OUCH! Nasal Pillows hurt - can you help?

[Cossette]

I have gotten sores on my nostrils from using my nasal pillow mask - has this problem occurred for anyone else? I am only two nights into using my cpap machine - and really like that the pillows mask does not cover my whole face which causes me to feel claustrophobic - however the soreness is a problem. Any suggestions?

[FlyingB]

Yup. Happened to me early on also. No longer nasal issues, but still get little sores on my cheeks from the headgear. Try using a little petroleum jelly or neosporin for a few days.

[danimal71]

I am new at this but I believe I read not to use a petroleum based product with the gear on as it will break down the material. Using it during the day without the mask would probably be fine but you might still have some residual jelly when you go to put on your gear at night.

[DreamOn]

Cossette,

You might want to try a small dab of Lansinoh lanolin on the outside of your nares. It's slightly tacky, so it helps to keep the nasal pillows in place. Also, it protects the skin. You can find that at most drugstores in the nursing mother/baby aisle. I buy it at CVS Pharmacy. A little goes a long way.

I have tried almost all of the nasal pillows masks. With the Swift FX, it's very important to get the straps adjusted properly. When they're too tight, it puts more pressure on your nose. It's also possible that that particular mask isn't ideal for you. Personally, I can't get the FX nose pillows to rest at the proper angle, and they're a bit uncomfortable for me too. Other people love that mask, though.

I hope you find what works best for you!

[elena88]

what dream on said..
Lansinoh - Lanolin Breast Cream

think you can find it at the drug stores..

I think if its causing sores, you may have it just an itsy bit to tight, it should just REST against your nose, not be pressing against it with any
pressure..

I went from the opus 360 to the swift fx, and the rubber on the swift fx is much much softer, so hang in there, it doesnt get any nicer than that, unless
like dreamon, its the wrong angle.. but I love mine.. love it!

[Janknitz]

A little tenderness at first is not unusual but if you are having more than "a little tenderness" chances are that either:

1) The headgear is too tight. Start over again like this:
a. Loosen the headgear straps.
b. Hold the pillows up to your nose without the headgear on and then turn on the machine, so the pillows fully inflate.
c. Now put the headgear over your head and adjust it just enough to stop any leakage from the nasal pillows when you are lying down and turning your head.

OR

2. The nasal pillows are the wrong size. The biggest mistake newbies make (often because the DME who fits them doesn't know any better) is to use pillow that are too small and enter too much of the nostril. The pillows should rest against the OUTSIDE of the nose, with just a tiny bit of the tip of the nasal pillow "cone" inside the nose when they are fully inflated. The pillows should never be crammed up IN the nose.

Or both. And ditto the lanolin cream. It will help soothe your sore nose and seal the pillows for most people.

[jweeks]

Hi,

Walmart and Cub Foods, our local discount grocery store chain, carry Lanisoh in the baby products isle.

-john-