Recommendations for Lubricating Nasal Pillows

my best solution has been ayr gel topped by a layer of vaseline to alleviate dryness and stuffiness. vaseline is the best moisturizer but it doesn't de-stuff. ayr gel de-stuffs but it irritates and doesn't last all night; vaseline seems to help it work longer. the two seem to work well together to combat all evils. haven't tried roezit. k-y jelly doesn't do anything for my nose.

caroline

Anonymous wrote:my best solution has been ayr gel topped by a layer of vaseline to alleviate dryness and stuffiness. vaseline is the best moisturizer but it doesn't de-stuff. ayr gel de-stuffs but it irritates and doesn't last all night; vaseline seems to help it work longer. the two seem to work well together to combat all evils. haven't tried roezit. k-y jelly doesn't do anything for my nose.

caroline

Hah, Split the difference! That's the best compromise I've heard yet on the "great vaseline-ayr gel debate" of 2006! Now can we all just get along?

krousseau wrote:Anyone worried about lipoid pneumonitis better stop eating nuts, steak, oily salad dressing, ice cream, etc. They pass within mm of the passage to the lungs. For sure don't eat fatty substances with a CPAP on---double for sure if you have oxygen attached to that little port. And don't light the candles on your buttercream iced birthday cake.

Rolling on the floor laughing, krousseau!

Thanks, I really needed to have my mood lightened.

krousseau wrote:(Please read this with a light tone)

Hey...check that out again. Forget that old stuff and come on up to the new age...
that post says if you want a natural product go to the health food store for a lip balm or a Badger product-----organic extra virgin olive oil, castor oil, beeswax, extracts of aloe vera, and new age??? stuff like that. Actually been around a long time.
Anyway it too is an oily prodect not meant to stuff into one's nose just a light coat on the rims of the nares and it doesn't dry out.

YOU are a complete idiot and full of bulls***. Organic extra virgin olive oil is inferior to vasaline. I hate organic extra virgin olive oil and anyone who supports it. Vaseline is the only way to go and anyone who thinks otherwise, recommends otherwise, disagrees with me, or expresses another opinion is an ***hole!!

I am the only authority on this issue because of my experience as a olive-oil cold presser and my work as an Army field sleep doctor!!

Extra virgin olive oil is the complete opposite of a petroleum-based product, which proves what a complete moron you are. It's like comparing a flannel shirt and strawberry marmelade.

-- Aumigo

Does your Mother know you are on the internet?

krousseau wrote:Does your Mother know you are on the internet?

Your sense of humor is wonderful, krousseau!

And here I thought I was the only one laughing myself silly over the pathetic antics of "Aumigo."

Here you all are! I wondered where everybody went!

To review, the issue with petroleum jelly is that once it gets into your lungs, it stays there. The lung doesn't know exactly what to do with it. Well, sorta.

Therefore, contributions to the vaseline bank become additive. In the original poster's case, even if you only inhale a millimeter3 every night, after 2 and half years you have a centimeter3.

And it's not like the stuff obstructs the airways to do damage. The problem is that the lung reacts to it, and eventually becomes fibrotic. It's like an Occupational Lung Disease. If I were to say, "Don't put coal dust or asbestos around your nose", you'd go, "Course not, that's stupid." How is this different?

Your answer, your plan is, "OK vaseline, you stay here on my nose and don't go anywhere, or else."

You've had 3 days to google out a response to my case study from Chest, and nobody has. Obviously cause as you find more out about this stuff, at least some people are going, "Hmmm, not as good an idea as I thought."

But alas, I grow weary. (Actually not, but it sounds more dramatic.) But let's get an independent opinion. Find the poster SleeplessLorifromLI. Have her ask her son the respiratory therapist what they use to lubricate naso-tracheal catheters and why when they suction.

Been a blast!
SAG

Hate to admit it SAG, because you're an annoying little person, but you are right.

I searched the net, read many, many studies and actually talked to my Doctor about this. There is a small risk of lipoid pneumonia with the use of vaseline in or near the nose.

However, that risk grows with prolonged use which fits the pattern of CPAP users. What's more concerning for CPAP users is that (1) the damage can be caused by even small, minute amounts of the petroleum jelly entering the lungs and (2) aspiration of petroleum jelly (which can result from its use with oxygen devices or CPAP) is particularly problematic.

Worse still, the only way to diagnose the problem is through a biopsy and the only way to cure it is through surgery.

My Doctor had the best, balanced take on this. He said that not everyone who smokes gets lung cancer, but he still recommends against smoking. Likewise, on vaseline and CPAP, he said "it's a small risk, but I don't think it's worth taking that risk."

Hope you are not too weary. I was unable to get to that link on previous tries but went there another way this AM. The article is a case study of one woman who used vaseline INTRANASALLY in unknown amounts. Placed intranasally it gets warm & slightly runny, sniff it back into the pharynx or just lay on your back and it becomes part of the post nasal drip. PND frequently ends up getting aspirated into the lungs. Even in a thin layer it could get carried along by nasal mucous IF PLACED INTRANASALLY

I do not use vaseline as I don't need it. I would use it on the RIMS of my nares if I used pillows and needed it. Actually I'd probably use a Badger product with beeswax in it. But that is also a fatty/lipid substance and would have the same effect in the lungs. What I agree with here are people using it a light/thin layer on the skin at the RIMS OF THE NARES.

I am a nurse & I have cared for children with tracheotomies. Would I use it to insert a tracheal or nasotracheal suction tube? NO NO NO AN ABSOLUTE NO-even in a thin layer it would then be delivered right into the trachea & into the lungs. I would use a fat containing ointment on the cracks around their nares-just not intanasally. Nor would I use it to insert a nasogastric tube. Too close to the lungs and not external use. Pneumonitis has resulted from these practices and from inhaling other fatty foods-especially peanuts. And yes it stays in the lungs. We drive our cars safely or recklessly. We use fire to warm ourselves or burn ourselves. We smoke. Vaseline can be used safely.

I wish I could send you this in a private post as well as posting it. I'm not sure why you don't register-but maybe you don't want any extra e-mail.

krousseau wrote:Hope you are not too weary. I was unable to get to that link on previous tries but went there another way this AM. The article is a case study of one woman who used vaseline INTRANASALLY in unknown amounts. Placed intranasally it gets warm & slightly runny, sniff it back into the pharynx or just lay on your back and it becomes part of the post nasal drip. PND frequently ends up getting aspirated into the lungs. Even in a thin layer it could get carried along by nasal mucous IF PLACED INTRANASALLY

I do not use vaseline as I don't need it. I would use it on the RIMS of my nares if I used pillows and needed it. Actually I'd probably use a Badger product with beeswax in it. But that is also a fatty/lipid substance and would have the same effect in the lungs. What I agree with here are people using it a light/thin layer on the skin at the RIMS OF THE NARES.

I am a nurse & I have cared for children with tracheotomies. Would I use it to insert a tracheal or nasotracheal suction tube? NO NO NO AN ABSOLUTE NO-even in a thin layer it would then be delivered right into the trachea & into the lungs. I would use a fat containing ointment on the cracks around their nares-just not intanasally. Nor would I use it to insert a nasogastric tube. Too close to the lungs and not external use. Pneumonitis has resulted from these practices and from inhaling other fatty foods-especially peanuts. And yes it stays in the lungs. We drive our cars safely or recklessly. We use fire to warm ourselves or burn ourselves. We smoke. Vaseline can be used safely.

I wish I could send you this in a private post as well as posting it. I'm not sure why you don't register-but maybe you don't want any extra e-mail.

KRousseau, thanks very much for your point of view; much more balanced and thoughtful than the "vaseline is fine you idiot" remarks I've seen on this board. I just don't understand the emotion behind this issue. Maybe we should move on and debate noncontroversial topics like abortion and euthenasia.

But I'm going to go with my Doctor's recommendation not to use it with CPAP. Like the other poster, that's just my preference and I don't want to impose that on any one else.

Life is all about choices. Using your examples: I choose to drive defensively and wear my seatbelt, because there's a chance, ever so small, that I'll make a mistake, my car will malfunction, or I'll encounter someone else driving recklessly. I choose to maintain my fireplace, use a screen, and have a fire extinguisher in my house. None of this means I'm paranoid or a freak, but safety first. Likewise, why take a chance (even a small one) with vaseline & CPAP when there are alternatives available?

Yes, vaseline can be used safely: on my arms, legs, etc. I'm not convinced it's safe to use near my nose or mouth.

Maybe we should move on and debate noncontroversial topics like abortion and euthenasia.

I love your choice of non-controversial topics - gave me quite a chuckle! Lots more "non-controversials'" we could add to your mini list.
However, I must say that this thread on vaseline vs. non-vaseline was extremely informative.
Thanks to all.

http://www.cpapstation.com/cpap_tips.shtm says:

"DO NOT use petroleum or lip based ointments (Vaseline, Mentholetum, Neosporin) to coat the nasal passages. Lipid based ointments can present complications by creeping into the lungs from the CPAP pressure."

http://www.medin-innovations.de/pdf/Pflege_Englisch.pdf Says:

"Do not apply creams, vaseline or oil to the nose."

http://www.aspiruslibrary.org/patient_e ... sl-006.pdf says:

"DO NOT USE PETROLEUM-BASED PRODUCTS, such as
Vicks or Vaseline."

From: http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/sleep-dis ... chat.htm#6


Moderated Chat Transcript: The ResMed Mirage Family of Masks
With ResMed's Karla Tate and Susie Justus, LVN

Karla Tate has been a Product Manager with ResMed for the last 5 years. She currently manages all of ResMed's masks and accessories for the Americas. Her educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design and a Master's in Business Marketing.

Susie Justus, LVN, has 25 years nursing experience and is a Clinical Specialist at ResMed. Prior to joining ResMed in 2000, she spent 4 years as manager of a very successful ENT/out-patient sleep medicine department

6. Sore spots on the nose bridge or face caused from the headgear (straps) of the Ultra Mirage mask . . . if an ointment like Neosporin or Vaseline is used, will this harm the mask? If Vicks Vaporub is routinely used on the upper lip to keep nasal passages open due to colds or allergies, will this harm the mask or cause it to wear out quicker?

Sore spots at the nasal bridge may indicate over-tightening of the headgear or incorrect adjustment of the forehead support. You may want to consult with your DME.

If the sore spots follow the headgear path, then think about the last time the headgear was washed.

What are you using to wash the headgear? Check that your skin is not sensitive to the soap you use to wash the headgear. A pure soap such as Ivory or Neutrogena is recommended.

It is possible that you may be sensitive to the headgear material. It is made of loop stretch neoprene and nylon jersey. Neoprene is commonly used in knee braces and elbow braces.

If you use Neosporin or Vicks, this can decrease the life of the headgear. Lotions, ointments, and perfumes can all deteriorate the material over time.