Itchy nose, No rest for the weary!

[Outlaw68]

I am a relatively new CPAP user, about two months. I am having an issue that a lot of people are having, but I cannot find a solution for it. The outside of my nose itches terribly through the night. I am waking up about 8-10 times a night to itch my nose. I have a mask that covers my nose only, that fits great. I have tried everything I know to try, to no avail. I have tried Vaseline, moisturizing cream, rubbing the affected area before sleeping, cleaning the mask, cleaning the filter, etc. etc. etc.

I have a fairly severe case of apnea, so the air flow that comes through my mask is significant. I can tell, that it is the airflow causing this. it's almost as if someone is taking a feather and tickling the outside of my nose. I have checked the mask for debris and cleaned the filter, but I have found no fix. If anyone out there can help me, I would sure appreciate it.

Thanks,
Outlaw

[LSAT]

This is a relatively common problem. I found that cleaning my face really well before bed helps with this plus it give me a better seal. Please fill in your profile with the machine and mask that you are using. Also, what is your pressure setting?

[Pugsy]

Try a nasal pillow mask. The nose is not covered and if it is the air causing the itchiness..no air on the nose...if it itches anyway..easy to scratch.

I know you say you use a higher pressure. There are people here using nasal pillow masks with pressures at 20 cm. It can be done. I mention this because some DMEs tell people that above so and so pressure that the nasal pillows won't work. They will work. I have seen 18 cm pressure on my APAP and the pillows didn't blow out of my nose and fly across the room like a deflating balloon. In fact, I never noticed the high pressure till I woke up and looked at my reports.

Just another option to think about.

[chunkyfrog]

Nasal pillows nice--easy to scratch that itch. Mmmm.

[Outlaw68]

Thanks for the replies. I tried the nasal pillows at my sleep study and they didn't seem to fit well, but I may have to revisit them. LSAT, I will check my info when I get home and populate my profile. I am going to try something different tonight, and I'll let everyone know if it works.

[redjoe]

If you are still using moisturizers, etc., I would recommend against Vaseline or any other petroleum-based product, as they can cause your mask to deteriorate.

[Maxie]

Nasal pillows come in three sizes so it could be that a different size might work. I like the freedom of minimal cover on my face.

[Outlaw68]

Sorry I haven't posted, but I didn't find a solution until last week. When I went back to the sleep clinic for a follow up, the doc told me to try an anti-itch cream like Benadryl. I went to Wal-Greens and bought the generic brand, and IT WORKED! I have now had a week of uninterrupted sleep. I place cream on the outside of my nose, and just a little bit on the inside and it really works. I have been able to get six to seven hours of sleep per night since starting this. I hope this helps other people as well.

[lagasan]

Try Lansinoh Lanolin. You get it in the baby aisle. Nursing mothers use it. It won't harm your mask and is safe. I use it with my Aloha mask and never have any irritation.

Anne

[avi123]

I agree with LSAT about washing the face with soapy water. But in my opinion it goes further. The itching of the outer nose or face could mean that the cushion, or mask, or air hose, or dehumidifier tank are not clean and have developed bacteria.

[Janknitz]

The fact that Benadryl cream worked and the other creams you tried didn't indicates you might be allergic either to the silicone or possibly to soaps you use to clean your mask.

You might try a mask liner. Padacheeks.com makes some really nice reusable liners out of a soft fabric. I really like having the liner against my skin instead of the bare silicone, and it helps with my skin sensitivities.

[xenablue]

I use nasal pillows or SleepWeaver and my nose still itches if I forget to do this one thing I read here months ago.

If you rub your face/nose briskly before putting on your mask - it might work for you in stopping the itching. Cleaning your face thoroughly might work the same way, but for me, it's often several hours between my shower and bedtime.

Try everything until you find the right solution for you.

Cheers,
xena