New and what sores to expect

[freak557]

Good day everyone! I'm new to Sleep Apnea and just received my machine two weeks ago. I'm currently using a nasal mask that has left a blister on the bridge of my nose. I'm using the gecko pad for the time being which is helping. The blister might eventually become a scar which sucks.

Are there any other sores/blisters/irritation that I can expect using a nasal mask? I'm thinking of switching my mask...

I noticed that many users here have the Swift™ FX Nasal Pillow Mask. The only thing I would be worried about is if my nostrils become irritated which take a lot longer to heal. For all the swift fx nasal pillow users, can you briefly describe any sores or irritation that I can expect.

In essence I'm asking the same question to Nasal and Nasal pillow users.

[GrantT]

With the proper size/fit/adjustment, there should not be enough pressure to cause sores/irritation. I have what I would call "sensitive" skin, and no problems so far.

Grant

[nanwilson]

If you think you will have further problems...try using a mask liner. Check out padacheeks.com, Karen is a member here and makes all kinds of accouterments to help us out. You can make one if you like too...just use a well washed cotton t-shirt, lay your mask on the cotton and draw around the mask adding about 3/4 of an inch all around. Now, take off your mask and cut out the pattern you have just made, cut out a nose or mouth hole and you have it. Since it is cotton it can be washed repeatedly.

[chunkyfrog]

For nasal pillows, the best tool is Lansinoh (nipple cream for nursing mothers)
A thin film just inside your nares helps protect your skin there and the stickiness helps hold the pillows in place.
Note: any place lanolin goes will feel so soft and smooth later. Lovely.

[VikingGnome]

I've never had any sores and have been on CPAP over 12 years. Find a better nasal mask. I've used ResMed Mirage and Mirage Activa. Neither one have anything but cushion on bridge of nose.

Are you making the straps too tight. That can cause problems. Try loosening the straps. The mask will seal when air fills it up.

[Pugsy]

I am a long time nasal pillow mask user. The most I have ever had with their use has been a very minor tenderness at the nostrils and that was directly the result of having the straps too tight or wrong size nasal pillows doing a little "moving" around at the nostril opening. Never had one sore nor even an abrasion.

The most common cause of nostril skin abrasions or sores or pain....too tight on the straps.
Lansinoh is a huge help though. Use it during the day to speed up healing if we did get the straps too tight. Easy to do when we first start out therapy and have no idea how tight things need to be.

Come to think of it...straps too tight is probably a major factor in the over the nose masks causing pain and open abrasions.

The mask I use....is quite comfortable and it shows the Bella Loops right now but the standard headgear way of wearing the Swift FX nasal pillows is the next best thing to sleeping naked.

Give the nasal pillows a try. 3 main players.
Swift FX
Swift LT
Opus 360

There is a mask trial available where you can try a mask for a week to see if you think you will like it.
$14 is all it costs and that is for postage both ways. There can be a waiting list though for the major players.
http://www.cpaplibrary.com/mask-trials

There are even ways to buy the replacement parts from EBay and "build your own mask" to cut down on expenses. Just need to know which replacement parts and shop smart.

I used the Swift LT until the Swift FX was released so I have lots of experience with it. Tried the Opus 360 but had issues getting headgear to fit properly. In all fairness I was a cpap novice at the time and it was probably mostly my fault.

If you are in no hurry to try nasal pillows...I have the Swift FX and Swift LT out on loan to a person trying them and it doesn't look like they are going to work out so they will likely be coming back to me in the future and I could loan them out again.

[freak557]

Thanks for the replies thus far. I cant really say its the straps that are too tight. I put on my mask based on the video I saw on youtube. I think my problem is I toss and turn a lot. This leads to my head/face being pushed into my pillow which could cause a pinch point pushing my mask onto the bridge of my nose...???? I tried looking at a CPAP pillow but was discouraged by the reviews.

I hope for the meantime that my blister goes away but will definitely pay a lot more attention to how tight the straps are. Thanks everyone.

I will say that I have never felt so ALIVE after using a CPAP machine. What a world of difference, seriously!