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There's lottsa talk about how to deal with sore nares, but I'm wondering if anyone can explain what it is that actually causes it. I really like the Swift LT, but I'm having a hard time dealing a sore nare.

Is it caused by friction of the pillow against the tender skin?
Or getting too dried out from the air blowing on one spot?

Any thoughts?

Sore nares are usually caused by a masks straps that have been tightened too much and improperly. The other major cause is using pillows which are too small in size. People often think they fit just right when holding them up to the nares but in actual fact they are too small once the pillows inflate under pressure. As the pillow inflates with air it becomes slightly narrower because the air pushes the end of the pillows outward thus pulling the rest of the pillow inward slightly.

If the pillow is too small you will get chaffing in the nares as you breath.

Gumby's Theory -
Besides the skin being sensitive there is movement of the nares each time you breath causing a rubbing action. This fiction is eased and a much better seal is provided after applying a dab of Lansinoh to this rubbing surface and the pillows. Give it a try.

very helpful responses, folks.

I actually have been using Lansinoh. But I'll try putting a dab both on the pillow and my nare.
And seems like maybe I should try using a medium instead of a small.

The only side that is sore, is the side I sleep on -- which might be meaningful, or not.
It might just be that the 2 nares aren't exactly the same size, right?