I now see why you need a backup mask.

I've been on CPAP for almost 5 months, so I'm fairly new to the game. I went from using a Mirage FX nasal mask to a Swift FX nasal pillow system. I tried out the Quattro FX full-face mask, but I don't think that will work for me. I went back to using the Swift FX, which is my preference. However, I've been having issues with nasal irritation lately. Last night, 2-3 hours into my CPAP therapy, the pillows bothered me so much, I took off my mask but was too drained and tired to adjust it and put it back on.

This is where my backup Mirage FX could have come in handy. I could've just swapped the pillows with the nasal mask, since the Mirage FX is so much simpler to put on and adjust for comfort. I learned that the hard way, as I fell asleep the rest of the night without CPAP. I feel very lousy right now. I actually had a better night sleep the previous night, so my progress pretty much cancelled each other out.

I'm not sure why I've been having so much trouble with the nasal pillows lately since I've had great success with it for a few months. One thing I should note is that the sleep doc adjusted my pressure by 1cm, so I went from 8-12cm to 9-12cm, so that may have something to do with it. Does increasing the lower pressure promote more bloating, as well as my nasal irritation? I've been on this new setting for about a week now. Should I bring it back down to 8cm?

Could be its time for some new pillows??

I actually thought that having worn out pillows was the issue. I tried out a fresh set and I still had the same problem. Would increasing the humidity help? It seems like my nostrils are getting dried out.

Might be the humidity for sure its worth a try. Also do you clean your pillows? If so what with? Could a soap or something be causing the irritation? When did you last change the filters out on your machine? My old Remstar if I didn't change out the filters regularly( 3 months ) would cause me headaches and other irritations. But I do live with 4 cats, I don't let them in my room but the dander gets in anyway. Also sometimes my nostrils get sore and then I use Ayr gel before bed, I hear there is a lanolin product as well that's ok to use, I wouldn't use anything with petroleum or based off it though.

Have you tried lanolin? It's actually used for nursing mothers who need help with sore nipples. It's all natural, has no alcohol in it so it won't break down the silicone material of the nasal pillows, and is really soothing. The brand name that I have is Lansinoh. Works great, give it a try. I truly love my Swift FX. I just found it but down the road if I get any iritation I'll certainly use the lansinoh in a heartbeat! I found out about this product here in this forum when I was trying to work with the Mirage Liberty mask. Good luck and don't give up!

I clean the pillows with a mild soap, free of fragrances or dyes. I think it's been 2-3 weeks since I put in a new filter so it may be time for a new one. I've heard so much about Lanisoh/Lanolin on this forum, I think I'll finally give it a try.

On a side note, do any of you use a chin strap or tape? I'm still trying to determine which option or combination of the two works best for me.

Thanks for the responses!

-CD

Could be a soap build up. I never use soap I use a 50/50 White Vinegar water mix and a soaking. I did try the boiling method talked about in other threads on the forum here and between the Method I use and the boiling method I was surprised on how well the pillows and silicon parts came out. I couldn't get rid of yellowing on my oldest mask but the "sticky" on it is like new.

Hades161...I do the 50/50 vinegar and water thing also. After that I use ivory liquid in hot water and wash the mask pieces with that also. Love the smell of that stuff...try it! And oh yeah...the smell isn't stifling and doesn't last long...just nice and clean.

Hades and SleepingDVader, thank you for the suggestions, I will definitely try these. How long should I do the 50/50 soak, 30-60mins?

Depends on how oily the mask feels to me but most I go is 30 with normal being around 10 to 15 minutes. I have left it over night and had no issue's. Forgot /shrug

cubism_dream wrote:…On a side note, do any of you use a chin strap or tape? I'm still trying to determine which option or combination of the two works best for me.

Thanks for the responses!

-CD

I had myself convinced that I never mouth-breathe but I was wrong. When I began wearing a chinstrap I reduced my leak problem by about 2/3.

I started out with a simple ResMed Chin Restraint but recently switched to a Ruby which stays on much better.

Nate

I trained myself not to mouth breath but at one time I did use the strap, tape, polident strips, etc. I know people question this but both bed partner and my numbers bare out my results of not mouth breathing any more but it did take a long time for me to stop and I use to talk in my sleep as well. I do feel a chin strap can help as well as taping as an aid to training but ultimately its something you just have to do 24/7 and make it a unconscious habit.

Vader uses a papcap i think he called it. I am sure there are more posts and info on the straps on the forums here. As well as tips on how to make your own.

I needed a chin strap to stop myself mouth breathing. Much more pleasant (for me) and safer than taping.

A pleasant side effect is that it helps stabilize my mask. So perhaps I don't need the chin strap to stop mouth breathing any more, but I'm not tempted to find out.

Boy, that Lanisoh cream is expensive. It will be my last resort after trying the following things: I've increased the humidity on my Resmed S9 to 6 (I originally had it at 6, I'm not sure why I lowered it), I replaced the filter and I'm soaking the pillows and humidifier tub in 1:1 water to vinegar as I type this. I've been taping my mouth, but I just feel awkward with it on. I'll try my ruby chin strap once again. Wish me luck for tonight!

Lansinoh does seem a bit pricey when we look at the size of the tube but you only use a little bit and it goes a long way. If you can find a store brand (it is lanolin) you probably could save some money.
I think Walgreen's has a store brand that is a bit less than Lansinoh brand and a larger size tube.
Funny thing..I though Walmart had a decent price (around $10) for Lansinoh but I stumbled on a tube of it in a mom and pop pharmacy for $7.99.