YES, a worn-out nasal pillow is more flexible and more likely to leak air than a new pillow. Your Dr. can write a prescription for CPAP supplies and you can get your new pillows and filters, -- anything you need from the medical supply store. I just got new pillows and they made a big difference. Flimsy pillows are the pitts. Hope this helps!

Hello, There are 2 things you can do. My husband has been a CPAP user for 12 yrs and me for 4 years. We both like the nasal mask (less claustrophobic) provided the "nose pillows" are the correct size. Then, for MOUTH BREATHERS, they make a velcro CHINSTRAP that goes over your head and under your chin. It velcros at the top of your head and it WILL hold your mouth closed. My mother even has that same "mouth breathing" problem and her chin strap did the trick. It does take some adjusting. Until you adjust, I highly suggest that you take a nerve pill or other sleep aid (even 'Benadryl) so that you are REALLY sleepy and can barely hold your eyes open when you go to bed. This will keep you from laying there and obsessing about the machine. I use Xanax on tough nights but usually a double dose of Benadryl 50 mg (safe and non-habit-forming) will put anyone to sleep withint a couple of hours. If you like herbs, then you may prefer "melatonin" tablets 1 or 2 30 min. before bedtime and they will help you sleep. The sleep aid is only needed for a few weeks until you are comfortable with the mask. I know it's frustrating. My husband had trouble but I put mine on the first night and have never slept a night without it in 4 years. I hope this information helps. Best wishes. After you start wearing it, you will see a HUGE difference in your energy and alertness during the day. It may take about 1 week for your body to "catch up" on sleep, but it will be SOOOOO worth it in the end. I promise !!!!! Go for it !!!!

The swift is a mask apparatus made by Resmed. It goes into the nose like what you see in the soaps except that this one will fill the nostrils. I got mine through my equipment provider because my insurance replaces my mask every 6 months. If you are self paying, you can try to get the provider to give you a cash or medicare price. If they won't, you can buy them on-line. Go to talkaboutsleep.com and they have a sleep store there. You can also get tons of help from their message boards, things like putting a little petroleum jelly on your nares to help prevent the sore nose while adjusting and other things. Good luck! Let me know if I can answer anymore questions.

Hi, I also have crusty eyes really bad in the mornings. I was wondering what it is from. I'm thinking it has smething to do with the mask also.

You know, I never thought about that. I have crusty eyes in the morning also but I just assumed it was because I was actually sleeping all night long. I wonder if it is actually the CPA*****t. Lia