K-Y vs. Ayr Gel

[Slartybartfast]

No, this isn't what you think.

Ever since I started using my APAP last August, I've had sores just inside my nares from the nasal pillows. "Ouch," is the socially acceptable expression. Neosporin didn't work, neither did another preparation of bacitracin ointment. On the recommendation of some kind folks here I tried Ayr gel and the problem went away. But miss one night and next afternoon I'd feel a sore starting up again.

Now Ayr Gel is a great product, smells nice and lemony, but it's doggone expensive. So last time I ran out of it, I grabbed a small tube of K-Y jelly. Didn't know that stuff came in so many varieties. Must be getting old. So I just grabbed what was cheapest. The store brand.

I'm here to tell you I think the K-Y knockoff is even better than the Ayr Gel because it's considerably thicker and stays in place. And as it dries it becomes a little sticky and tends to hold the nasal pillows (Opus 360 and Swift FX) in place, meaning I was able to back off the strap tension a bit.

So give it a try.

[BernieRay]

I may have to give that a try. I've used Ayr Gel for years, but it tend to fade before the night is out.

I just hope the cashier doesn't look at me funny. There's no way I'm telling them that I'm putting it up my nose to sleep better!

[Slartybartfast]

Don't sweat it. When I bought it, I also had a small box of panty liners that I used for strap protectors before I discovered Padacheek products.

[Lizistired]

Glycerine is also sold as "skin protectant" "HUMCO" brand, even cheaper

[chunkyfrog]

Maybe I'll give it a try.
My nose is too sexy for my face.

[OceanGoingGal]

Thanks for the giggle!!! I know the intent is serious and an innovative way to solve a problem. But really....just go back and read the thread it is funny. It is good to know there is some humor in such a serious illness.

Laura

[Slartybartfast]

Humor is understandable.

My wife said any guy who can go through the supermarket checkout line with a box of panty liners and a tube of K-Y jelly (actually I looked and it was Astroglide) must be very confident of his masculinity.

[BernieRay]

That makes me feel better about buying feminine pads to keep in my first aid kit.

[Uncle_Bob]

I am a swift LT user and found that the Swift FX fixed angle one size fits all pillows dug into my nares and made them sore.
Also the Opus 360 pillows not as soft and plump as the Swift LT's. So I'm curious, have you tried a Swift LT?

[Slartybartfast]

Not I, but both the Opus and Swift FX pillows stay in place and don't slide around like they do with Ayr gel. I think the key is that as the KY/Astroglide dries, it gets sticky, which helps keep the pillows stuck to the nares.

Anyway, it works for me. Been sleeping like the dead with very much reduced leaks since I made the switch. And the box of panty liners are shoved way in the back of the under-sink cabinet where nobody will see them.

[anon!]

That makes me feel better about buying feminine pads to keep in my first aid kit.

My husband wants to know why you keep feminine pads in your first aid kit? LOL!

(I'm guessing its to soak up blood if you have a really bad cut. Am I right?)

ROTFLMBO! Thanks for the laugh!

[BernieRay]

That makes me feel better about buying feminine pads to keep in my first aid kit.

My husband wants to know why you keep feminine pads in your first aid kit? LOL!

(I'm guessing its to soak up blood if you have a really bad cut. Am I right?)

ROTFLMBO! Thanks for the laugh!

You guess correctly. I've kept them in all my FA kits for years. I was, however, surprised when I bought a new car a couple of years ago and went to put a couple in the car. Believe it or not, they are standard issue in the first aid kits that come with Infiniti vehicles.

[SleepingUgly]

If you want sticky, try Lansinoh. That stuff is so sticky that I can hardly get it to come out of the tube.

I have had some sores in my nose (not from CPAP this time) and the Ayr Gel, which is saline, burned a bit and didn't do anything. Neosporin didn't fix the problem either. Generic Bactroban seems to be working immediately, though.

[Hose_Head]

No, this isn't what you think.

Ever since I started using my APAP last August, I've had sores just inside my nares from the nasal pillows. "Ouch," is the socially acceptable expression. Neosporin didn't work, neither did another preparation of bacitracin ointment. On the recommendation of some kind folks here I tried Ayr gel and the problem went away. But miss one night and next afternoon I'd feel a sore starting up again.

Now Ayr Gel is a great product, smells nice and lemony, but it's doggone expensive. So last time I ran out of it, I grabbed a small tube of K-Y jelly. Didn't know that stuff came in so many varieties. Must be getting old. So I just grabbed what was cheapest. The store brand.

I'm here to tell you I think the K-Y knockoff is even better than the Ayr Gel because it's considerably thicker and stays in place. And as it dries it becomes a little sticky and tends to hold the nasal pillows (Opus 360 and Swift FX) in place, meaning I was able to back off the strap tension a bit.

So give it a try.

You want sticky?!! Try duct tape. Surprised you didn't try that first!

[LinkC]

Is there a particular flavor of K-Y that works better?

I think I'll stick (pun intended) with good ol' nipple grease, like SU.