choking feeling? pillow sizes, etc.

[sleepy guest]

Hello everyone!

I just started therapy two nights ago. I am flat broke and am working with a donated machine. I have a Resmed S6 with a passover humidifier and am using nasal pillows.

The first night I used the small size pillows. It felt comfortable, no leaks, and I could breathe in and out easily. However, I woke up after 4 hours with very sore nares and ripped the mask off - it felt like they pillows were going too far into my nose. After doing a little research I thought it might be that the pillows were too small, so last night I tried the medium pillows. It felt alot better on my nares and seemed much more comfortable. However the feeling did not last: I felt like I was choking! Whenever I closed my mouth, I would start gagging and try as I might I couldn't keep my mouth shut for more than two breaths before I'd have to open up my mouth and gulp for air. I stuck through this during the whole 20 minute ramp-up, but the choking feeling only got worse. In frustration and exhaustion I finally took the whole thing off and went to sleep without it.

Now, as I am facing night #3, I am wondering if the soreness on the small size was normal and I just need to try some lubricating my nares OR if my reaction to the medium size was normal and I need to stick it out. Any advice will be appreciated!

-sleepy

[track]

I wish I could help..but I have never used nasal pillows. When I was first getting started I did have some trial runs while I was watching TV...just to get used to the air and the mask. You might try easing into it by wearing it for an hour during your favorite TV show. Hopefully you can get past the choking phase to where it is comfortable.
I started out with a nasal mask but discovered I would breath through my mouth during the night so I had to switch to a full face mask. Being broke sucks...been there. Good luck

[sleepy guest]

Hopefully someone else will chime in, but I appreciate your thoughts. I will try moving to another bedroom tonight where there is a tv. My favorite show comes on at 11pm so I guess I'll add cpap to my nightly ritual of adult swim.

-sleepy

[Gonefishingx]

I've fund the sammler size doesn't seem to get enough air through for me. Went I used the largest size it feels like I'm getting enought air through.

[alnhwrd]

Sleepy,

Sorry to hear you are having a bad time. What is your pressure set at, and what kind of mask are you using? If you can be specific, it will be more likely to bring a response. I would also encourage you to fill in your profile, preferably in text, that is a help too. I don't have experiance with pillows, but everything I have read about them says that a little bit of lubrication on them helps the seal and with the soreness. Lots of people use a product called Ayr Gel, which is water based and safe to use in your nose. Avoid any petroleum based products, like vasoline. If you have the large pillows, maybe they would be worth a try. Or, your pressure could be low enough to make you feel you are not getting enough air, so you could try skipping the ramp. Keep trying and let us know how things work out.

[lmmo]

Sleepy,
The first two weeks for me with nasal pillows was so hard/painful. I tried everything, so sore. It is 2 1/2 yrs now and nothing hurts my nose. Try ayr gel or chapstick. See if you can get a hold of a nasal mask to alternate with. It will get better.

[nw guest]

Hi Sleepy Guest

I am sorry to hear about your trouble with the nasal pillows system
I have had similar issues with with choking feeling.

It feels like the air is piling up in the nostil/sinus area then you cant get air out. Thus you have to open your mouth to equalize the air pressure.

This happens to me more when I am having difficulties with my allergies and the lining of my sinus' are a bit swollen.

I have found NOTHING to work with this other than changing out for my mask that fits the nsoe and mouth. I use this for a few days then I can go back to the nasal pillows.

As far as the sizing of the pillows, I found the smaller ones enteered into my nostrisl too far and I couldnt get enough air out easy enough or comfortably enough. However the larger size works wonders - they fit gently on the outside of the nostril, forming a good seal. I can move air out without much difficulty.



I'd say keep trying. Be patient. Try using the pillows while sitting up - to get used to timing your breathing with the influx and rest of your Xpap.

Do you have a CFLEX or somethign that helps you to exhale under a lower pressure? I struggled on the old setting when it was a constant pressure without a little bit of relief so that I can get my air out of my lungs.

Crazzzzy I know ....but hang in there
You've come to the right place for help
these guys here are GREAT!

[sleepy guest]

Thanks for the advice nw guest! After checking with my doctor, she said that the small was the right size and that I just have to get used to the soreness - which so many here have said.

I'm housesitting at the moment and could find only chapstick last night - that worked pretty well until I realized it was mint-flavored chapstick. Owie! LOL

I went and got some Ayr Gel from Walmart today, so I'm looking forward to a better night.

I had some new problems pop up last night, but I'll post this separately after I make up a real profile and such. Clearly, I need more than momentary support for this CPAP thing and I should just join.

It's so nice to have friends who are in the same boat!

[kharyssa]

Thanks for your thoughts and advice! I will keep at it... I am tired of being tired all the time!