ResMed Swift LT for Her FAQ

April 2, 2009

The following FAQ's are offered to provide more detailed information about the Swift™ LT and Swift LT for Her Nasal Pillow Masks

1. Describe the Swift™ LT. How is it different from the Mirage™ Swift II?
2. How do the dual-wall nasal pillows make it more comfortable?
3. I heard that the Swift LT works on a lower vent flow than the Mirage Swift II. Is that true and what does that mean to me as a patient?
4. If it increases humidifier efficiency, do I need to change my humidifier settings?
5. Does the Swift LT work on the same CPAP setting as the Mirage Swift II?
6. Is the Swift LT as quiet as the Mirage Swift II nasal pillow mask?
7. Do all manufacturers use this ISO standard?
8. Why did you place the short tubing in the center of the frame as opposed to the side of the frame like the Swift II?
9. I really liked the Velcro™ tube retainer packed with the Mirage Swift II. Does the Swift LT come packaged with the same tube retainer?
10. Can I purchase a Velcro option?
11. Which tubing do you suggest inserting into the tube retainer?
12. Is the headgear material breathable like your other Mirage mask systems?
13. What makes Breathe-O-Prene better?
14. Did you market test the Swift LT vs. the Mirage Swift II?
15. What were the main reasons patients preferred the Swift LT to the Mirage Swift II?
16. How many sizes are offered with the Swift LT?
17. What if I need a smaller size than the small pillow?
18. What are the key benefits/features of the Swift LT?
19. I heard you have released a mask specifically targeting women, Swift LT for Her. Why would ResMed launch a mask specifically targeting women? Aren’t most OSA patients men?
20. Why would there be a need to develop a gender specific mask? Do women have unique needs from men in their mask therapy?
21. What were the main differences in mask therapy needs reported by women from men?
22. Aren’t the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her essentially the same?
23. In that case then, how does the Swift LT for Her meet the unique needs reported by women and clinicians?
24. How are the Soft Wraps packed with the Swift LT for Her?
25. Are the Soft Wraps available separately?
26. Does insurance cover the cost of the Soft Wraps?
27. How do you wash the Soft Wraps?
28. Are there instructions on how to wear the hair over the back-strap?
29. What exactly is this booklet packed with the Swift LT for Her?
30. Is there additional information on women and sleep that ResMed can provide?
31. I heard that ResMed supported the Mended Hearts, Inc. during the launch of the Swift LT for Her. Is that true?
32. How many sizes are offered with the new Swift™ LT for Her?
33. What if I need a size large pillow? Will I still be able to use the Swift LT for Her?
34. So how are you able to fit over 95% of patients with just 4 sizes?
35. Did you market test the Swift LT for Her?
36. What were the results of those trials?
37. Why did OptiLife users prefer Swift LT for Her?
38. Why did Opus 360 users prefer the Swift LT for Her?
39. Why did Breeze users prefer the Swift LT for Her?
40. Are the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her covered under insurance similar to other nasal pillow masks?
41. What are the Medicare reimbursement codes for the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her?
42. Do the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her come with a travel bag?
43. Do the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her come with a user guide to help me understand how to use it?
44. Can you use the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her with a ResMed AutoSet or EPR™ device?
45. Can you use the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her with VPAP Adapt SV?
46. What type of soap should the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her be washed with?
47. Are the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her latex-free?
48. Can I order spare parts for the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her?
49. What is the easiest way to remove the Swift LT or Swift LT for Her
50. When adjusting the headgear straps, which one should be adjusted first?
51. What happens if I am experiencing leak after adjusting my headgear?
52. At what pressures can the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her be used with your flow generators?
53. What setting should be used on ResMed flow generators?

 

1. Describe the Swift™ LT. How is it different from the Mirage™ Swift II?
   The Swift LT is the next generation of the Swift nasal pillow brand. The Swift LT has a smaller footprint on the face by making the frame half the size of the frame on the Swift II. With that being said it is even lighter than the Swift II which was known for being light already. ResMed also brought the short tubing to the front of the mask opposed to the side of the mask giving it 360° of rotational capability in the short tubing. This allows for even more flexibility in sleeping positions. The Swift LT also introduces the dual-wall nasal pillow for increased comfort in airflow. Another differentiation is that it is 71% quieter than the Swift II, making it the quietest nasal pillow on the market to date. And last but not least, the Swift LT has fewer parts making it easy to clean and put back together.
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2. How do the dual-wall nasal pillows make it more comfortable?
   The Swift LT incorporates dual-wall nasal pillows, which serve several purposes. First, the pillows have increased sealing capabilities and secondly, they are more comfortable to the patient. The pillows diffuse or break up the airflow creating a much more comfortable delivery of therapy. The dual-wall pillows can be equated to the sprinkler setting on a garden hose when relating them to the diffusion of airflow. Although the patient receives the same prescribed pressure, it feels much more comfortable than if it were delivered through single-wall pillows.
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3. I heard that the Swift LT works on a lower vent flow than the Mirage Swift II. Is that true and what does that mean to me as a patient?
   Yes. The Swift LT uses an improved vent design which results in a lower vent flow than the Mirage Swift II. This design improvement provides you with numerous benefits- most notably reduced noise and air vent disturbance. The lower vent flow also increases humidification efficiency in the breathing circuit, increasing the humidity of the air for a given humidifier setting. Low flow only refers to the flow through the vent, and the flow of air that the patient breathes remains clinically equivalent to Swift II.
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4. If it increases humidifier efficiency, do I need to change my humidifier settings?
   ? It is best to monitor your humidity when using the Swift LT as you will experience more humid air with the Swift LT than most other masks at the same humidifier setting. In many cases this increased humidity is preferable; however, you may prefer to turn down the humidifier setting to reduce the potential of condensation. Be aware that reducing your humidifier setting does not equate to giving off less humidification. It simply will return it to a level closer to that achieved on a higher setting with your previous mask.
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5. Does the Swift LT work on the same CPAP setting as the Mirage Swift II?
   Yes. Flow generators are designed to cater for a range of flow rates. ResMed flow generator algorithms account for patient mask leak, intentional leak through the vent and minor variations in manufacturing tolerances of the mask components. .Optimized therapy is delivered between the upper and lower boundaries, and while Swift LT and Mirage Swift II have slightly different vent flow, they both sit comfortable within these limits.
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6. Is the Swift LT as quiet as the Mirage Swift II nasal pillow mask?
   Yes, it is 71% quieter than the Mirage Swift II. We compare how quiet one device is to another by using an international ISO standard (ISO 3744: 1994 Acoustics Determination of Sound Power to measure the noise levels). The sound measurement comparison used is decibels or dBA. Sound pressure is measured at the mask at a10 cm H20.
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7. Do all manufacturers use this ISO standard?
   Yes, this standard is the agreed upon measurement for testing.
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8. Why did you place the short tubing in the center of the frame as opposed to the side of the frame like the Swift II?
   We placed the short tubing in the center of the frame to allow for greater flexibility in sleeping positions for patients who like to sleep on their sides.
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9. I really liked the Velcro™ tube retainer packed with the Mirage Swift II. Does the Swift LT come packaged with the same tube retainer?
   No. Actually, the Swift LT comes packaged with a plastic tube retainer that accommodates both the device air tubing and short tubing. Market feedback suggested that the plastic tube retainer was the preferred option over the Velcro retainer. It has more flexibility in tube placement.
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10. Can I purchase a Velcro option?
    Yes. You may purchase a Velcro tube retainer separately as an accessory. Contact your local homecare provider.
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11. Which tubing do you suggest inserting into the tube retainer?
    Although the short tubing fits into the plastic tube retainer, we suggest placing the device air tubing into the retainer as it gives more freedom of movement and flexibility without pulling on the mask.
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12. Is the headgear material breathable like your other Mirage mask systems?
    Yes, the headgear uses our special Breathe-O-Prene® fabric.www.resmed.com/masks/sterilization/americas
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13. What makes Breathe-O-Prene better?
    Breathe-O-Prene material actually wicks away moisture rather than collecting it. This keeps the material dry, making it more comfortable.
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14. Did you market test the Swift LT vs. the Mirage Swift II?
    Yes. Independent trials were conducted with Swift II users who were using the Swift II for an average of 1.5 years. Overwhelmingly, nearly 78% would recommend the Swift LT over the Swift II.
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15. What were the main reasons patients preferred the Swift LT to the Mirage Swift II?
    Quietness and ease of use were the highest rated attributes of the mask. Some of the comments were that it was smaller, had a better seal and was less intrusive.
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16. How many sizes are offered with the Swift LT?
    The product is packaged with 3 sizes; Small, medium and large pillows.
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17. What if I need a smaller size than the small pillow?
    ResMed also has a nasal pillow mask, the Swift LT for Her, on the market that has an extra small pillow packed with product. The extra small pillow can also be used on the Swift LT. All pillows can be purchased separately as well. Contact your local homecare provider.
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18. What are the key benefits/features of the Swift LT?
    Essentially the Swift LT provides an excellent, comfortable seal in a very unobtrusive mask. It is quick to fit for over 95% of patients, especially those with difficult to fit nares thanks to the dual-wall pillow technology. It is an extremely quiet mask with an improved vent design for minimal bed partner disturbance. The small mask frame incorporates a highly flexible 360° rotating short tube for increased patient flexibility without breaking the seal throughout the night.
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19. I heard you have released a mask specifically targeting women, Swift LT for Her. Why would ResMed launch a mask specifically targeting women? Aren’t most OSA patients men?
    Anecdotal evidence is suggesting that nearly 30% to 50% of new patients diagnosed with OSA are in fact women (1). In fact, the risk of sleep apnea in women after menopause is equal to that of men (2). And to further support our findings, in 2011, baby boomers will be turning 65 when the prevalence of sleep apnea in women peaks (3).
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20. Why would there be a need to develop a gender specific mask? Do women have unique needs from men in their mask therapy?
    According to 85% of women independently polled by TAS, women in fact have very unique needs different to men in regards to their CPAP masks. To further emphasize this finding, we conducted focus groups with clinicians from the OSA industry who interact with patients on a daily basis. These clinical professionals unanimously also reported that there are distinct needs in mask therapy for women when compared to men.
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21. What were the main differences in mask therapy needs reported by women from men?
    Some of the top requests reported by women and clinicians were that a mask be smaller and less obtrusive to fit their facial structures as many are too big and bulky for their faces. Women have also reported that the choice of masks on the market looks too ‘medical.’ They’d like a mask that is aesthetically pleasing and more feminine looking. Because many women use night creams and moisturizers to minimize pre-mature aging, they’d like a mask that has minimal contact on the face so that it does not cause irritation or red marks. Some women have found that their masks lead to pre-mature wrinkling by waking up with marks on their faces daily. Last, but certainly not least, many women have longer hair, the mask headgear tends to tangle in the hair, cause creases, or it pulls on the hair. In that respect, women prefer a mask with minimal headgear which will less likely interfere with their hair.
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22. Aren’t the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her essentially the same?
    Not exactly. Although both of the masks share some of the same features and benefits, there are some distinct differences between the masks. When developing the Swift LT for Her, we incorporated patient and clinician feedback into developing a product that would meet the needs reported by women. In evaluating our current Swift LT, we realized we had a product that met many of the needs reported, such as a small footprint on the face with minimal facial contact. By incorporating several key features to the Swift LT, we were able to develop a mask that met all of the needs reported by women
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23. In that case then, how does the Swift LT for Her meet the unique needs reported by women and clinicians?
    The Swift LT for Her is the first and only mask specifically addressing the unique needs of women. First, the mask is packed with fleece-like soft wraps, which can be attached to the sides of the headgear to minimize facial marking. The Swift LT for Her also introduces ResMed’s new extra small pillow, which will fit petite noses. The mask itself is extremely unobtrusive and has a small footprint on the face. Not only does the mask address the issue of facial marking, but the headgear, which is a soft ‘periwinkle’ color, has minimal interference with the patient’s hair, in the fact that the back-strap can be worn over or under the hair. This eliminates any hair creasing patients with longer hair may experience otherwise. The Swift LT for Her provides a more tranquil appearance as it is a light, periwinkle color and looks softer aesthetically, not as ‘medical’ or bulky.
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24. How are the Soft Wraps packed with the Swift LT for Her?
    They are offered as a pair in a plastic resealable bag with user instructions on assembly, disassembly and washing instructions.
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25. Are the Soft Wraps available separately?
    Yes. The Soft Wraps can be purchased separately and are sold as a pair. Contact your local homecare provider.
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26. Does insurance cover the cost of the Soft Wraps?
    Unfortunately, insurance does not cover the Soft Wraps as they do not have a HCPC code. They are considered an accessory to the mask
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27. How do you wash the Soft Wraps?
    The Soft Wraps are hand-washed with mild soap and water. They are not machine washable
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28. Are there instructions on how to wear the hair over the back-strap?
    Yes. There are hair management instructions packed with the Swift LT for Her in a supplemental booklet, which provides health information on women and sleep. The instructions are at the end of the booklet.
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29. What exactly is this booklet packed with the Swift LT for Her?
    ? It is an informational booklet about women and sleep. It provides some health facts on the prevalence of sleep disordered breathing in women and the co morbidities associated with OSA. The booklet also provides a real life testimonial of a woman’s story before being diagnosed with OSA and how complying with her treatment has changed her life. Essentially it provides additional information on what to expect when using the Swift LT for Her.
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30. Is there additional information on women and sleep that ResMed can provide?
    ResMed has launched a patient friendly website on women and sleep called feelgoodsleep.com. It is a website with several testimonials, sleeping tips and general information on sleep apnea and women.
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31. I heard that ResMed supported the Mended Hearts, Inc. during the launch of the Swift LT for Her. Is that true?
    Yes. ResMed believes in educating patients on leading a healthy lifestyle. The Mended Hearts, Inc. is a community-based, non-profit organization providing education and support to heart patients. As cardiovascular disease is the number one killer among women, ResMed is proud to support the Mended Hearts, Inc. in helping to raise awareness around cardiovascular disease. You will see their logo on our websites, www.resmed.com and www.feelgoodsleep.com as well as on some of our Swift LT for Her marketing collateral.
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32. How many sizes are offered with the new Swift™ LT for Her?
    The product is packaged with 3 sizes; Extra small, small and medium. Most female users fit within this range of pillow sizes
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33. What if I need a size large pillow? Will I still be able to use the Swift LT for Her?
    Absolutely! The large pillow is packed with the partner product, the Swift LT. The pillows on both the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her are interchangeable and therefore can be used on either mask. Remember, the pillows can also be purchased separately. Contact your local homecare provider.
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34. So how are you able to fit over 95% of patients with just 4 sizes?
    The ResMed dual-wall pillows work well to fit not only a wide range of sizes, but the pillows also accommodate various nostril shapes. The thin outer membrane inflates with air when the device is turned on, forming a robust seal around the entire nare filling in all gaps. The membrane is very flexible and soft to accommodate for a wider range of nasal structures and to fit a majority of patients based upon our anthropometric database.
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35. Did you market test the Swift LT for Her?
    Yes. Independent trials were conducted with female OptiLife, Opus and Breeze users. Participants used their current mask an average of 1.8 years and then switched to the Swift LT for Her. After an average of 10.4 nights, participants completed a mask evaluation form.
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36. What were the results of those trials?
    Once again, nearly 78% of all participants would recommend the Swift LT for Her over their current mask. The breakdown between competitive evaluations were as follows: 85% of OptiLife users preferred the Swift LT for Her, 71% of Opus 360 users preferred the Swift LT for Her and 57% of Breeze users preferred Swift LT for Her
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37. Why did OptiLife users prefer Swift LT for Her?
    ? Users felt that the Swift LT for Her was lighter and it didn’t leave marks on the face because the headgear fabric was smooth on the face. It also had minimal contact on the face compared to the OptiLife, which has the ‘chin strap.’ Patients also reported that the headgear was smaller and lighter. Overall, the Swift LT for Her was smaller, quieter and more comfortable.
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38. Why did Opus 360 users prefer the Swift LT for Her?
    Users reported that the Swift LT for Her headgear did not have to be as tight to form a robust seal. The headgear also did not pull on the hair nor leave marks on the face. Users reported they had less leaks with the Swift LT for Her and that it was also more comfortable.
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39. Why did Breeze users prefer the Swift LT for Her?
    Users reported that the mask stayed in place better than the Breeze and that it was lighter. Users also reported that the Swift LT for Her headgear did not pull on the hair.
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40. Are the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her covered under insurance similar to other nasal pillow masks?
    Yes, both are covered under insurance similar to other nasal pillow masks on the market. They are the same as the Mirage Swift II depending on your insurance.
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41. What are the Medicare reimbursement codes for the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her?
    The guidelines set by Medicare are the same as other nasal pillow systems on the market: A7034 for nasal application device with positive airway pressure (PAP) device, one per three months; A7035 for headgear used with positive airway pressure (PAP) device, one per six months; and A7033 for replacement pillows for nasal pillow mask, 2 per month. The extra pillow sizes are not billed on initial setup. Check with your insurance company for coverage as all are different.
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42. Do the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her come with a travel bag?
    Yes, both masks come with a drawstring bag that is reusable, washable and convenient for travel. The Swift LT bag is navy blue and the Swift LT for Her bag is ‘periwinkle’ color to match the headgear.
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43. Do the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her come with a user guide to help me understand how to use it?
    Yes, it comes complete with detailed user instructions with fitting and care information. The quick fit guide is now located on the back cover of the user guide. You can also visit www.resmed.com for additional information on your mask as well as www.myresmed.com and www.feelgoodsleep.com.
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44. Can you use the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her with a ResMed AutoSet or EPR™ device?
    Yes
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45. Can you use the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her with VPAP Adapt SV?
    No
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46. What type of soap should the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her be washed with?
    The pillow, mask frame and short tubing should be washed with warm, soapy water. Use pure soap, such as unscented Dove. Rinse well and then allow to air dry out of direct sunlight.
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47. Are the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her latex-free?
    Yes.
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48. Can I order spare parts for the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her?
    Yes, a number of components can be ordered, including the headgear, pillows and now Soft Wraps for the Swift LT for Her by contacting your local dealer.
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49. What is the easiest way to remove the Swift LT or Swift LT for Her?
    Simply pull the mask over your head like taking off a baseball cap. There is no need to adjust the headgear.
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50. When adjusting the headgear straps, which one should be adjusted first?
    First adjust the top strap, then the back strap. Be sure not to over-tighten the straps. You must allow the pillows to inflate with air while the device is turned on to obtain an optimum seal.
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51. What happens if I am experiencing leak after adjusting my headgear?
    Be sure that you rotated the barrel to ensure a precise fit of the nasal pillows at the base of the nares. Then while the device is turned on, pull the pillows gently away from your nose to allow them to re-inflate with air. Adjust top straps then back straps for minor adjustment.
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52. At what pressures can the Swift LT and Swift LT for Her be used with your flow generators?
    Both masks are tested and can be used with pressures from 4-20 cm H20.
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53. What setting should be used on ResMed flow generators?
    “Swift” on the S8™ and VPAP™ S, Auto, Auto 25 and ST series as well as the Malibu, and “Mirage” on the VPAP III and S7™ flow generators from ResMed.
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1ResMed estimate based on internal data
2 Pickett et al. J Appl Physiol 1989
3 Barletta, M 2003