Any suggestions???

[jess]

Hi everyone --- I posted lots of questions when I was first diagnosed about a year ago and you were so helpful. Now I have a problem ---- I use the nasal pad mask ---- however it causes redness and irritation just inside my nose. People probably think that I have a cold because of the red nasal cavity. Anyway, the doctor gave me a different brand nasal mask --- he also lowered the size to extra small, but that didn't work because I need a small. Is there an ointment or anything I can do about this irritation. Thanks, Jess
Oh, by the way --- CPAP is the greatest thing I've ever purchased (besides my computer) I sleep like a baby -- usually don't wake up even once during the night.

[SleepingUgly]

I'm not sure what you mean by "nasal pad mask". Do you mean nasal pillows? And when you say it's red, do you mean inside your nose or around your nostrils? I never found a solution to some of the redness that I got around the outsides of my nostrils. You can try Lansinoh on the nasal pillows and see if that helps.

[DreamDiver]

however it causes redness and irritation just inside my nose.

I agree with SleepingUgly on the Lansinoh. If you're getting soreness and redness further into your nares or even in your sinuses, one person from the Atlanta CPAP users group suggested a product called Xlear that has xylitol and grapefruit seed extract. It's a nasal spray that does wonders clearing out your sinuses and nasal passages without drying them out, and it can be used as often as needed without drying or causing dependency, according to the product labeling.

If you're talking about redness on the outside or around your nose that won't go away and is irritating, have you tried using mask liners? They're easy to make from scrap cotton flannel.

[NateS]

Hi everyone --- I posted lots of questions when I was first diagnosed about a year ago and you were so helpful. Now I have a problem ---- I use the nasal pad mask ---- however it causes redness and irritation just inside my nose. People probably think that I have a cold because of the red nasal cavity. Anyway, the doctor gave me a different brand nasal mask --- he also lowered the size to extra small, but that didn't work because I need a small. Is there an ointment or anything I can do about this irritation. Thanks, Jess
Oh, by the way --- CPAP is the greatest thing I've ever purchased (besides my computer) I sleep like a baby -- usually don't wake up even once during the night.

So glad to hear you are doing so well with CPAP!

If the GoLife for Women mask that you listed makes the inside of your nose red and irritated, you might consider trying the new WISP, which goes over the nose but not into it. I swear by it!

http://www.healthcare.philips.com/us_en ... /morph.wpd

Regards, Nate

[jeffjeep]

Hi Jess,

You could try a differnt style of mask altogether. Such as a Nasal Mask. Especially if you are having issues with your current mask. You could use the nasal mask to completely give your nares a break, and maybe if the Nasal Pillows are your preference, you could go back to them once your irritation clears up. Also, how long have you had this original mask? It might benefit from a cleaning with a mild non-anti-bacterial, non-fragranced soap. (and water)

[jess]

Thanks everyone. The redness is not on the outside -- it's just at the beginning of the inside of my nostrils. I'll purchase the Lansinoh right away. Nate I also looked at the WISP --- that looks small enough to be comfortable. I'll go to my local CPAP store to be fitted. I do think it may work for me. I do soak the whole head mask with the pillows in warm water with dawn and vinigar -- so that doesn't seem to be the problem. I wish today wasn't a holiday, because I want to go get these products today. Thanks again everyone.