new mask, and continued skin irritation

[kirinphoebe]

Hello
I'm glad I happened to find this CPAP group.
I've been using a CPAP for about 3-1/2 years, and for almost all of that time i have used a NasalAire mask, which was easier for me to tolerate than a mask over the whole nose. Lately I have been (obviously) snoring, sleeping with mouth open, and waking with a desert-dry mouth and muddled brain from lack of good sleep. I use a heated humidifier, a nasal allergy spray, a room humidifier, and a HEPA room air filter. Still, problems. So I contacted the doctor and he ordered a test with an autopap for at least a week (starting in a couple of days).

The respiratory therapist said that NasalAire would not provide an accurate reading on the autopap, and that I would need a different interface. He sent a Swift with nasal pillows, etc.

This brings me to the problem. I had nasal skin irritation (chapping, chafing, pimples, and very sore skin) from the NasalAire, and this has been almost chronic. it because suddenly worse with the Swift. After the first night the skin around my nostrils was red and very sore. The next night I put on some neosporin+ cream (it's supposed to counteract pain as well as infection), and the following morning I had more pimples just inside my nostrils, and still very red sore skin. (I have very sensitive skin to begin with.)

What can I do to treat this problem? I need to use the Swift for the autopap, but I have to say it does fit more securely than the NasalAire. On the other hand it hurts the skin more (seems to make my skin more fragile) and the framework of the mask leave marks on my face. And I'm still waking tired.

Thanks for whatever help you can offer.

kirinphoebe

[Janelle]

It is usual for some irritation to occur at first until the nose "hardens" up, just as any part of the body that has not had something applied to it with some pressure. Usually, the Neosporin will clear up the irritation or pimples and get you through the adjustment period.

It could be you are wearing your mask too tight. The pillows should only touch the inside of your nostrils. The inflation of them by the pressure of your CPAP is what makes the seal. This is especially true of the Swift. It must be worn loose. If you still feel you are not getting a good seal you might need a larger nasal pillow.

Although I doubt it, you might want to contact the manufacturer and find out what the material is in the nasal pillows of each and find out if you could be allergic to the material.

[Pad A Cheek]

Hello there,
When I used the Swift, I also had problems with the marks on the sides of my face. Swoosh marks I call them.
I make a very specialized PAD A CHEEK-S just for this problem. Many people here on this site have tried the first version out for me. They worked but were not designed for the Swift. The ones I now make are more specialized for the Swift straps and have been very effective. If you would like to know more about this PM me. I can tell you more about them, sell you a pair or even how to make your own if you are inclined to sew.

I wish you a restful sleep ever night
Karen Moore