Dry Nares

Tonight will be my last night for my "Take home titration study"; the RT at the VA gave me a Resmed Apap to use for 7 days. I will return it tomorrow, and she will calculate what pressures I should need; then send the DME rep to my home with a CPAP. I was close to tears the first night trying to figure out how to put the nasal mask on properly, and how to know if it was leaking; no one told me about the "exhaust". The RT wouldn't let me try the mask with the machine turned on, so I had no clue what to expect. Some nice Xpap user here on live chat helped me out that first night. Since then I have had pretty good luck...actually, I love having this thing on my face ... so much better feeling that air pressure giving me life. I think that I am already feeling positive effects. BUT... I am waking frequently and this Apap has no humidifier: my nostrils are drying out and burning.. .can't stop sneezing. I have to wear it one more night... anyone have suggestions to comfort this poor stinging nose?
I have been reading lots of posts and trying to educate myself as much as I can. You guys are great. I am sure I will be back soon with more questions... it is so good to know there is a place to go for help and an occasional laugh..
Thanks all.

I have only been using my CPAP equipment for a couple of nights now, but one of the tips I picked up reading this message board was using Ayr Gel for dry nares/nose. I am sure you will get plenty of responses to your question, as you know the people here are super.
-Laurie

Thanks Laurie. Do you know if people use the gel prior to going to bed as a preventative measure or is it used during the day to alleviate the discomfort. Hey, Laurie are you the same person who helped me with my mask that first night? If so... a BIG thank-you for that.

So sorry for you and your nose!
To think of sleeping without a humidifier sure makes me cringe! Let them know how uncomfortable you are without one! You sound like you really need it!
In the meantime, use the Ayr gel in the evening and try a light coat of Neosporin Plus during the day. (The "Plus" really helps that soreness!)

howdidthemovieend?


I totally agree with inacpapfog, using a CPAP without a humidifier for most of us is not good.

I did my titration with a setup like you, 6 days no humidifier. My nose was very sore and dry inside. I did not know about this site then.

I agree any saline spray or gel in your nose, will help both day and night would be better. It will add moisture.

Just imagine how good you will feel when you get your own system up and running.

To encourage you, I want to tell you that with my set up, I have the humidifier set at 3 (5 for swift). I have no problems with dry nostals anymore, actually I am thinking of tying 2 for the Nasal Aire II and see how that goes.

howdidthemovieend? wrote:Thanks Laurie. Do you know if people use the gel prior to going to bed as a preventative measure or is it used during the day to alleviate the discomfort. Hey, Laurie are you the same person who helped me with my mask that first night? If so... a BIG thank-you for that.

No that wasn't me that helped you with the Mask.

I use the Ayr Gel right before I put the mask on and go to sleep.
Take care.

Hi, I'm in VA too and my dme is a dog.........I got stuck with a resmed,,,,,,,,,, yes I agree you need the humidifier and if possible I would get the DME to give you a respironics machine, since it is hard to get the software and card reader for the resmed so you can monitor your therapy......I hope you don't have the same DME as I did or as much problems as I've had... I am not affiliated with resperonics I just had to bite the bullet and pay out of pocket for a new machine.. I use the resmed for a door stop!