My nose is feeling the pain

[quill]

I have had a cpap for about 15 months now (in my profile). I used a comfortgel nasal mask for about 12 months and finally got one that blows directly into my nostrils (Mirage Swift II Nasal Pillow). The reason I changed is because I always woke up with a sore on the ridge of my nose. I put strips of moleskin on my nose where it rested and it keeps it from digging in but still has a red spot for about an hour after I get up. I don't sleep well with the one that blows directly up my nose. The setting seems too strong with the new one and it seems like I breath in way too long and don't have the strength to breath out fully. Putting on the comfortgel mask makes it SO much easier to breath normal. Any suggestions?

I read postings about people that slept better than ever after getting a cpap but I really don't wake up feeling refreshed. Granted I never wake up needing to go to the bathroom!!! That alone is worth wearing this thing. I know I need the thing for health reasons alone. I'm just not feeling that "ahh what a great night's sleep" feeling.

Also there are nights in a row that I wake up about 3am...just long enough to check the clock and fall asleep again.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): nasal pillow, swift, CPAP

[jasper]

Hi quill, and welcome to the forum. You'll find lots of great answers here, and much varied experience.

I originally started with the Activa nasal mask, and still like that as a switch-off. I went to the Optilife nasal pillows mask last May, and have had great success with it. I find that the pressure applied directly into my nostrils actually helps when I feel slightly congested. The Activa in those cases, tends to close things off a little, but I can actually wear the Optilife and breathe just fine.

Having said that, there are others who have tried nasal pillows systems and just can't make them work. So... it is a very individual thing.

What pressure are you at? Sometimes, I've noticed that people on higher pressure report that they have a problem with a pillows system not holding the seal. If that's the case for you, pehaps there is another nasal mask that would rest on your nose at a different point and give you some relief.

As I said earlier, I would highly recommend the Activa. The floating cushion seals extremely well, and the straps don't have to be very tight at all. In fact if you tighten them too much, you'll destroy the sealing action.

Good luck with finding the right combination. Once you get a sore on the nose it's usually best to use an alternate mask until it heals.

One thing is for certain, you'll get as many opinions as there are posters. You need to experiment and find what works best for you.

[Guest]

I found nasal pillows masks very painful. I also couldn't tolerate the traditional nose masks, and the Full Face masks.

I'm loving the Nasal Aire II nasal prongs mask - I can only recommend it to others:

cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t23207/Babettes-Nasal-Aire-II-Tip-Sheet.html

Biggest complaint about it I've heard so far is noise. The comfort factor is unsurpassed. I cannot help you if you find it noisy. It's not in the least noisy to me or the people who sleep with me. And there are other members of this forum who also don't find it too noisy.

Cheers,
Babette