Newbie - 4th night on CPAP - sore nostril

[sleepychar]

I am awake now during my 4th night on CPAP using the P10 nasal pillow mask. Using the Extra Small pillow. One of my nostrils has become very sore after just a couple of nights of use. Can anyone think of a solution other than changing mask type? I basically like the pillow mask except for this issue.

[palerider]

I am awake now during my 4th night on CPAP using the P10 nasal pillow mask. Using the Extra Small pillow. One of my nostrils has become very sore after just a couple of nights of use. Can anyone think of a solution other than changing mask type? I basically like the pillow mask except for this issue.

scamper over to an all night pharmacy or grocery store, into the new mothers section, and look for lansinoh lanolin, comes in a small tube, it's more than you'll ever need for your nose.... just use a *tiny* bit, like a dab the size of a bb, maybe less, and smear it around your nose.... it helps a lot.

the only problem, if you're like me, you'll end up with a 99% full tube by the time your nose gets used to the P10

also, make sure you've looked at the manual, and adjusted the straps to the loose position. (if you got the mask with the hard plastic case, the manual is in the back.)

[Violet West]

I use the Burt's Bee's regular peppermint beeswax lip balm around the nostrils and upper lip; helps the pillows stay in place, too. You just don't want to use anything petroleum based.

You might also try the medium pillows. Even though I'm a woman with fairly small nostrils, I tried the small size several times and really did not like them. With the medium, there's more cushioning the nostrils.

[ChicagoGranny]

lansinoh lanolin

also, make sure you've looked at the manual, and adjusted the straps to the loose position.

+1

One of my nostrils has become very sore after just a couple of nights of use. Can anyone think of a solution other than changing mask type?

Also, pay attention to "hose management". Observe how your hose runs from your machine to your mask. Position the machine and hose so that there is some slack - the hose should not pull on the mask. Envision how the hose will move as you shift positions. Arrange things so that after the position change the hose still has some slack.

[sleepychar]

Thank you all for your suggestions! I am going to look first for the lansinoh lanolin. The Burts Bees sounds good but I don't think I want the smell of peppermint but I will try it out if the lanolin doesn't work. And I will definitely give the medium size cushions a try and I don't think I have the head straps too tight but I will pay attention to that also. I am encouraged that you assume my nose will get used to the P10!.. I have been worrying that I might have to switch to a full face mask - which I will do if I have to but I hope not to have to.

[ChicagoGranny]

Burts Bees

ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, olus (vegetable oil, huile végétale), lanolin, cera alba (beeswax, cire d'abeille), mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, glyceryl behenate, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, tocopherol, zea mays (corn) starch, canola oil (huile de colza), glycine soja (soybean) oil, limonene, linalool

At least with Lansinoh lanolin, you know what you are getting.

[Michelle-OH]

I had that problem till I switched to the next larger size pillows as well.

[Pugsy]

I had similar issues with the P10 when I was using the XSmall nasal pillow and I have been using nasal pillows for years and with every other nasal pillow mask I could used the XSmall without a problem but with the P10 I found it hurt the nostrils because it sort of got sucked up inside the nostril a little bit. Sealed a little too well. So I went to the Small size and no more problems...so if the Lansinoh doesn't help...try going up a size. You might be like me and that XSmall just a wee bit too small.
The P10 is the only nasal pillow mask to ever cause me any nostril discomfort.

[sleepychar]

I feel very encouraged that there may be a solution and I won't have to give up the pillow mask, even if I have to switch to a different pillow mask. I will be hitting the store soon to pick up the lanolin and I'm definitely going to try the larger size pillow. Thank you!

[rohdej]

I find that I need to get the air flowing and recenter the pillow in my nostril for best fit.

[sleepychar]

Update - I switched to the Medium size pillow and it made a huge positive difference. I went from the extra small to the medium, skipping over the "small" pillow altogether. CPAP machine display indicated there was a good mask seal, just as it did with the extra small pillow, and it was way more comfortable; I couldn't believe how much of a difference in comfort that change made. The lanolin is helping my nose feel better already also. So, once again, thank you for the suggestions.

I am still feeling drowsy in the afternoons and needing a nap but I realize it's early days for me at this point so I'll just keep on keepin' on and hope that gets better in time.