Comfort Lite 2 w/ pillows question/advice

I've been using the CL2 mask for 4 nights now. I've been waking up in the morning with the opening of my nostrils very sore. This is the first time I've used a nasal pillows type mask and I expected an adaptation period. I don't notice any undue pressure on the nostrils when I first put it on or when I wake up, but there is the soreness. It hasn't completely gone away during the day either. Is this soreness just an adaption thing or do I have an adjustment problem? Thanks.

The prior post was mine. I've noticed other users having the same posting problem a lot. Log in. Post a message and it shows up as guest.

Pirate

Pirate, I use the CL2 infrequently because of sore nares using the pillows. I feel fine with initial adjustments but wake up about 2 hours later with a very sore nose. My DME called last Thursday to say my simple cushion had just come in. I will give these a try instead of the pillows to see if that works for me. Otherwise I will have to try the direct seal next.

I have only had the CL2 for a few weeks and have not really had much extensive use so I can not predict if you will get over the soreness. I have read where some people use lubricants to ease the soreness. If you do a search I am sure there is some help in prior posts.

Dale

Hi guys,

There is a lot in the "archives" about sore nares. I had a big problem with this with the Breeze, and actually have had no problem with this with my CL2, which I have been using for almost one month. A few tips. First of all, make sure the size is right. Most of us need a slightly larger size than the DME thinks. For the CL2 you will likely need either medium or large. Try them both. Second of all, check how it is set. It shouldn't be too tight, and shouldn't push up your nostrils Miss Piggy style. The air pressure will hold it snug. Finally, lubricants. There has been a lot of discussion, in waves, on this forum. Maybe someone good at these things can pull up some threads and post the links. Basically, this is my summary. Yes, use something. I do every night. Every night. There are a few options. There are the water based saline gels like Ayr gel. There is KY jelly. There is vaseline, which has had a lot of its own discussion but personally I find the best. PM me if you want my take on the discussion about vaseline. (and please, folks, don't use this as an opportunity to start it up again...). Some people have recommended pure lanolin, like for breastfeeding. Others have suggested something called Secarius which may be a Canadian product, only. Basically, try something! It really helps.

Also, have a nasal mask as a back up. Sometimes giving the nostrils a break for a night or two is also part of the process.

Regarding the simple cushion, if you find it doesn't seal well, i.e. you get leaks, try an extra strap between the forehead and the nose. Rested Gal's "tights" fix is a good one for this. Just make sure it doesn't slip over the exhale port.

GOOD LUCK

AII

This definately sounds like something I would suggest talking to your equipment provider about.

They may well have a number of different options for you to try out!

Bingo

I use the direct seal nasal cushion size 5. Nothing sticks in my nose and there is no soreness.

As long as your pressures are not too high (greater than 15), the direct seal cushion rarely leaks.

Hope this helps.

Thanks. I don't have the direct seal interface so I'm going to try the simple cushion tonight.

I had the same problem with the nasal pillows. I tried for about a week, tweaking anything and everything I could to try to keep them from hurting my nose. The pain I experienced was more on what I think is called the septum, the "divider between the nostrils" area. That would be painful every morning. So, I switched to the simple cushion and absolutely love it. I do have to use Rested Gal's extra strap, though. I use a leg from panty hose. To keep it from slipping over the exhaust holes, I actually tie the hose onto the down tube above where the simple cushion elbow attaches.

I did find, however, that I was having to pull the hose tighter than was really comfortable until I figured out that my 6' air tube was tugging on the headgear because the hosehanger contraption my husband made for me was about 6" too tall. When I laid on my left side it was tugging on the top of the headgear just enough to lift the cushion from its proper position. I haven't retried the nasal cushions since making this discovery, but it might help with that problem, too.

Linda, it sounds to me like that might have been your original pillows problem. Too much pulling of the hose and rubbing under your nose. You might want to slowly work with the pillows again. it's great that the nasal mask is working so good for you.