New to nasal pillow... They seem to "fold" over.

[Bondman59]

Any suggestions:

I have a nasal pillow (new to it) and some nights it seems like it "folds over" the ends where you nostrils are and it is hard to breathe...

Thank you!

[Pugsy]

Which model?
Usual suspects for what you are describing...top strap too tight or nasal pillow to small or both.

[Bondman59]

Resmed

[ems]

Many different ones... not nearly enough information. Name of mask? Machine? Pressure?

[Pugsy]

Which ResMed Nasal pillow?
Swift LT
Swift FX
the new AirFit P10 this one I have had what you describe happen with it...I had to go up a size from XSmall to Small be cause the inhale force caused some extra suction causing the walls to sort of collapse. Didn't happen all the time be enough to be annoying. It is also sometimes a little too tight with that one size fits all strap...the straps will loosen up a bit with use though.

[bondman59]

Swift fx

[Pugsy]

Never had that happen with the Swift FX and I used it for over 2 years.
What size nasal pillow are you trying? Might try next bigger size if you can and/or look at that top strap on the Swift FX...it shouldn't be tight at all. If you look in the mirror and your first thought is "piggy nose" that top strap is way too tight and it won't allow the nasal pillows to inflate and stay inflated like they are supposed to do. Watch the back strap also. People tend to tighten these nasal pillow mask straps way more than they need to. Mine was so loose I could slide my hand easily under the straps.
Have you watched the fitting video?
http://www.cpaplibrary.com/nasal-pillows.html

[chunkyfrog]

Sometimes the inside cone flips inside out--I've had pillows that did this a lot--hard to get air through them that way.
Only ResMed pillows do that--but they are so soft.

[somnolentdoc]

Anyone have problems with the pillows digging into his or her nasal mucosa? I was using the mediums and in retrospect they seem to be the best fit but they would really seem to dig in and leave me with irritation upon waking.

I switched to the larges and I think my leak went up. I can't win.

[Pugsy]

Anyone have problems with the pillows digging into his or her nasal mucosa? I was using the mediums and in retrospect they seem to be the best fit but they would really seem to dig in and leave me with irritation upon waking.

Anything more than a little bit of tenderness is usually associated with that top strap being too tight.
I know it sounds counter productive but less is more when it comes to fitting any nasal pillow mask.

Lansinoh lanolin ointment for minor tenderness or very minor abrasions will help but abrasions shouldn't happen with a proper fit. Use liberally during the day to promote healing and sparingly at night. Don't use too much like I did one night and body heat emulsified it and the nasal pillow ended up in my ear.

[jencat824]

Not wanting to muddy the waters here. First follow Pugsy's instructions to the letter. Remember'less is more' when tightening straps, I learned that one the hard way.

Someone here on the forum gave me this tip - use O rings on the nasal pillows to elevate them. I use a #9 O ring. These can be purchased at any Lowes, Home Depot, or any plumbing supply store. Sounds strange to use a plumbing supply item with your CPAP mask, but its worked wonders for me. Search for 'O ring' & you can read other info about these. I'm not sure why, but this took me from a 'nasal pillow user wannabe' to a 'nasal pillow user' and a happy user at that.

[chunkyfrog]

When I smeared a thin ring of Lansinoh on the skin where the pillows touch,
I was able to loosen the headgear quite a bit, because the pillows stuck to my nose.

[Bondman59]

You folks are wonderful!!!

I just readjusted the headgear... Seems better...

Ok... I found that sometimes at night I would blow out a bit of air from my mouth... Not good from what I understand... Another friend suggested to wrap an ace bandage around my mouth... Thoughts?

[Bondman59]

Ok... "nother question???

Do I need the water in the system during the summer?
I would like cooler air...
Thanks!

[Pugsy]

What model/brand machine are you using? Current humidifier setting? Using a heated hose or not?
I need my humidity even during the summer months but I don't care for warm air in the summer (it's great in the winter) and there is a way to have both the moisture and the cooler temps depending on what machine is used and I use a heated hose. I just drop the temp.