Developing Painful Septum from Nasal Cushion

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Comfortably Numb
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Developing Painful Septum from Nasal Cushion

Post by Comfortably Numb » Sat May 13, 2017 6:31 am

For those of you who use nasal cushion masks, I have a question. Is it common at first to develop a painful septum (columelia) from the nasal cushion and, if so, what have you done over time to improve the condition?

In the way of background, I did my sleep study using an Air Fit N10. I had a bad experience with the mask primarily due to the technician applying excessive air pressures to find my sweet spot while using absolutely no humidity control. I left there thinking that I was destined for a full face mask and began to use the Amara View. Because of problems with the Amara View, I've kept returning to the N10. I'm getting great results at a pressure of +/- 8, and I'm not having any of the mouth air problems I had during the sleep study.

The more I use this nasal mask, however, the more painful my septum has become. I tried loosening the mask last night which resulted in the worst leakage I've ever had (6.7%) even though my AHI was 0.75. I certainly don't want to give up on this mask, but the pain has become progressively more noticeable each day. Is this a gradual process of "toughening up" the septum or does it point to other issues? thanks

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Developing Painful Septum from Nasal Cushion

Post by ChicagoGranny » Sat May 13, 2017 6:46 am

Comfortably Numb wrote:Is this a gradual process of "toughening up" the septum
No.

The mask should be fitted and adjusted so that it does not touch the lower part of the nose. The lower part of the mask should seal between the upper lip and the lower part of the nose.

Check out some fitting and adjusting videos - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... ir+Fit+N10

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Comfortably Numb
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Re: Developing Painful Septum from Nasal Cushion

Post by Comfortably Numb » Sat May 13, 2017 7:25 am

ChicagoGranny wrote:
Comfortably Numb wrote:Is this a gradual process of "toughening up" the septum
No.

The mask should be fitted and adjusted so that it does not touch the lower part of the nose. The lower part of the mask should seal between the upper lip and the lower part of the nose.

Check out some fitting and adjusting videos - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... ir+Fit+N10
Thanks Granny. There's a lot of good information at that link. There's no doubt that between several unsuccessful nights with Amara View followed by several nights of an improperly fitted N10 I've inflamed the septum.

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Developing Painful Septum from Nasal Cushion

Post by ChicagoGranny » Sat May 13, 2017 7:31 am

Comfortably Numb wrote:inflamed the septum
Has anyone told you about Lansinoh lanolin? http://www.target.com/p/lansinoh-hpa-la ... /-/A-92544

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Comfortably Numb
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Re: Developing Painful Septum from Nasal Cushion

Post by Comfortably Numb » Sat May 13, 2017 7:41 am

ChicagoGranny wrote:
Comfortably Numb wrote:inflamed the septum
Has anyone told you about Lansinoh lanolin? http://www.target.com/p/lansinoh-hpa-la ... /-/A-92544
If I rub it on my nipples, will it help my nose???? Just kidding of course. I'll give it a try on the nose (and then go from there).
thanks again

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Developing Painful Septum from Nasal Cushion

Post by ChicagoGranny » Sat May 13, 2017 8:09 am

Comfortably Numb wrote:If I rub it on my nipples, will it help my nose????

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