Nasal Mask Issues

[bmcguir]

I'm a relatively new CPAP user. When I started (about 3 months ago), I was fitted (sort of) with a full face mask. After 3 frustrating months of taking the mask off in the middle of the night and a very ugly sore place on my face, my provider switched me to a nose mask. Now, I'm developing this really sensitive place just inside my right nostril. What can anyone advise me to do to help ease the soreness? I've been wearing the nasal mask for about 3 weeks now and am really getting frustrated with the whole process. I'm not getting ANY support from the sleep clinic and very LITTLE support from the respiratory therapist through my equipment provider. All the provider wants to do is to keep switching mask styles around every 30 days or so - I think because she's too overloaded to really spend any time trying to figure out the problem.

Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated!

[brazospearl]

Welcome to the forum! You're experience is a very common one. It often takes trying numerous masks to find the one that works best for you. There are several tricks to help with fitting, padding, and managing your masks. Could you tell us exactly which masks you've used? Forum members who've tried those particular ones might be able to provide more specific help.

[usmccop]

Been there, done that. As the other poster said keep trying different masks. It takes time, but don't give up.

I'm a relatively new CPAP user. When I started (about 3 months ago), I was fitted (sort of) with a full face mask. After 3 frustrating months of taking the mask off in the middle of the night and a very ugly sore place on my face, my provider switched me to a nose mask. Now, I'm developing this really sensitive place just inside my right nostril. What can anyone advise me to do to help ease the soreness? I've been wearing the nasal mask for about 3 weeks now and am really getting frustrated with the whole process. I'm not getting ANY support from the sleep clinic and very LITTLE support from the respiratory therapist through my equipment provider. All the provider wants to do is to keep switching mask styles around every 30 days or so - I think because she's too overloaded to really spend any time trying to figure out the problem.

Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated!

[jazzer4]

This is one of the hardest things about c-pap....finding the right mask.

Finally you think you found the right one and then something pops up with it.

I know it's frustrating, it is for most all of us in the beginning.

I finally "settled" for one that makes my nose sore, but not "as sore" as the previous one.

Everbodys face is different and it's either very time consuming, or exspensive (out of pocket cost) to keep seaching.

But, do keep trying as it really will be worth it when you start to feel great again....believe me.

[Janknitz]

Is this a nasal mask, or a nasal pillow mask?

If it's a nasal mask with no direct contact on that part of your nose (the septum?), you might need to bump your humidity up just a tiny bit.

If it's a nasal pillow mask, you can try a little healing lubricant. The recommended thing is Lanisoh, which is medical grade lanolin cream (you can also find generic medical grade lanolin for less). It's in the baby aisle because it's more commonly used to soothe a breast-feeding mom's sore and tender nipples. This will also work even if there is no direct contact between the mask and your nostrils.

Some people prefer Ayr Gel--that's a saline gel to lubricate the area. KY Jelly will work too. Just avoid any petroleum based products as they will deteriorate the silicone on the mask.