Do nasal pillow masks cause nasal irritation?

gsbuck · Post by **gsbuck** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:35 am

I posted over the weekend about the terrible nasal irritation and sneezing problem I've been having as a result of trying to get used the using cpap. After trying both the nasal pillows and nasal enclosures, the nasal pillows seem to stay in place better and do not break the seal when I turn to my sides or back. So the CF2 has been my choice. I went to the pulmonary/sleep doctor today for followup and was still having the sneezes. He has ordered a nasal CT scan, and says that he's really done all he can do, that I may need surgery. I'm not having surgery. Just haven't heard any good things about it. The dr did ask me whether irritation occurs with both the nasal pillows and the enclosure type. I had not paid that much attention when using the enclosure, so couldn't answer that. Will use the enclosure type tonight to see if that aggravates the nasal passages, guess I'll have to strap it really tight to keep it from leaking when I change positions. Has anyone else had similar problem, and was the mask the culprit? Thanks!

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:39 am

Find another doctor and get another opinion. Might be worth it to get some recommendations from friends, and to try another speciality.

I suggest finding a pulmonologist or ENT who specializes in sleep disorders.

Yes, masks can cause irritation. Sounds like you might possibly be experiencing this. I can't use Nasal pillows masks because they irritate the skin of my face. They do not make me sneeze.

Cheers,
Babs

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:40 am

Is your humidifier working? Water should feel warm about 5 or 10 minutes after turning it on.

gsbuck · Post by **gsbuck** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 12:14 pm

My doctor is a pulmunologist specializing in sleep disorders with a very good reputation. I won't have the surgery with or without a second opinion, unless the CT scan shows a growth or something in the nasal passages that would need removing. I don't use the humidifier because it does the rainout thing. I keep the thermostat for A/C on 64 at night, must have it cold to sleep. We live in a very humid climate in the Gulf Coast (Alabama) and don't need the humidifier. I have taken advice given last weekend to apply the Ayr nasal saline gel prior to putting on the mask to help with moisturization.

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 12:28 pm

Hm... Well, if he's not offering you any drugs for your allergic conditions, you might contemplate seeing an allergist. Sounds to me like you have allergic rhinitis and might benefit from some drugs. I dunno. My Dad lives in Mobile and has a chronic nasal/sinus condition. He had an MRI the other day and was shocked to discover not a darn thing is blocking his sinuses.

I say look into some drug therapy - Flonase? I like it, my Dad hates it. Claritin? Zyrtec?

Good luck!!!
Babs

gsbuck · Post by **gsbuck** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 12:46 pm

Thanks for the suggestions. I was tested for allergies last year with a blood test and was not allergic to anything except egg whites, to which I've never had any reaction. The sleep dr has put me on Rhinocort (was 1x day, now 2x day), and I take Zyrtec daily also. A forum user advised the Ayr nasal gel, and I've started using that, too. Today I bought the Neilmed nasal rinse and used it this morning. Still have the irritating spot in my left nostril that tickles and makes me sneeze. The right nostril does not have the irritation, just on my left side. Left eye waters as a result, too. I think every person that lives in Mobile must have some sort of sinus problem...it comes with the area. Glad your dad's MRI came out clean. Tempted to cancel my CT but what if there is something in there that needs taking care of?

gasp · Post by **gasp** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 1:03 pm

gsbuck wrote:I posted over the weekend about the terrible nasal irritation and sneezing problem I've been having as a result of trying to get used the using cpap. After trying both the nasal pillows and nasal enclosures, the nasal pillows seem to stay in place better and do not break the seal when I turn to my sides or back. So the CF2 has been my choice. I went to the pulmonary/sleep doctor today for followup and was still having the sneezes. He has ordered a nasal CT scan, and says that he's really done all he can do, that I may need surgery. I'm not having surgery. Just haven't heard any good things about it. The dr did ask me whether irritation occurs with both the nasal pillows and the enclosure type. I had not paid that much attention when using the enclosure, so couldn't answer that. Will use the enclosure type tonight to see if that aggravates the nasal passages, guess I'll have to strap it really tight to keep it from leaking when I change positions. Has anyone else had similar problem, and was the mask the culprit? Thanks!

I use the CL2 and found I had irritation when I chose a nasal pillow size that was too small. I went up a size, to a medium for me, and found that I have no irritation when the ridge of the nasal pillow doesn't touch my nares. I just let the pillow puff up around my nares thereby creating a seal, leaving the ridge seam of the nasal pillow away from my nares.

When I used ones that were too small, the ridge touched my nares and rubbed, causing soreness and a bad seal. Here is a fitting guide found on the Respironics website.

http://global.respironics.com/UserGuide ... lGauge.pdf

gasp · Post by **gasp** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 1:12 pm

I forgot to add, using the angular adjustment (clips that you pinch to place the nasal pillows further or closer to your face) and vertical tube adjustment (swivel dial that lengthens and shortens the tube) can help place the pillows right where you want them.

Country4ever · Post by **Country4ever** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 1:22 pm

I've had 2 sinus surgeries, and the second one helped alot. My concern is your symptoms don't seem to point to a sinus problem, as such. I've had so many CT scans of my head, and recently I've heard about how we should try to avoid them, since the radiation from them isn't negligible. MRIs are safer. I just thought I'd mention that. Don't take radiation to your head lightly. I had the CT scans about 10 years ago. I had obvious sinus problems.........constant headaches, nosebleeds that wouldn't stop. Your symptoms do seem more like allergies.
I know that I can't go above 7.4 cm pressure with my swift nasal pillows, or my sinuses burn like crazy. I think some of us just have very sensitive tissues, and the cpap pressure is hard on them.
Good luck.

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 1:50 pm

Okay, I think I'm getting a clearer picture.

The "irritation" you speak of - is it an actual wound? Or is it just a tickling feeling causing you to sneeze? Or is it just nothing you can identify, you just keep sneezing?

Sounds like it's a wound, which itches, and makes you sneeze. Ayr Gel at night, Neosporin (or your drug of choice) several times during the day, and time will heal you.

And, it could be that's not the best mask for you. For some reason, I have LESS problems with a nasal prongs style mask, than with a pillows style mask. Counterintuitive, but it's my experience.

Might be you need to literally "toughen your nose". Some people report a break in period like that.

Okay, I'm running out of ideas..... Move to Seattle?
Babs

gsbuck · Post by **gsbuck** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 1:57 pm

There is a particular spot in the left nare that spurs the sneezing when air moves over it very fast, like in taking a deep breath thru the nose, or the pressure of air from the cpap. I don't know of any injury or wound there, and it's too far in to see. My nose doesn't hurt nor is it swollen (except for the sinuses right now). Hopefully the lower pressure tonight and using a different mask that encloses the nose will help. I may be confused in terminology for the masks: I thought nasal pillows were the same thing as prongs? Guess I'll get it right one day. Thanks for your help. It's comforting to know there's someone out there that can advise on things.

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 2:01 pm

Okay, I think the Formal Diagnosis is that you've got an Unidentified Ouchy in your nose.

Try Gasp's tricks for tweaking your CL2. Try the Ayr Gel, Neosporin (or whatever) and Sinus Rinse.

If it doesn't help, holler at me, and I'll send you a Nasal Prongs mask to test drive - the Nasal Aire II. I have one half-baked idea - it might be that the prongs will cover this sensitive area, letting the air go down your airway, without tickling the sensitive spot. What the hey, for the cost of postage, you can at least trial it.

Cheers,
Babs

Country4ever · Post by **Country4ever** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 2:04 pm

When I first starting using CPAP, I would get this horrible tickle in my nose. It eventually went away. I use a Swift Nasal Pillow (large) and sometimes I get that feeling, but then I adjust the pillow a little differently, and it seems to go away. I got it alot more with the medium pillow. Is it possible you need to go to the larger size? I think if the nasal parts don't fill up your nares enough, you can get some funky vibrating going on.

gasp · Post by **gasp** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 2:32 pm

Babette wrote:Okay, I think I'm getting a clearer picture.

The "irritation" you speak of - is it an actual wound? Or is it just a tickling feeling causing you to sneeze? Or is it just nothing you can identify, you just keep sneezing?

Sounds like it's a wound, which itches, and makes you sneeze. Ayr Gel at night, Neosporin (or your drug of choice) several times during the day, and time will heal you.

And, it could be that's not the best mask for you. For some reason, I have LESS problems with a nasal prongs style mask, than with a pillows style mask. Counterintuitive, but it's my experience.

Might be you need to literally "toughen your nose". Some people report a break in period like that.

Okay, I'm running out of ideas..... Move to Seattle?
Babs

Hey Babs alias realtor/relocator - we're trying to keep the population down : ))) PS Have you copyrighted the multiple smiley face? I use it so much now and think of you when I do. OK, too strange, but hey I do.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 3:52 pm

Dry air causes nasal irritation. You're using AC which removes the moisture from the air then blowing it in your nose, right? Learn to adj. the HH to minimize the rainout. Use http://www.lansinoh.com if it's a rubbing type irritation to the skin. Or scissors if you think it's a hair getting moved around.

Ensure the filters and water chamber have been cleaned also. The room air goes right thru the water and tends to collect dirt & dust.

fwiw - after breathing filtered air all nite my nose runs and sneezes sometimes for about an hour until it adj. to all the dust in the room air. You would think your doc would know this but if s/he is not a user all bets are off. Carbonman said it best "How can they know???"

Read more about rainout here -
viewtopic/p300638/newbie-frustration.html

Good Luck

Do nasal pillow masks cause nasal irritation?

Do nasal pillow masks cause nasal irritation?

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