Mask gone, Pillows hurt, frustration and other delights.

Russ · Post by **Russ** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 2:29 am

After two weeks of the original mask I was using that was leaking into my eyes every night and giving me blurred vision, I traded it in for a Mirage Swift.

I have tried to sleep on my back with no luck. When I sleep on my side, the pillows eventually pop out when I fall asleep. I've tried all three sizes.

My nostrils are red and painful. If I adjust the headgear to keep the pillows from popping, it just hurts constantly.

It's been 26 days and I am really sad.

Just wanted to vent.

TerryB · Post by **TerryB** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 5:12 am

Russ,
If you will fill in your profile and provide more info. like pressure, we may be able to help. Also there is information available for treating the sore nose. And last modifications to the way you set up the Swift to help keep it in place. I use my Swift every night.

TerryB

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): swift

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 8:07 am

My nostrils are red and painful. If I adjust the headgear to keep the pillows from popping, it just hurts constantly

Russ, I think most of us who use nasal pillows every night use some type
of "balm" to keep the nares irritation free. The most popular ointments
are:
Ayr Gel. KY Jel, Chap Stik, Vaseline, or something with lots
of lanolin oil. like Bag Balm.

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 8:11 am

I've been using chapstik. A THIN layer stops the soreness and seem to help the nasal pillows stick better. I found that I can loosen the headgear a bit if I use chapstik and still get a good seal.

Brenda

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 8:42 am

Can you get a nasal mask to wear while your nose is healing-then keep it for a backup to use for times when you have a sore nose or whatever.
I don't like the odor of Bag Balm or vaseline so went to unpetrolatum or a Badger product from health food stores-The badger display has many different "ointments" and generally tester tins for each type. Extra mild olive oil. Burt's Bees products for babies. I don't worry about the silicone seal too much-although avoid heavily scented detergents for cleaning. In spite of using the various "greasy" stuff the masks have lasted longer than the manufacturers recommended replacement schedule.

Russ · Post by **Russ** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 9:18 am

Thanks for all the ideas. I have been using Eucerin on my nose...but I think it may just be too slippery. I'll try out the Chapstick...I've seen that mentioned a lot here.

Oh...and my pressure is 8cm.

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 9:44 am

Welcome to the boards Russ,

Just a thought, maybe you may not be suited for a swift.

During the day, I would strongly suggest using neosporin on your nose sores. It really helps with the healing process. Wash it off at night before putting on any interface.

I though vaseline was not good for interfaces?

Do not use anything that is silicone base, may damage the interface.

Russ, I found the larger size was a better fit, but pops out easier then the medium so I am now using that one. I still moves while I move around.

Good Luck Russ.

Interesting about the chap stick and the nose. I will try some tonight.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 10:31 am

Russ,
The Swift is great for some - a majority - but dreadful for others. I could stand it for one or two nights...
And then I got the Breeze, and read about using KY- jelly - and even then, after about a week I had to take a 2-3 night break from the interface - recommended by my RT.

Then I returned to the Breeze, and kept on using KY jelly for about 4 months or so - now I no longer need it.

Finding the right interface can be a hassle or a drag - drag in the literal sense as well, with the mask getting dragged off you face.

What helped me was a tip I read on a forum: Attach you hose to a hook in the wall - about a foot above your head - with the help of a scrunchie. That was a great tip - no more nose drag, less leaks.

Don't let the beginning discourage you.

O.

buckeyered · Post by **buckeyered** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 10:47 am

I use Bag Balm for lot's of things including my nares, it works great and it's cheap but you do have to get use to the smell but after a couple of days you wont even notice it.
http://www.bagbalm.com/
Good luck and don't get discouraged with finding the right mask, I have been trying masks for a year and still haven't found the right one for me but I just got a hybrid on Friday so I am trying to work the bugs out of it and get it to where it doesn't hurt to wear and don't leak.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 10:55 am

Just a quick note too, if you are using oxygen with your cpap do not use Vaseline or any other petroleum based substance due to the fact that they can cause burns when exposed to oxygen.

mattman

NyNurse33 · Post by **NyNurse33** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 2:41 pm

And Petroleum inhaled in the lungs is not good either. I just can't get over how comfortable my CL2 nasal pillows are compared to the swift. The swift is still uncomfortable for me the next morning, even though I use the Ayr nasal gel. I also feel that my nostrils are getting fatter with the swift.

Russ · Post by **Russ** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 3:21 am

The CL2 looks a lot more...ergonomic (?) than the Swift. I may just have to get one and try it too. I think having the hose come up over the head instead of off to one side would probably help a lot.

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:28 am

The CL2 looks a lot more...ergonomic

I suggest the CL2 with the nasal pillows and Simple Cushion option.
The main advantage of this set-up is, the Simple Cushion can be worn
on those nights that require a break from the nasal pillows.

I've been using the Simple Cushion, instead of Hybrid, for the last two
nights, because I've had gum surgery and can't have anything against
my jaws. I've been using the Simple Cushion, instead of the nasal pillows,
because I don't have to "tape up" with the former.

Mask

Additional Comments: 16 cm x 14 cm