Was "Blood". Now just PAIN.

[Roman Hokie]

Hey, folks. Not a regular here any more. Therapy is going well. 1 day in the last 3 1/2 months that I didn't use the machine for at least 4 hours. Worst AHI was 2.3 and I noticed - of course, was in a camp cabin without my normal bed.

Anyway, I've changed from the Activa LT mask to Swift II nasal pillows, both by Resmed. Loving the pillows MUCH better, BTW. I can wear my glasses and read the Kindle with it on and, if I fall asleep, no big deal.

I've noticed just inside my right nostril, toward the septum, a bit of blood this morning. It's also irritated, presumably from the "cut" on the pillow where it hits inside the nostril. Makes me tempted to return to the Activa LT, but I like the fact that the Swift II fills my nose with air where the Activa LT lets my allergic congestion win.

Is there anything I can apply to the pillows or the inside of my nose to relieve the abrasion?

[Janknitz]

Lanishoh cream works best if you're not too embarassed to go in the baby aisle of the local drug store because it's marketed as a nipple cream for nuring mothers. CVS has medical grade lanolin right next to it for a bit less money without the fancy pink box.

I'm not familliar with the fit of the Swift II pillows, but if you were having that problem with the LT or the FX I'd suggest you might try going up a size of nasal pillows so there's less of the pillow inside your nose and irritating that very sensitive spot--provided you can get a good seal against your nostrils (and the Lanisoh will help with that).

[Roman Hokie]

Yeah, I'm familiar with Lansinoh and it's generally-accepted function.

I can send wifey in. But I won't do CVS. I'm a shareholder of Rite Aid. Come to think of it, we don't have a CVS where I live anyway.

I was thinking petroleum jelly but then thought better of it, particularly in the fact that it's pry a pain in the neck to get off the poly pillows.

Thanks, Janknitz! I'll give it a shot.

[Roman Hokie]

Okay... stupid questions. Put the stuff on my nose (where the seal would be) AND on the pillows or just in my nose?

Thanks!

[robysue]

Put the lasinoh lanolin cream IN your nose and around the edge of your nostrils. Anywhere where it hurts or feels even slightly irritated.

By the way, petroleum jelly is a big no-no since it will adversely affect the silicone in the pillows and cause them to wear much, much more rapidly.

One nice thing about the lasinoh, once you warm it up rubbing a bit between your fingers, it feels just like petroleum jelly. Nice and soothing and no added fragrance.

[DannyPh]

I use the swift II nasal pillows and sometimes i get Irritation inside the left Nostril to the point that it is Raw and Bleeds when I blow my Nose. I use the Bacitracin antibotic Ointment inside the Nostril and it helps with the healing Process. Helps maintain a good seal too.

[resistance]

I also started Swift FX a few days ago and fell in love with it after my Mirage Softgel Nasal mask.. Lansinoh has eliminated the irritation that occured instantly. I'm very happy with it so far.

BTW, I think mask fit is more important for nasal pillows. Tight fit does not provide a better seal. On the contrary, I found loose fit to be more comfortable, less irritating and better sealing.

[robysue]

Another thing that is critical with nasal pillows is the size of the pillow. And if the current size is leaking/uncomfortable etc, it's important to consider going UP in size as well as going down in size.

[Roman Hokie]

Thanks, folks. Trying the Lansinoh on size Large pillows. Was using the Mediums. We'll see what happens.

Yeah, I thought the same thing about the petroleum jelly and the silicone/poly. After all, it seems that it's not good for use on synthetic materials at all.

[chunkyfrog]

Danny mentioned bacitracin ointment; but I hope that was not while wearing his nasal pillows.
I believe that it contains petrolatum--same thing as Vaseline--
I would use the bacitracin; but only in the day--switching to lanolin at night.

[Roman Hokie]

Right at the base of my nose. Tender to the touch, and not from abrasion. Just, wow.

The blood's gone. I can't tell if I have the headgear too tight or what. If it's not tight, the seal sucks (pun completely intentional). I've had my highest leak rate (within limits) this week with 7.2l/min. I don't know what to do.

PMs and public responses are welcome. Whatever you're comfortable with, because I'm not comfortable with this.

At least I'm not biting my tongue (literally) with the Swift II Nasal Pillows like I was with the Activa LT Nasal Mask. Small bonus.

[chunkyfrog]

Since the purpose of the Lanisoh is to toughen nipples, maybe it can have the same effect on your nares?
If your nose starts resembling a nipple, not my fault!

[robysue]

Right at the base of my nose. Tender to the touch, and not from abrasion. Just, wow.

The blood's gone. I can't tell if I have the headgear too tight or what.

It may be that the pillows are setting at the wrong angle against your nostrils or are being forced up too far into your nostrils. With the FX, it's really, really important to NOT tighten the top silicone strap too much since over tightening it pulls the pillows up vertically into your nose (and at the wrong angle.)

Try loosening the top strap to the point where there's easily enough room to get a finger or two under the strap without any pulling. And try tightening the back strap to see if you can get the pillows to change angle just a wee bit. Also make sure that backstrap stays above your ears---otherwise the angle of the pillows will be wrong.

I basically get my best fit with the FX (based on 95% leak rate data) when the mask feels almost lose enough to fall off my head: When the CPAP comes up to pressure, the pressurized pillows seal really nicely even when the straps are not tight at all.

[Roman Hokie]

Since the purpose of the Lanisoh is to toughen nipples, maybe it can have the same effect on your nares?
If your nose starts resembling a nipple, not my fault!

I'm totally going to blame you, Frog, if I start groping at my nose!

[cflame1]

I've used Burt's Bee's lip balm... and I've also had to get a script for some heavy duty cream.

Usually if I catch it soon enough the Burt's Bee's is enough.