My Nose Hurts

I use ResMed FX extra small nasal pillows and they are hurting my nose. Have been using the CPAP Moisture Therapy, but it's not enough. One nostril has a small tear on the edge and scabs on the inside. Using the XS size, so there is no smaller available. Anyone have any suggestions?

Have you tried other masks, other types of masks, in different sizes and fitted properly? There are so many out there.

Nasal pillows (or any mask for that matter) shouldn't cause anything but maybe some minor tenderness.
Abrasions, sores, or blisters means that something is wrong with fit or size or just the wrong mask for a person.

Lansinoh lanolin ointment is an option...I think its thickness and tackiness makes for a better barrier than creams.
So you might pick up some of that ointment. Normally found in the baby aisle of most stores. Nursing moms use it to help with nipple soreness from breast feeding.

I know it sounds counter productive but you might try going up a size in nasal pillows...and watch the fitting...these nasal pillows shouldn't abrade the skin and won't if they aren't moving around in the nostrils.
Don't make them too tight either. That's the most common mistake people make...if you look in the mirror and your first thought is "piggy nose" then that top strap is too tight.

Finally....consider a different brand or model. If size is part of the issue..they all don't use the same sizing plus the silicon is different between mask models.

Thanks! You confirmed what I was thinking... this is not right. I will try going up a size (because I have the nasal pillows already). I don't want to go to the full mask. What other systems besides Res-Med use nasal pillows?

Marsha.1219 wrote:What other systems besides Res-Med use nasal pillows?

Did you mean what other brand nasal pillow masks are out there?
Several brands (link below mentions some).
ResMed has several models itself...a brand new one just released.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... r-her.html
I should get mine today...watch the forum for reviews...couple of people used it last night.
I just like to try new stuff...so I don't really expect to get rid of my Tap Pap...I really like not having any headgear to mess with.

There are some various mask fitting videos here
http://www.cpaplibrary.com/nasal-pillows.html
Just in case there is maybe a hint that would help you.

You might also look at the nasal pillow mask that I use (see my profile link).
The Tap Pap...no headgear.
The Swift FX is normally a really good mask to use but there isn't a mask out there that works for 100% of the population.

I have tried many nasal pillow masks over the years...some I liked better than others and some I hated.

Sometimes the fitting is done incorrectly and the pillows are crammed inside the nares,
(this really happens) instead of allowing the nostrils to rest lightly on top of the cone,
while air pressure brings the silicone up to "kiss" the nose.
Remember, only the very tip of the cone is covered up, and the headgear adjustment is just barely snugger than too loose.