Swift FX nasal irritation

I'm a first-time poster and relatively new CPAP patient, so apologies if this topic has been covered before. I tried searching and didn't see anything. I started therapy at the end of September and I've been having a lot of trouble finding a mask that works for me. My favorite so far is the Swift FX, which hasn't had problems leaking and lets me sleep on my stomach(!). The problem is that it's been irritating my nostrils--I used it over the weekend and I now have a small sore on the top of my right nostril. I tried a Padacheek barrel cozy, which helps with leaks, but not with this problem.

I finally realized that the problem is the thin seam of silicone that runs along vertically the side of each nasal plug--possibly where it's joined when the pillow is manufactured. It seems harmless, but over the course of the night, it's like a little knife cutting into my nose. I've loosened the headgear as much as I can, which doesn't help. Does anyone have suggestions? I tried covering them with medical tape, but I can't get the tape to stick to the silicone.

If it helps, I'm using a Remstar A-flex set at 6-10. Thanks for any help you can provide. This forum has been a lot of help so far as I try to get this therapy working.

Get Lansinoh pure lanolin in the breast feeding section of the drug store. Mothers use on sore nipples. We can use a dab inside and outside sore nares. Will not harm the silicone on your nasal pillows and will soothe the hurt until you can build up a tolerance for something in your nose. I don't even get sore spots now. Some people continue to use the Lansinoh each night. I only use it when I feel a little dry or sore.

You may have the top strap a bit too tight.

You might also want to invest in some Lansinoh ointment as it will help the sore nose. It is actually designed for nursing moms so breast nipples don't get chapped. Found in the baby section with bottles and such in most Walmarts. Use 24/7 till sore is healed and at bedtime after it is healed. Takes very little to do the job.

You might also want to invest in the barrel cozy. It fits so that your skin doesn't touch the silicone and if the ridge is making a sore sport...the material will prevent it.. Besides it is super comfy to have next to the skin. I got one last February to help with rain out and ended up using it ever since simply because it is so nice against my nose.
I never had a problem with the silicone touching my nose (used nasal pillow mask for well over 2 years now) but the barrel cozy is just so comfy I like the way it feels.
Found here.. If you are handy you can probably make your own but I am not so I allow myself this luxury along with the padded fleece side strap covers from here.
http://www.padacheek.com/PACSwiftII_Barrel_cozy.html

Welcome to the forum. Do you know about your software options with your machine? Explained here if you haven't seen them.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=64906&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... re+options

If you can't find the lanolin, try Ayr saline gel. I love it. It helped when I was using a pillow. I still use it, even though I'm now using a nasal mask. It keeps my nose moist all night. No irritation at all. Ayr even healed a crack at the corner of my mouth -- kept it nice & moist so it didn't keep re-opening when I ate, talked, yawned. . .
Hope you find a solution soon.

Another possibility once your sore has healed is a small dab of Astroglide. I still use it every night. It isn't as thick as the Lansinoh lanolin, but it isn't as smelly as the Lansinoh and psychologically I prefer it. (Others probably feel the opposite.)

I would use the Lansinoh until your sore heals.

Konrad wrote:I finally realized that the problem is the thin seam of silicone that runs along vertically the side of each nasal plug--possibly where it's joined when the pillow is manufactured. It seems harmless, but over the course of the night, it's like a little knife cutting into my nose. I've loosened the headgear as much as I can, which doesn't help. Does anyone have suggestions? I tried covering them with medical tape, but I can't get the tape to stick to the silicone.

Konrad,

If I understand you correctly, you have a small plastic seam sticking up that may have been left over from the manufacturing process.

1) As previously mentioned, you might want to first try applying Ayr nasal Gel or Lansinoh before sleep.

2) I use this mask as well and the way it feels on your face can change when you turn the hose different directions. Have you tried turning the hose to a different angle before you go to sleep (for instance toward the top of your head, instead of toward your chin)? This may relieve pressure and stop the problem.

3) You could CAREFULLY take a brand new razor blade and shave the "high" seam area off. Just be careful. If you don't have a steady hand, find someone who does so you don't cut too much off. You should only need to remove the area that is sticking up. With a razor blade you should be able to cut off a VERY thin amount and maybe solve your problem. My only worry would be if "roughing up" the mask by cutting the seam off may cause a new issue since your skin is sensitive, so I'd try the razor blade after you run out of other ideas.

Thanks for all the responses. You're right--it is that plastic seam. You wouldn't think it would be enough to bother me, but when it's against my nose for eight hours, it really causes problems. I tried the Lansinoh last night, followed by Ayr Gel this morning, and that seems to have helped. I also loosened the top strap as much as I could--I have a big head, so I can loosen as far as possible and still have minimal leaking! I'm going to try the creams for a few nights and see if the problem clears up. If not, I may try the razor blade (after practicing on an old pillow first). I really want to make this mask work, because I sleep much better with it than I did with a full-face mask.

About the software--I've been using Sleepyhead on a Mac since I got my APAP and it works great. It's free too, although I really should make some kind of donation to the developer--I saved $100 by not having to buy the Phillips software.

Konrad, Most insurance companies will pay for 2 replacements a month. Some of us get 2 weeks out of them, others get a year out of them. When something seems off it's often better to try a new pillow.

Konrad wrote:Thanks for all the responses. You're right--it is that plastic seam. You wouldn't think it would be enough to bother me, but when it's against my nose for eight hours, it really causes problems.

If the pillow is new, you may ask to return it for a brand new one. Sounds like there is a slight defect. I have not had any seams sticking up on my pillows.

Lizistired wrote:Konrad, Most insurance companies will pay for 2 replacements a month. Some of us get 2 weeks out of them, others get a year out of them. When something seems off it's often better to try a new pillow.

Unfortunately you can't assume that your particular insurance will pay for replacements this frequently.

At various times in the course of my 14 months of therapy, all using the Swift FX, I've been told by my insurance company that they'll only replace the pillows once every six months, once every three months, and once a month. This summer my DME was willing to sell me the pillows and file a claim once a month (I have a 50% copay). I've now found out the insurance has been mysteriously not paying the DME what the DME is filing as the claim. Sometimes they pay a bit more, most of the time they pay less, and sometimes they pay $0.00. With nary a letter or phone call to me saying the claim has been denied.