nose bleed

[rmet229diab]

I recently moved from using a full mask which I could not get to work for me to a nasal pillow mask which compared the full mask is great. The only problem is that when I awaken and blow my nose I am experiencing a little nose blood. Any thoughts or suggestions ?
Thanks

[cflame1]

Are you using your humidifier?

If no, then use it

[rmet229diab]

Yes I am using a humidfier but perhaps I need to adjust it.
Thanks

[cflame1]

Yeah... I'd agree with that.

[jmcd]

I just posted on the topic about using the humidifier regarding nosebleeds. I'm prone to nosebleed from the dry air. I live in the Phoenix area where the air is quite dry. I was a little worried about the CPAP causing my nose to bleed (I also use a nasal pillow mask) however I think the humidifier has made the situation better. I haven't had any problem since starting my therapy a month ago.

[LoQ]

Yes I am using a humidfier but perhaps I need to adjust it.
Thanks

You may also need to apply some petroleum jelly to your septum twice a day, about 2/3 of an inch up inside.

[PAPalogical]

When I switched from a FFM to pillows, I was able to reduce the temp on my humidifier from 2.5 down to 1 and then passover mode. I then said "Hey, maybe I don't need it", and went w/o the humidifier for a few days - started to see some blood in the tissue when I blew my nose, and then one day at work I had a spontaneous nose bleed. Connected the humidifier back up that night, passover mode, and things were fine again. So - it made a big diff for me.

As for using petroleum jelly - just make sure you don't use it anytime near when you use your CPAP, as it will deteriorate your pillows. Ayr Gel and similar products are fine. I use Ayr Gel when I travel, swapping it in and around on a Q-tip (I can spread it more reliably that way than w/ my big fingers), so I can bring a smaller setup. Went for a 4wk trip about 6 months ago, just using a small bit of Ayr Gel in each nostril before bed w/o any problems.

[concerned mom]

I put a little ayres gel (over the counter) in my daughter's nostrils each night before putting on her mask, and this has corrected the problem of nose bleeds for her, as well as soreness and pain inside the nostrils. We also use a humidifier, but put ours on the lowest setting so as not to create too much moisture in tubing (rain-out)Good luck!

[Robespierre]

I put a little ayres gel (over the counter) in my daughter's nostrils each night before putting on her mask, and this has corrected the problem of nose bleeds for her, as well as soreness and pain inside the nostrils. We also use a humidifier, but put ours on the lowest setting so as not to create too much moisture in tubing (rain-out)Good luck!

If I use Ayr gel, I'm guaranteed to get a nose bleed. And I don't have much better luck with Lansinoh.

[charliegreer]

Recommend you not use petroleum jelly anywhere on your body. It is a petroleum product, and therefore, a carcinogen. If you must, use the Ayr's instead, but preferably nowhere near bedtime. Using it at bedtime could cause mask leaks.

I also recommend the use of sterile saline nose spray during the day to keep the sinuses moist. Every time you blow your nose and see blood, it's an indication that your body's immune system has been compromised by providing germs with a direct opening to your bloodstream. That's why people get more colds in the winter than they do the summer. The hot, dry air in their homes dries out their sinuses and they crack open. So keep those mucus membranes moist.

Again, I would not use the saline spray near bedtime.