Nasal pillows qustion

[Steveyal]

Just got my Swift FX from CPAP.com last night. It was generally comfortable but I'm still struggling with the annoyance of having something in or on my nose. Being a stomach sleeper, I guess I'm applying some pressure and frequently wake up with irritation. Do I have any hope here? Have people had similar problems and gotten used to it? How long did it take? I imagine anyone using pillows must have had some kind of adjustment just from the invasive nature of the design. All the masks I've tried have had their drawbacks and I really want to love my pillows...but it seems so hard.....

[sleepychar]

I am brand new (6 nights under my belt) to CPAP so I don't have alot to offer except some support. I'm not sure exactly where the irritation is occurring that you say you are waking up with every day. I am also trying to get used to a nasal pillow mask but it is a different one from yours, the P10. My nostrils were irritated and hurting. A couple of suggestions that helped me were to use some lanolin ointment in my nostril - there is a brand called Lansinoh lanolin that is found in the drugstore section for new mothers, and just use a tiny bit, and also trying a larger size nasal pillow. I sleep on my side, not my stomach so our experiences are not the same. But I just wanted to say I understand the difficulty you are having. Hopefully some others here will respond with some suggestions for you as well.

[jim22]

When I first started, I was a little sore for a week or so. I think I tried a little antibiotic ointment in the morning for a few days. Don't let it get really bad, though. Try the Lansinoh.
Jim

[ChicagoGranny]

the invasive nature of the design

Just to be certain of what you are talking about, the "flange" of nasal pillows should seal on the outside of the nares. Just a bit of the tip of the pillows protrudes into the nostrils and should not touch any of the mucus membrane.

frequently wake up with irritation

Here are some tips:

- Make sure the mask is fitted properly. (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- Make sure the headgear is adjusted properly (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- If you use a low ramp pressure or a low minimum pressure, you should fit and adjust your mask at the higher pressures it is operating at for most of the night. You would temporarily change the machine pressure settings while you do the fitting and adjusting. It's best to do this well before bedtime before you are tired and ready for sleep. Don't forget to change your settings back to the ones you prefer.

- Make sure to use good hose management - the hose should not pull on the mask. Notice how your hose is positioned between machine and mask. It should be positioned to minimize any pull on the mask. Hose management is an individual practice. How it is done depends on the mask, the position of the machine, your sleeping position and other factors specific to the individual.

Note: Links to just some of the mask manufacturers' instructional videos can be found on the forum host's website - https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks.php

- CG

[ChicagoGranny]

Being a stomach sleeper

Here is a very good explanation of how to wear a CPAP mask and sleep on your stomach - http://www.uarsrelief.com/sleeppositions.html

[rpq]

I am using AirFit P10 nasal pillows for the last 5 months ever since I started CPAP. It worked very well and I was quite happy with that. However since last week I am having an issue. While on sleep (usually I sleep on side position) I noticed the pillows slightly come out of the nostrils and air is released outside. This is causing me to wake up and also some irritation on the eyes in the morning. Not sure why pillows are coming out. I am just wondering if the headgear is already stretched and has become loose. The mask is only 5 months old.

Has anyone got similar experience?