Irritation from nasal pillow??

denngt · Post by **denngt** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 4:16 pm

Hi, everyone.
I have read the message boards a few times but never posted. I think someone may be able to assist me to understand and deal with a problem that has developed recently using a Resmed S8 Autoset with humidifier machine and a Resmed nasal pillow fitted for size.

I began using the machine about last May with a full face mask which did not stay on as I turned over in bed. I switched to the pillow in early July.
The pillow has worked much better and has really improved my sleep overall.

However, we moved into a different home December 1, 2007, and soon after I began to have discomfort in my right nostril/sinus. The tubing is connected to that side of the nasal pillow.The new place has a forced air electrical furnace, used frequently as the nights became colder, and the previous place had electric wall heaters that were seldom turned on.
It feels as if there is an obstruction or infection at the point where soft tissue first meets the bone structure when I press a finger against the nostril. The irritation causes a constant welling up of tears in the right eye and a constant flow of discharge from the nostril. Quite often the irritation produces a feeling of an urgent need to sneeze such as might result from sniffing up snuff or some equal irritant and quite violent sneezes do result. On at least one occasion, exploring gently with a q-tip revealed some blood at the point of irritation.

I have been to the physician twice. He tested for infection and examined the interior of the nostrils. It all appears normal to him. He asked me to return if the problem persisted over the next two weeks.
The problem did persist but in the following week my wife suggested that I try puttiing petroleum jelly in the lower part of the nostril because she said the irritation might simply be dryness. That gave immediate relief and over a period of a week the discomfort disappeared.

However, last night I forgot the petroleum jelly and today the irritation has returned. I have put in jelly three times between 8am and now(2pm) but, while reduced, the irritation still keeps my eye full of tears as I type this.

My conclusion is that the new home has dryer air because of the furnace and the resmed humidifier is not sufficient to keep the nostril moist.
or
The nasal pillow has started scratching the inside of the nostril.
or
Both of the above.

I welcome you thoughs and suggestions.

Dennis

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 5:01 pm

I do not recommend putting Vaseline into the nostril at all as it can lead to significant lung problems. It is far better to use Ayr Gel. It helps moisten the tissues and is water based and is safe for use in the nose. Others have recommended Zicam swabs.

Have you tried a netipot or Neilmed rinse to see if you can clear the passage?

onecoknower · Post by **onecoknower** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 6:13 pm

Dennis,
Turn up your humidifier! And get some Ayr nasal gel. Use a qtip and liberally apply inside the nose every night - that should become your nightly ritual.

I have the same machinery you do. When I turn the humidifier down, my nose hurts. When I forget the Ayr, my nose hurts. When I do both, no issues.
Oneco

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 6:59 pm

Dennis,

Here's a link to an explanation about issue about vaseline in the nose:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/petrol ... ly/AN00947

Another thing: have you tried a sinus rinse? Some of us use the NeilMed Sinus rinse system or a netipot.

Best of luck!
Mindy

denngt · Post by **denngt** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 8:11 pm

onecoknower thanks.
I have the humidifier at 2/3 of max. I will set it to max. I am not familiar with Ayr Gel. I will try to get some.

SleepyCarol: I have used Neilmed for months in the past but not for this problem. I have used nasal lavage,however, without benefit since this has started. I am not familiar with Zicam either. I'll try to find it as well.

Mindy: Thanks for the link. Very helpful caution.

I really appreciate this help.

Dennis

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 9:19 pm

Dennis,

A similar choice as Ayr gel is the more familiar KY jelly or liquid - very easy to find and is water soluble. My sleep doc suggested it and it works well for me.

Mindy

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 9:29 pm

If you can't find Ayr Gel there are a few other brands out there. I imagine if you look around the nasal sprays you will be able to find it.

Zicam Swabs are sold with the cold medicines. I have never used it but do know it has been recommended on here before so that is why I mentioned it.

I have a friend that has severe allergies and her doctor has her using a nasal rinse (not sure if it is a Netipot or something similar as I forget to ask) and has her spritzing her nostils several times a day with a saline nose spray (not the medicated ones) to keep her passages moist. She has a terrible time with them drying out on her and causing problems.

For awhile I used the saline spray a few times a day -- but the bottle is a pain to carry with me (I do not carry a purse as I loose them and that is a bigger pain!!) If it doesn't fit in my pants pockets I don't need it. I find most women's pants do not have adequate pocket space for me so I downsize to make stuff fit.

denngt · Post by **denngt** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 9:34 pm

I went to the pharmacy and picked up a gel brand "Rhinaris" on the pharmacists recommendation. They had another brand of equal effectiveness but no Ayr or Zicam.

Rhinaris has polyethylene glycol at 15% and propylene glycol at 20% in the gel. Perhaps someone can compare that to their own brands.
Dosage is given as a small amount in each nostril 4 times a day or as needed.
I hope it will do the trick tonight
Dennis

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 9:50 pm

KY liquid and CVS lubricating liquid contain: purified water, glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, hyroxyethylcellulose, methylparaben, benzoic acid, sodium hydroxide.

The CVS brand is cheap - about $10 for a bottle which should last me*at least* one year.

Mindy

denngt · Post by **denngt** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 6:55 pm

Thanks to your help, I have no pain today. It is a miracle cure!

Now all I have to do is to remember to use the gel.

Dennis

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 6:57 pm

Dennis,

I'm happy to hear you got relief from the gel!

Mindy