If you have one, what do you think of it? I started out with a gel mask that fits over my nose. I developed an open sore on the bridge of my nose. After trying to get rid of the sore for 5 weeks I went to the doctor on Thursday and he said it was a pressure sore. I had to stop wearing the mask. I'm looking at getting the nasal pillow system and it looks like what I will have to use. Will be ordering it on Monday the 7th. Comments PLEASE!!

I like the swift nasal pillow system a lot.  It is lightweight, easy to put on, and take off,adjust, and is comforable. It comes with three size pillows, so your almost sure to get a good fit. It packs easily for trips, etc, with nothing to break or bend. The straps may leave morning "swoosh" marks on your face.  I find the exhaust a little louder and the downward direction more likely to blow on my arms than that of the breeze. Overall I would rate it as a great mask.
   I started using nasal pillows about 5 years ago, with the Breeze nasal pillow system, which is still my nightly favorite.  As a side sleeper, the breeze has nothing on the side of the head/face, so no morning red marks etc.  Nothing between you and the pillow.  While the frame looks bulky, it only touches you at the base of the skull and where the pillows contact the underside of the nostrils, everthing else "floats" above your head.  Properly adjusted, it seals the best and is the most comfortable of any system I have tried. Some back sleepers don't care for the back pad, but I am a tummy/side sleeper, so no problem there for me.

I just switched to the nasal pillow about 4 days ago after trying the mask for 3 or 4 days and I like it.  I am able to get through the night with the nasal pillow on...something I couldn't do with mask.  Also, when you move around, it doesn't break its seal as often as a mask.

It is still something on your face that you need to get used to but it is working out well for me  


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Dave

I have only used the Swift nasal pillows, having only use a mask in my sleep study. They work well. The only problem I have is soreness in my nostrils sometimes. I increased the temp of my humidifier one notch, which may have helped a bit, and purchased some "Ayr" saline based lotion, which eases the discomfort. Sometimes this wakes me in the night with uncomfortable burning, which goes away quickly when the Swift is removed.

Overall I'm okay with the Swift.

I used the Swift nasal pillows in my sleep study and liked it a lot. They were then given to me to take home. When I picked up my APAP, I was given a choice of headgear and went with the Breeze nasal pillows as I had by this time done lots of research and heard good things about the Breeze. It's nice to have more than one set of gear to use. I have since used the Breeze for 3 nights and now I think the Breeze is all I will use. I barely know I'm wearing it. It's super comfortable for me.

I think the Swift is best if you must sleep on your back, and the Breeze is best if you sleep on your side or tummy. I prefer to sleep on my side and my apnea is much worse on my back so the Breeze is perfect for me.

I am enjoying sleeping on my back for the first time in years. My wife says I look contented (even with the contraption on) She called me snorkelman.

I get a little soreness in my nose as well with the nasal pillows.  Would anyone care to elaborate a little more on the "Ayr" saline based lotion that was mentioned in an earlier thread.  Maybe your experience with it and where it can be purchased.

Thanks.


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Dave

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Last edited by another_guest on Tue Oct 31, 2006 10:32 pm; edited 1 time in total

I had my 2nd night with the nasal pillows and so far love them but I can't compare it to anything else.  It's the only one I have used.  I had some problems sleeping on my side but I think I can overcome this.  They didn't bother me up my nose and I am amazed that the air is comfortable.  I haven't noticed any noise that bothers me.

Wendy

My tech recommended folding a pillow in half for side sleeping, which stops your head from sinking in to the pillow, so there is no pressure on the nosepiece.

The "ayr" is available in most drug stores and is non-petroleum based, which is better for some reason. Lists CPAP as a recommended use on the label.

I love the Mirage Swift nasal pillows....   The only time I get a sore nose is if I don't have my humidifier set high enough.

Also, I use a memory foam neck pillow.....helps me sleep on my side easier.

got it, LOVE it!  I suspect you will too!


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It's different when you've got a Harley-Davidson...

Any recommendations as to setting the temp for the humidifier? I started on 2 and am now on 3. I guess I should go higher, but I'm a bit nervous about it.

I started out with the Nasal Air Mask and though I got used to it, I kept getting leaks during the night due to a very small nose bridge.  I called my resp therapist and he brought by the Swift pillows last night.  Mind you, I slept like a baby.  All night.  Didn't get up once.  I was in heaven!  Have to admit, I'd like to hear about the Breeze one some of you are talking about though.  I've always been a belly sleeper and since getting my machine two and a half weeks ago...oh how I miss sleeping on my belly!

Sleep well everyone!

Arline

Nonni,
  You can belly or side sleep with the right pillow.  Here is a recent thread that you may find helpful.

   http://www.apneasupport.org/viewtopic.php?t=1310