new member

[metallicstar]

Been a cpap user for almost a year however I have not managed to keep my mask on during the night. Then was not able to use my mask due to moving situations, anyhow just wanted to say hello.

[123.Shawn T.W.]

Well Howdy!

And Welcome!

You probably already know this ... But, you really only get therapy for your life threating situation if you actually use the mask!

Why were you not able to keep it on?
Just weird?
Did it hurt?
Did you do it while sleeping?

[metallicstar]

I wake up and take the mask off and just turn the machine off. The nasal pillows hurt my nostrils sometimes too. My husband doesn't like it when I use my mask. But he will just have to get over it haha.

[Slartybartfast]

I wake up and take the mask off and just turn the machine off. The nasal pillows hurt my nostrils sometimes too. [snip]

How do the nasal pillows hurt your nostrils? If it's chafing, soreness, try smearing a very thin layer of K-Y jelly where the pillows contact your nostrils. Chafing is a common complaint, and K-Y entirely eliminates that problem.

[Julie]

Ask your husband if he'd rather have a live wife with cpap or a dead one without!

[-tim]

Try a nasal mask. I can't stand the nasal so called "pillows"

I use a Resmed Mirage FX which is one of the top rated ones. I've also used a Fisher and Paykel Zest.

Are you replacing the silicone part from time to time? Lots of people like to replace them at 6 months.

[Pugsy]

If the nasal pillows continue to sometimes cause pain you might try loosening that top strap one notch.
People tend to want to over tighten the straps and that top strap is often the culprit. If you look in the mirror and see any hint of "piggy nose" (nostrils pulled upwards) then that top strap is too tight.
You might also look at Padacheeks barrel cozy. I bought it for rain out control and ended up using it year round because it is just down right comfy against the skin.
http://www.padacheek.com/PACSwiftII_Barrel_cozy.html

[123.Shawn T.W.]

I use Lansinoh (originally intended for nursing mothers nipples) find it in the baby isle ... Instead of KY if you'd like ... That's what I'd try first.

Maybe you'd be more comfortable with a differnt model of pillows, if greasing your nose doesn't help ... Or a totally differnt style such as the suggested Nasal mask ...

Tell hubby to get used to it ... Unless he wants you to increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes ... Or death ... When I'm home ... My wife and I both get our smooching done ... Then, we each put on our masks! It is part of life on the top side of the grass, just like every morning I wake up ... I put on my glasses!

[kaiasgram]

I use Lansinoh (originally intended for nursing mothers nipples) find it in the baby isle ... Instead of KY if you'd like ... That's what I'd try first.
Maybe you'd be more comfortable with a differnt model of pillows

I agree with Shawn on both counts -- Lansinoh is lanolin, if you use it sparingly it will be sort of tacky and will help hold the pillows while creating a protective film against your skin. KY is more slippery. In either case, don't overdo or else your body heat will liquify the ointment so much that your pillows are apt to start slipping out.

As for the nasal pillow mask, the particular model does make a huge difference -- I've tried twice with the Swift FX pillows and they hurt the inside of my nose as well as the skin right under my nose. On the other hand, my Aloha nasal pillow mask is fabulous, fits well, doesn't even irritate enough for me to need to use the Lansinoh. So don't necessarily give up on nasal pillow masks, try a different model. And welcome to the forum.

[lazer]

I use Lansinoh (originally intended for nursing mothers nipples) find it in the baby isle ... Instead of KY if you'd like ... That's what I'd try first.

Maybe you'd be more comfortable with a differnt model of pillows, if greasing your nose doesn't help ... Or a totally differnt style such as the suggested Nasal mask ...

Tell hubby to get used to it ... Unless he wants you to increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes ... Or death ... When I'm home ... My wife and I both get our smooching done ... Then, we each put on our masks! It is part of life on the top side of the grass, just like every morning I wake up ... I put on my glasses!

This! and the rest of the above post for that matter.

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

[Xney]

You may want to try some different nasal pillows or mask types. If they don't fit very well, they need to be too tight. If they're too tight, they're uncomfortable. Some toughening of the 'nares is normal to wear any mask or pillow system, but it should go away. The pillows should be fairly loose and seal shut from air pressure. The headgear should mostly keep them in the right location, not tight.

Finding the right mask is key, but also not easy for some of us!

[cherylgrrl]

I've had great results from the SleepWeaver Advance mask. Extremely comfortable and comes in fashion colors. Every other mask I've tried so far has either leaked like crazy or hurt. You can get it with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it without risk.

My husband loves my VPAP machine. Our bedroom is now silent, while I used to snore like crazy! There have been some threads about non-supportive spouses. You really need to understand what a serious condition you have, and how important it is to stick with the therapy. Literally, your life depends on it.

[Renee from GA]

Hi! I'm a new forum member too, though I've been lurking for a long time. This place is such a great resource for questions.

You've gotten some great suggestions already, just thought I would add that I had a hard time adjusting to nasal pillows too. I had a terific DME that let me try different masks (third one was the charm) with different size pillows (medium FTW!). Realized after a while I had the straps too tight and that caused a lot of my soreness. It did take a few weeks for my nose to "toughen up" but I found a light application of Ayr Saline Gel around and just inside my nostrils made all the difference in the world (you can find it in drugstores near the nasal sprays).

It took a while to adjust, and part of that was deciding I was going to get used to it, regardless. But my stubborness paid off and I found the results were well worth the effort. I can't imagine sleeping without my Cpap now.

Good luck to you!

[chunkyfrog]

Another thing; any mother-to-be with OSA needs to consider her child to be at risk any time
she sleeps without her cpap.