raw nose/nostrils

[the block]

I've been sleeping for over a week now with my CPAP machine and nasal pillow mask, and it is getting easier, however the last couple days my nostrils have become very raw and sore to touch.

The DME lady that called to see how I was doing says that the skin around where the nasal pillows go is very sensitive and takes some time to build up a tolerance to have something on or rubbing against that skin for hours at a time.

Is there something I can do that helps this? Is there a cream/gel that isn't going to gunk up my Respironics Nuance and provide me some relief? Thank you!

[kcellwood]

I am two weeks into CPAP right now. Using the nasal pillows. One nostril "nare" got a little sore to touch about a week into it but nothing unbearable. It did crust over and has just cleared up. I found that I started with the mask too tight. I kept losening it up and I am surprised at how loose I can have it and still have a good seal. When I go to bed now it is like nothing is on. I am one that 'looks forward to using it every night" as the results have been amazing. Wish I had done this a couple years ago.

[Pugsy]

Lansinoh lanolin ointment.
Used by nursing mom's when breastfeeding. Found in the baby aisle of most stores.
Use a lot during the day to promote healing. Sparingly at night so that body heat doesn't melt it and your nasal pillows end up in your ears (I did that once). It won't hurt the nasal pillows.

Do look at your fitting and or size used. These nasal pillow masks when properly sized and fitted shouldn't cause anything more than minor tenderness at the nostrils.
Did you see the fitting videos
http://www.cpaplibrary.com/nasal-pillows.html
If you look in the mirror with your mask on...do the first words that come to your mind "piggy nose"...the strap is too tight. The end of the nose shouldn't be moved at all and certainly not turned upwards. It's a very common mistake made with nasal pillows.

[avi123]

It beats me why stick those nasal pillows into your nostrils and irritate the mucusa there while you can use traditional nasal masks that go over the nose which have been used for decades? Both suffer from same mouth leaks.

Traditional nasal masks:

[nanwilson]

Avi you have been told MANY times that nasal pillows are actually one of the most popular masks. Now, since you want to be beat, which method do you want us to use this time???????? Nobody really cares that you like a nasal mask, that's your favorite, others have their favorites too.

[Badnvsleep]

I am also starting my second week. I had the same problem you described in your post. I am using Swift FX nasal pillows and found myself adjusting the tightness every night during the first week. It really irritated one of my nostrils. I used the nasal mask I used during my split study for one night and then went back to the pillows. Readjust the straps to make the pillows not fit tight up against your nostrils. I read somewhere that the "piggy" look is a bad look and means the pillows are adjusted to tight. Once you get the straps adjusted avoid the urge to adjust the straps every night.... Good luck and stick with it...

[the block]

Now that you mention it, I did tighten the straps a couple days ago, maybe they are too tight. I certainly don't feel like I have a squished piggy face with the mask on, but it seemed to be working just fine when it was looser. I'll loosen it up and see if that helps. Also thanks for the tip on lanolin. I'll pick some up to see if I can get my nose to heal quicker.

[DaveMich]

I use the swifts, and found that it takes awhile to hit the perfect spot. If they hurt your nose/face, they're too tight. If they leak at 3am, they're too loose. Make adjustments accordingly in very small increments (1/8nd inch or so) depending on the problem, at the time it occurs, until you get it right. I did use lanolin for a few days but that irritation was a passing thing.

[Ontario CPAP]

When I first starting using the Swift fx mask I experienced irritation around my nostrils. It was somewhat more frustrating than painful. I applied some vitamin-E oil to my nose each morning to take away the soreness, and after a few days I was fine. I now have no discomfort at all. I also keep my mask firm against my upper lip but looser upwards against my nose. I do this by keeping the strap over the top my head somewhat loose, and the velcro straps around the back of my head a bit firmer and as low as possible.