leaks! please help!

[sleepnasta]

how do you stop leaks with nasal pillows? mine seem to be getting worse. my pillows are a month old. does this mean it's time to replace them? thanks.

[chunkyfrog]

Yes.
Replacement can be as short as 2 weeks, but a month is normal, and allowed by insurance.
Many people can get more time out of them.

[sleepnasta]

Yes.
Replacement can be as short as 2 weeks, but a month is normal, and allowed by insurance.
Many people can get more time out of them.

thanks. will try the other pair i have tonight and see if it helps. my AHI has been good (actually got a 0 and happy face on sleepy head yesterday) but leaks are pretty bad, especially when i lie on my side.

[rjezuit]

Try adjusting your headgear. It may be too loose. I use nasal pillows and have used the same pillows since last March without the need to change them. As the foam on the headgear compresses, and the bands lose some elasticity they loosen up. A loose mask/pillows leak more.

[sleepnasta]

Try adjusting your headgear. It may be too loose. I use nasal pillows and have used the same pillows since last March without the need to change them. As the foam on the headgear compresses, and the bands lose some elasticity they loosen up. A loose mask/pillows leak more.

good idea. will try that as well.

[rjezuit]

I also use Lansinoh HPA Lanolin on my nostrils religiously. It seems to help with the seal, and if the mask is too tight it helps stop any irritation.

[johnthomasmacdonald]

I give them a real good wash/soaking in dial dish detergent and then make sure to always use lansinol lanolin cream/gel on my nostrils. Any night i forget to use the lansinol I note that my leak rate goes way up - so far that has always solved the leaks for me with the swift fx

[Xney]

They do wear down over time, especially if they don't fit perfectly. Replacing them every 2-4 weeks is normal.

[lazer]

I gave mine a nice warm bath in baby shampoo a week ago and that seemed to do wonders. Also, some have mentioned the addition of some O-Rings to help stabilize them after some aging but I haven't tried that method yet. *good luck*

[lorraineg57]

They do wear down over time, especially if they don't fit perfectly. Replacing them every 2-4 weeks is normal.

I'm still on my trial period with my cpap, been using the pillows well over a month. Should they be sending me new ones or do I have to call?

[lorraineg57]

I also use Lansinoh HPA Lanolin on my nostrils religiously. It seems to help with the seal, and if the mask is too tight it helps stop any irritation.

Is there anything else I could use that I might have around the house?

[sleepnasta]

They do wear down over time, especially if they don't fit perfectly. Replacing them every 2-4 weeks is normal.

I'm still on my trial period with my cpap, been using the pillows well over a month. Should they be sending me new ones or do I have to call?

i'd call whoever gave them to you and ask. my insurance gives me two a month but i'm sure it varies.

[sleepnasta]

I also use Lansinoh HPA Lanolin on my nostrils religiously. It seems to help with the seal, and if the mask is too tight it helps stop any irritation.

Is there anything else I could use that I might have around the house?

i know all about lanisoh from breastfeeding! it's pure vitamin E, no petroleum. stay away from petroleum products because they can erode the material in your pillows. i'd stick with the lanisoh. the generic name is lanolin and you can easily get it at any drug/grocery store.

[Xney]

They do wear down over time, especially if they don't fit perfectly. Replacing them every 2-4 weeks is normal.

I'm still on my trial period with my cpap, been using the pillows well over a month. Should they be sending me new ones or do I have to call?

I think a month is about as long as you can realistically go with nasal pillows (for your typical user) - I would call and talk to them. They start sealing poorly after a while, even if you clean them.

[Chikorita]

I have this exact question.

I was under the impression looser was better but I think mine are too loose.
I will get onto it tonight.
Have new pillows on order too so hopefully things will improve.