ended up trying the water based KY jelly last night and it did help some with the seal but for only an hour or so - it really helped my sore nostril feel better however. Thanks for mentioning the pillow roll, I hadn't thought of that, (would be less expensive than getting a special CPAP bed pillow) so will definitely try that out tonight.
It is interesting that you mention the nasal pillow seems to lose shape and collapse after 4-6weeks because I was thinking that might be part of the problem I am having but couldn't believe it could happen so quickly. They definitely do NOT seem to inflate as well as they did the first couple weeks. Does this mean you are purchasing new ones every 6weeks or so?
Jan said:Hi-- I use the same mask and find that I need to use a small pillow roll that I put under my neck when I sleep on my side. That stops the nasal pillow portion of the mask from brushing up against my sleeping pillows and dislodging the nasal cushions from my nose which causes annoying air leaks. I use a tiny dab of something called AYR in each nostril before I go to sleep. I know that you aren't supposed to use anything with petroleum jelly or it causes the pillows to deteriorate over time.
I also found that I can only use the nasal pillow for about 4-6 weeks before it starts to lose shape and collapse so that air starts escaping. If the pillows are hurting or pressing too heavily against your nose then the mask is too tight.
I got a lot of help from the folks in this forum on this topic and I am betting that you will get some additional tips soon.
Don't give up! And, good luck.
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The step by step reminders are great since my sleep deprived mind seems to have trouble remembering many things!! I did rig up a hose "management" system on my headboard last week and that does help. I have to admit I got so frustrated with it all last night that after fussing with it for a hour or so I just turned off the machine and put the mask aside. Needless to say, I was exhausted today at work and yawning before 9am.
Wondering if you have any difficulty with the straps sliding on your hair?
Jo said:Karen,
Using a hose management system would help some. Also, I would suggest making very sure you have the right size pillows. The pillows should definitely NOT intrude so far into the nostrils as to make them sore, and should NOT be pushed up INTO the nostrils. Here's how I fit mine. I start with the straps loosened up.
1. turn on machine
2. hold inflated pillows up to nose, obtain seal.
3. Place head gear over head ( in the middle of my head), tighten/loosen so that pillows just BARELY maintain a loose seal while sitting up.
4. Settle back strap into place. Tighten the back strap to hold the pillows more firmly in place.
It might take you a few tries the first time, but it has worked really well for me.
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Permalink Reply by RL on
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Resmed Swift LT for Her (nasal pillow type)
Resmed Swift FX (no "For Her" designation)
Which one of these are you using? I have and use both. I think I like the LT for Her type best, even over the FX. I had to have the extra small nasal pillows special ordered for the FX mask, as it did not come standard with the mask set. I also use the extra small size for the LT. I prefer the LT for Her due to the extra structure around the nasal pillows, which I find helps to keep it from slipping out of my nostrils when I roll over during sleep. I find it comfortable with the extra support structure. I have gotten used to the FX as well though, and usually have few problems with the nasal pillows. I had to wait to use it, though, until I got the extra small pillows, as the others were impossible for me to use, as there was constant large leakage with even the small size pillows.
The Ayr Gel product completely prevents the nasal irritation for me. I started having that problem after a little while. This product is different than a cream, and does not contain mineral oil. I get it at Walgreens. There is another Ayr product which is not a gel, so make sure you have the one that says "Gel". It also states on the box that it is good for CPAP users. Another product which is very good is "Ro Ez It" . It is a mineral oil free ointment that works very well, and can be ordered online. If you have a lot of soreness on your nose, use a cream or ointment during the day as well until it heals completely. Then use the Ayr Gel or RoEzIt as a preventive with your mask. I find that the gel or ointment helps create a seal and I don't need the mask straps to be too tight. Having the CPAP heated humidifier adjusted well helps also.What is your APAP pressure range?
I also, sometimes, pull some of my hair through the straps in the back to help hold it in place. I find I don't need to pull all of my hair through, like a pony tail; just enough right above the desired strap line to help it stay. My hair is strait and very slippery too.
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There is also now an FX for Her, which is what I have. It comes with XS, Small, and Medium pillows.
Yes, it does sometimes slip on my hair. The cure for that is to attach the hook portion of a piece of velcro to the back strap so that it faces your hair. I've read that keeps it from slipping. I have not yet tried this since I have such baby-fine hair it gets caught easily. Also, the cleaner my hair, the more likelier it is to slip around.
Another tip is to try going UP one size if you are having difficulty maintaining a seal. Most find they can use two of the sizes
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Try the velcro tip, you'll be glad you did! It really works. I have very short hair in the back and without the velcro the back strap might as well be made of teflon!
Jo said:
There is also now an FX for Her, which is what I have. It comes with XS, Small, and Medium pillows.
Yes, it does sometimes slip on my hair. The cure for that is to attach the hook portion of a piece of velcro to the back strap so that it faces your hair. I've read that keeps it from slipping. I have not yet tried this since I have such baby-fine hair it gets caught easily. Also, the cleaner my hair, the more likelier it is to slip around.
Another tip is to try going UP one size if you are having difficulty maintaining a seal. Most find they can use two of the sizes
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