nasal pillow questions...

[joshuamommie]

I started using Swift FX for Her nasal pillows about 5 days ago. (I don't think i have changed my info yet, sorry) My question is the inside of my right nostrils is tender, and i don't know what i should do, and i figured someone here would know, should i try x-small pillows? Or would that make is worse? I think it might be because it's still new and the skin has toughned up yet maybe? I am still so new to this (Tuesday will be three weeks) and i guess i just need confirmation of doing the right thing....

[Gparr]

I will chime here as a new convert from a nasal mask to a nasal pillow (F&P Pilairo). My nostrils never were sore...just just downright ACHED...and I got a huge sore in my left side. After a check up with my RT she said to give it another week's use and all should clear up - that would make it a month. Well...I am happy to say that right at the month time period it is the most comfortable apparatus to wear.

Persevere through this period and all should be well!

[palmer1121]

I had same experience as Gparr. Same info from my RT. She also recommended adding a bit of neosporin with a qtip inide my nares where sore during the day. Buy don't use the neosporin before using the nasal pillows.
It is working.

[Pugsy]

Nostril tenderness that persists past a few days is usually related to the top strap being just a little too tight. With the Swift FX sometimes just one notch adjustment will relieve the tenderness.

Some initial tenderness can be expected with any nasal pillow mask because the nostrils are pretty much virgin territory with never having anything rub up against it. We often suggest Lansinoh lanolin ointment to help with the tenderness. It works great for nursing mom's nipple discomfort and is totally safe to apply to the nostrils. Won't harm the silicone of the nasal pillows (petroleum based products can shorten the life of the silicone and really isn't good to maybe get inhaled) and helps with the tenderness during the adjustment time.

Now if someone is having a LOT of pain then something is wrong with the fitting. Either too tight or wrong size. Nasal pillows should never ever cause extreme pain or cause an abrasion or open sore. The most common mistake that people make is they get the straps too tight and with the Swift FX it's most often the top strap.

[joshuamommie]

thank you everyone, i did use lanolin last night when i realized it was sore, i have sensitive skin and have been using lanolin for years since my first one was born for various needs, not just for breastfeeding moms.... i will keep with it, i haven't changed the adjustments at all since the RT fitted me in the office, but if it persists i will loosen it.... Thank you again everyone!

[Babette]

I've been using a nasal cannula system for 6 years, and while the preponderance of the time I have no problems whatsoever, now and then I'll get a little soreness on the inside of the nostrils. I deal with it, and continue on. It's never so bad that I can't use my mask.

You'll find a lot of different things can help, and you will toughen up a bit with use. And then you'll have the odd morning when you wake up and go "what the frick just happened to my nose?" Don't sweat over it. It will be okay and you'll continue on.

But if you don't... Well, there's always another mask to try. In my case, I find pillows far more aggravating to my skin than the internal cannula style. But not everyone feels that way. Just keep trying other masks. Luckily there's lots of folks on this board willing to send you the mask they don't like for free or very little money.

Cheers,
B.

[kwikwater]

I started on a nasal mask that didn't leak in my eye or any other annoyance for weeks. I was lucky!!!! But as I tweaked the straps I usually made it worse, until I dug through the Respironics website and found the clinicians instructions for how to adjust, based on the problem being remedied. Each time I've changed masks, I find that the manufacturers' clinician instructions are the best! Now, having said that I haven't had cause to look for new info for 3-4 years, so can't guarantee what you'll find. Good Luck!!
Kelvin