Compare RespCare Aloha Nasal Pillow Mask to ResMed Swift LT

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
D Dillin

Compare RespCare Aloha Nasal Pillow Mask to ResMed Swift LT

Post by D Dillin » Thu Oct 04, 2012 2:46 pm

I have been using CPAP for over 15 years. I usually purchase a mask yearly and can give accurate comparisons on several products.
The latest product is RespCare Aloha Nasal Pillow Mask which comes with 3 size pillows. I use medium.
I had the ResMed Swift LT prior and found that the Aloha had several improvements and some drawbacks.
First the improvements:
Quieter and less leaks than the Swift LT. It appeared that the pressure self adjusted to prevent leaks. The swivel air hose allows the air hose to stay away from the face. When placed into the top Velcro strap, this minimizes pulling on the mask and helped prevented air leaks. There are two positions on the frame for the top strap. It comes in the forward position which is most comfortable for me. Almost all of the positions of sleep were comfortable including face up, right and left side and leftward face up and rightward face up positions. The only position I would not recommend is face down between the crack of two beds together (This is only comfortable with the Breeze Nasal Mask which has other drawbacks but can be worn with a custom headgear that will overcome most drawbacks - I will not go into now).
The unused position of the headgear can be used for the bottom half of the Halo brand chin strap. See below.

Now the drawbacks:
You need to get used to putting the headgear on properly. Nose in first and hold it with one hand. Back strap next with the other hand over the back of the head. You can then attach the hose to the hose on the CPAP machine. Lastly put the tubing up to the Velcro holder at the top off the mask. Avoid going out of order. Avoid pulling on the nasal pillows. Avoid adjusting the straps until it is in place. If not you will pull the hooks out of the nasal pillows. If this happens, you need to start over after you fix the hooks into nasal pillow channels. You must become proficient in putting it on or you will be frustrated. Getting it off is by flipping the back strap up towards the crown of the head.
Second drawback: the Velcro hose guide for the top strap that holds the tubing is flimsy. It can break in use. If it does, you can use the hose guide from the Swift LT. You can also order the Velcro Tube Retainer for Swift LT for $4 which is less flimsy than the Aloha and fits it well.

Use with a Halo chin strap: The top peace of the Hallo is discarded and the Velcro of the bottom piece fits well into the frame of the Aloha Mask on either side. Getting this on is tricky. It requires that you flip the bottom of the chin strap over the front of the nasal pillows. After the back strap is in place, you can pull the chin strap down over the chin and into place. DO NOT use the top of the Halo chin strap. It will put pressure on the headgear and make the nasal pillows leak or become excessively uncomfortable. This will especially occur if it is inside the headgear.

Care of the nasal pillows: The nasal pillow detaches from the swivel portion of the hose, and requires finesse the first time. After you get used to it, this comes off easily. You should wash at least every other day with mild soap and no alcohol. Most liquid soaps contain alcohol.