2 questions from new kid

[jenjochach]

Hi all,
I've been using APAP machine for about a year, but am new to CPAP.com. I just realized ya'll who use this stuff every day probably know more about the day-to-day stuff than my DME supplier (who told me to run my mask & humidifier thru the dishwasher once a week), or my doc, who does not actually have apnea or use any of this stuff.

Anyway, first, I'm using a Swift Mirage II, and getting a very sore nostril (nare?). What, if anything, do you recommend to take care of the unsightly redness?

Second, I have kind of a fancy APAP machine with a data card. I tried straight CPAP for a while, but was not getting good results so doc switched me back to APAP. Where can I get the software to monitor my own info? Insurance won't cover consults with doc or DME supplier now, but I'm interested in tracking info on my own.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

[rested gal]

Hi jenjo, welcome to the board!

I'm using a Swift Mirage II, and getting a very sore nostril (nare?). What, if anything, do you recommend to take care of the unsightly redness?

You might try one of these things to prevent the soreness and redness:

Lansinoh (for nursing mothers)
Ayr gel (nasal products aisle)
Neosporin
KY
castor bean oil

I have kind of a fancy APAP machine with a data card. I tried straight CPAP for a while, but was not getting good results so doc switched me back to APAP. Where can I get the software to monitor my own info? Insurance won't cover consults with doc or DME supplier now, but I'm interested in tracking info on my own.

Encore Viewer software and a DT3500 smart card reader.

Many online cpap stores sell the Encore Viewer software and card reader. cpap.com (sponsors of this board) does. If you find it cheaper at another cpap store, I think cpap.com will price match.

You've got a really good machine, imho!

[Gerald]

Welcome............

I use the Lansenoh Lanolin every night. Great stuff.....helps with the seal........and keeps the nares soft.

Gerald

[RipVW]

Hello & Welcome, jenjochach! Glad you found this forum--SO much useful info and SO many helpful people here!

I just couldn't seem to adjust to nasal pillows, even using the gels and oitments suggested here, my nares were irritated, sore, swollen. I finally went back to my full face mask--just seems to be the most comfortable interface for me.

"You are getting sleepy . . ."

[deerslayer]

sure don't have that sucker on too tight ? i have not had any problems w/ my swift II ? simplest mask i've found. ....just got a mirage ff today from th va . this one actually seems to fit me . my #'s lately have been going south w/ the swift and i am not mouth breathing. good luck jenjochach !

[jenjochach]

THANKS for the tips! you certainly are a friendly and helpful group. I'll try those nare-lubes you recommended, and I'll try to pick up the encore software rested gal suggested, too.

[Guest]

I also have an APAP, and use the Nasal Aire II mask, instead of the Swift. Much more comfortable, in my opinion. Read more about it here:

W W W DOT cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t23207/Babettes-Nasal-Aire-II-Tip-Sheet.html

(Guests can't post links)

WHY I LOVE THE NASAL AIRE II

The Nasal Aire II is the most comfortable mask I've ever used. I tried nearly every nasal pillows mask out there, and hated them all. They HURT (not just my nose, but my skin, my hair, my neck, etc.), they leaked, I spent all night fiddling with them... I was nearly homicidal with tiredness and irritation because I couldn't get 100% compliant with the cpap - until I tried the NAII.

WHY DO I LOVE THE NASAL AIRE II?

1) Least amount of skin contact of any mask out there - I have acne and sensitive skin, this is extremely important to me. Previous masks I tried caused sores on my nose – both outside and in, chafed my upper lip raw, and caused headgear/mask sores and/or acne elsewhere on my face. I have had NO SORES and NO ACNE from the NAII. Nada. Zip. Zilch. No pressure sores, no chafing, no nothing. I did develop a small sore inside on nostril this fall – figured out I needed to raise my humidity because I was drying out all my moist parts.  Once I did that, it healed and nothing has returned.

2) Completely free visually – so I can sit in bed and read with this on, watch TV, etc. No mouth obstructions, so I can take a sip of water when I want it, too. Kissing IS an option. 

3) Less leaks than anything else I've tried. Once I found the optimum configuration for my headgear FOR ME, I fiddle with it far less than any other mask I've tried. It stays in place, without leaks, far longer than anything else I've tried. Your optimum configuration may vary from mine. I found I really had to stabilize the side tubes along the sides of my face for best results.

4) More comfortable to lie on than anything else I've tried. It doesn’t demand that I twist my neck into weird positions to allow clear venting. I can side sleep all I want, in my same old way, without a new pillow or new position. The tubes are remarkably comfortable to sleep on, and lying on them does NOT cut the air supply off. I really don’t even feel them.

I highly recommend my personal configuration – skip the enclosed headgear, and attach it to a Tiara brand Topaz Chinstrap with Velcro one-wrap, in the over-the-head “ponytail” style. See my tip sheet for links to pix of my configuration. Also, make yourself some little fleece tubes to cover the mask tubes with – greatly helps both with skin comfort and rainout.

Consider buying it from CPAP.com with return insurance.

Or buy it outright and sell it if you decide you don't like it.

DO MAKE SURE you buy the version with ALL SIX SIZES OF CANNULA INCLUDED. You really need to do this to ensure proper fit. Once you've settled on the proper fit, there are numerous forum members who will buy or trade for your unwanted cannulas.

cpap.com/productpage.php?PNum=2672&PAID=517

Here are some great links to info on the NAII:

cpaptalk.com/cpaptalk-faq.php?FCID=11#11

Good luck!
Babette