We use cookies and other tools to enhance your experience on our
website and to analyze our web traffic.
For more information about these cookies and the data collected,
please refer to our
Privacy Policy.
mle053
+0 points
·
over 6 years
ago
Original Poster
I've just started CPAP therapy and am having trouble with my Swift FX mask. I have a small head (so I've been told), short, fine, thin hair. The top strap will not stay on top of my head. Pins, clips won't hold. I've been using a chin strap also and sliding part of the top strap under the Velcro of that, but that pulls the mask a little off. Thought about taping it to my cheeks. Any suggestions or am I going to have to change masks? I like the nasal pillows, but am to the point of I don't care as long as it works. The one I used during the sleep study was more like the AIrFit P10, but they are on back order at my DME.
I use the ResMed AirFit P10 nasal pillow mask, but I find it does not stay in place, and I open my mouth when sleeping. I have taken to wearing a Breathewear Halo Chin Strap. I put the mask on first, and the chin strap on second over top. Seems to work well.
snuzyQ
+0 points
·
over 6 years
ago
Sleep
Commentator
Hi mle053.
I use the Swift FX mask. The top strap is adjustable. You can pull on the end until it is snugged down a bit, with a finger width of space between the top strap and the top of your head. With your small head, you might have a couple of finger widths or more of play. It doesn't really matter where the top strap drapes on your head. Let it flop around and just forget about it. The crucial pieces are the back straps. Adjust and tighten these until they are snug, yet comfortable against the back of your head. Draw your short hair up and over the back strap to anchor it. Got your pillows on straight with the rough edge up? Is it loose enough on your nostrils to be comfy? Good. You're all set. Take a deep breath, turn on your machine and lay back. Sleep tight!
sleeptech
+0 points
·
over 6 years
ago
Sleep
Enthusiast
The AirFit P10 is a bit useless because the strap will stretch within a few months and it won't fit properly. It may be good in other respects, but the the strap basically renders it useless. I would avoid it if I were you.
mle053
+0 points
·
over 6 years
ago
Original Poster
Thank you for all the help. It looks like it going to be trial and error. I've tried with the chin strap on first, on second, without the chin strap, haven't found the combination that allows me to sleep without waking up to adjust the mask. I'll keep trying. Sleeptech, I can deal with stretched straps, that's what needle and thread are for.
I've tried 4 different chin straps: one home made with Tensor bandage and some sewing, one an on line generic that sells for $10 or less, one that I bought locally at 2 for $6 (hole cut out for the ear), and most recently the Breathewear Halo. It is probably the most secure of them all. For me putting the chin strap on last works the best. You could try taping the straps with some paper type medical or first aid tape (3M Nexcare). I use it to tape my mouth shut. It is not too hard on the skin.
sleeptech
+0 points
·
over 6 years
ago
Sleep
Enthusiast
I've had a few patients make their own straps, which is an excellent idea. As long as you are happy with it then great! I for one won't be sorry if ResMed miss out on a few dollars. Unfortunately most people don't have the skills. And from ResMed's point of view it wouldn't hurt them to make a product that actually works properly without requiring you to do the work for them. I much prefer the DreamWear intranasal mask, and so do my patients.
I am using the Swift FX, and have a very small head. The silicone part is down to the last notch, but the Velcro strap across the back had to be modified to be small enough.
sleeptech
+0 points
·
over 6 years
ago
Sleep
Enthusiast
Sometimes when this happens it's because the rubber strap is sitting too far forward on the head, which means it is travelling less distance and so it is shorter. You could try pulling it further back on your head and see if it stays put - this has worked for some of my patients. Also, you can get a version of the swift FX called the Bella, which hooks around your ears and doesn't go across your head at all. I would imagine this might get rather sore by the end of the night but, hey, could be worth a shot.
Please be advised that these posts may contain sensitive material or
unsolicited medical advice. MyApnea does not endorse the content of these
posts. The information provided on this site is not intended nor recommended
as a substitute for advice from a health care professional who has evaluated
you.
