BURNING from Optilife nasal Pillows

[gromittoo]

Before anyone jumps in to give their two cents, let me say this:

This is not a bad fit issue, or not enough humidity. After a few days of use, the nasal pillows for my Optilfe mask cause a severe burning sensation. This burning is as if someone treated the silicone with Vick's Vaporub or gasoline.

I have tried:
1 Soak the pillows in alcohol, and wiping them dry (not much help)
2 Soak the pillows in boiling water (Helps some but a lot of trouble to do every day)
3 clear Anti-itch gel with Analgesic meant for poison ivy applied to the mask and my nostrils (will protect my nose, but the gel doesn't always cover completely, and I wake with one nostril burning).

I really want to use this mask. I have a beard, and I also had the jaw advancement surgery 3 months ago for my Sleep Apnea. The Nasal Pillows don't leak,and the headgear doesn't bother other parts of my face. Some of those places were really tender after the surgery.

The full face mask I use as a backup is a Mirage Quatro. I removed the silicone forehead pad, and taped foam in its place. I had trouble with the silicone pad causing irritation on my forehead, but nothing like the nasal pillows. I was unable to adjust the Quattro far enough to eliminate the leaks right under my eyes. The foam is thinner, and gets me closer to the correct position (but it still leaks). I have deep set cheekbones and a forehead that sticks out too far.

[jules]

I purchased an optilife back when they came out. The pillows were very toxic for me. I attempted to outgas them using my usual routine (soak in vinegar solution or baking soda solution 24 hours a few times with airing out between and a 3 month wait after opening). Yet even after 3 months the pillows were too toxic for me. Now finally a few years later I can use them but I HATE that mask. This mask has been the worse I have obtained toxic wise. Good luck.

[harry33]

assuming they are made of silicone it seems to be a silicone allergy, info on this at google

[Muse-Inc]

...

Didn't see where you left it to soak in soap water for an hr. I spread Dawn all over my silicon parts and let sit sometimes for 4-5 hrs, then wash witha bit of friction and rinse very well. Might try that. Could be that there are some leftovers from mfg still on the silicon. Then, again, it might just be a contact allergy to silicon. Not sure it this would work if it's an allergy, there are 'skin prep' solutions used in TENS unit therapy and other skin-contact therapies...this stuff goes on liquid, dries quickly to create a barrier. Too, ypu might try a thin layer of Milk of Magnesia which also creates a barrier. I am not sure how the inside of the nose would react to 'skin prep' or MofM...might ask your sleep doc or RT or primary ot an ENT for suggestions. The OptiLife was my beloved former mask, I hadda go to a FFM...I slept great with that mask, so I hope you can resolve this problem.

[sleeplessinaz]

Hi--I used to use that mask and then started using the SWIFT LT which is a much better design and it is more comfortable, The OPTI LIFE has that hose that is so stiff it won't move. I hated the headgear on that too, I love the headgear on the Swift --you should give it a try, it is much more comfortable, head gear is softer and maybe the nasal pillows will fit you differently and not cause so much soreness for you,
Carrie

[taberge]

You are not crazy. I had the same problem. I think that it is more of the fact that the linings of my nose don't like anything at all touching them. It feels like lubricating the pillows with hot sauce before insertion. I switched to a nasal mask and am very happy with it.

[gromittoo]

...

Didn't see where you left it to soak in soap water for an hr. I spread Dawn all over my silicon parts and let sit sometimes for 4-5 hrs, then wash witha bit of friction and rinse very well. Might try that. Could be that there are some leftovers from mfg still on the silicon. Then, again, it might just be a contact allergy to silicon. Not sure it this would work if it's an allergy, there are 'skin prep' solutions used in TENS unit therapy and other skin-contact therapies...this stuff goes on liquid, dries quickly to create a barrier. Too, ypu might try a thin layer of Milk of Magnesia which also creates a barrier. I am not sure how the inside of the nose would react to 'skin prep' or MofM...might ask your sleep doc or RT or primary ot an ENT for suggestions. The OptiLife was my beloved former mask, I hadda go to a FFM...I slept great with that mask, so I hope you can resolve this problem.

...

Didn't see where you left it to soak in soap water for an hr. I spread Dawn all over my silicon parts and let sit sometimes for 4-5 hrs, then wash witha bit of friction and rinse very well. Might try that. Could be that there are some leftovers from mfg still on the silicon. Then, again, it might just be a contact allergy to silicon. Not sure it this would work if it's an allergy, there are 'skin prep' solutions used in TENS unit therapy and other skin-contact therapies...this stuff goes on liquid, dries quickly to create a barrier. Too, ypu might try a thin layer of Milk of Magnesia which also creates a barrier. I am not sure how the inside of the nose would react to 'skin prep' or MofM...might ask your sleep doc or RT or primary ot an ENT for suggestions. The OptiLife was my beloved former mask, I hadda go to a FFM...I slept great with that mask, so I hope you can resolve this problem.

Dawn dish detergent is probably the worst possible thing to use. Dawn is the only brand of Dish Detergent that I know of that contains perfume (and a strong perfume at that). This would probably be worse since I have a perfume allergy. I never understood why people would want perfume on their dishes and eating utensils.

The boiling water method has been working OK for me. Every morning, I boil a pot of water for my Coffee anyway, so I just pour some into a small coffee mug. Next I take the nasal pillow I used the previous night, and dump it in the boiling water. I have two pillows, so I take the pillow that got the boiling water treatment on the previous morning, and put it back on my mask.

I am hoping this will leach out whatever nasty substance is causing my problem. I suspect that these are made in China, and it could be lead. Lead is added to the plastic used for the insulation in Christmas lights to make them more flexible. My Mom thinks it might be nickle, which she has a terrible skin allergy to.

[gromittoo]

About a month ago, my DME gave me a Resmed Swift FX to try. So much better. I still get a slight burning, but a dab of petroleum based Cortisone cream once a week on the nasal prongs is enough to keep me comfortable.

By the way, the Swift FX is a fantastic mask. My wife tells me it looks like I am wearing a thong on my face. . I have been on CPAP for more than 10 years, and I have used dozens of masks over the years. This mask is by far the most comfortable and easiest to put on and take off, in a half asleep state. I never get leaks !

[letchworth]

Another thing you might try is the "cradlecushion" option for the OptiLife mask. This mask can use either pillows or cradle-cushions and they work quite differently.

The cradle-cushions don't go into the nose- but below the nose. This might give you less contact and thus less irritation.

When using cradle-cushions, I find that I use a little more pressure on the headgear and the angle adjustment is also different. So it takes a little playing with the first little while-- but may be a solution for you

letchworth