Nasal Pillows

Hi, I am new to the world of sleep apnea, and have recently started using a cpap with a nasal pillow type mask. I love it, no problems with sleeping with my mouth closed. My problem is that my nostrils are starting to become a bit raw and sore. I was wondering if anyone else has this problem, and if there is a solution. Thanks!

leeknorr wrote:Hi, I am new to the world of sleep apnea, and have recently started using a cpap with a nasal pillow type mask. I love it, no problems with sleeping with my mouth closed. My problem is that my nostrils are starting to become a bit raw and sore. I was wondering if anyone else has this problem, and if there is a solution. Thanks!

If it is inside your nostril try a larger pillow and make sure your mask is not to tight. If it is at the edge of the nostril use Lansinoh during the day. You can find it in the Baby section of most stores. It is used by nursing mothers. This soreness should go away after a few days.

I use Lansinoh at nite before bed. I smear a dab on the pillow where it touches the nares and on the nares where they seal with the pillows. This not only reduces the friction when the pillows move and they will each time you breath (thousands of times each nite) and help provide a seal.

Lansinoh tends to get thick and hard to squeeze out of the tube when cold esp. during the winter. So with a little pre-bed planning you can warm the tube by putting it in your pocket or near your fav body part for a few minutes. This make the Lansinoh plenty soft to squeeze out.

Been using nasal pillow for over 5 years and even over time they can get to were they make you nose sore. I've never though too much about using anything so I will keep this post in mind and maybe pickup some to put on my nose when it's sore. Wiping down the pillows can help to because they can get some build up on them and like somebody else said they are going to move with every breath

bmanley wrote:maybe pickup some to put on my nose when it's sore.

IMO it is much easier to use it every nite and to prevent chaffing than to heal it after that fact.

Thank you everyone for the good advice! I will definitely give the Lansinoh a try.

can I use Vaseline instead?

mibbim wrote:can I use Vaseline instead?

I say no on the Petroleum jelly on the pillows especially for repeated use due to the possibility of lipid pneumonia. I don't use any oil based product on my pillows at night while using my Cpap. http://www.mayoclinic.org/petroleum-jel ... q-20057784

mibbim wrote:can I use Vaseline instead?

it's bad for silicone.

I bought the Lansinoh just in case. But the cream is called Lanolin HPA which is actually for sore nipples for mom? My nose now feel more inching than sore by using the mask, I am only being use for 3 days....