Nasal Pillow comfort hints

Comfort wearing any mask can be a challenge. Many users of the nasal pillow or the nasal prong mask systems experience some tenderness or even pain on the tip of the nose or inside the nares (nostrils).

First thing is to make sure that the headgear is not too tight. These masks do not need to be tight to be effective. Make sure that the side straps are equally adjusted. Too much tension on one side can cause chaffing enough to break the skin and create a painfully sore spot.

If not too tight but some tenderness remains then adding a little moisturizer to the external tip of nose and even inside the nares can minimize the discomfort while this area "toughens up". Lansinoh ointment is a good choice. It is used by nursing mothers to help heal chapped nipples that occur during breast feeding. It can be used during the day or even at night with the nasal pillows. Used in moderation it has the added benefit of helping seal the pillows. It is tacky enough to help the pillows "stick". Others use Ayr Gel as a moisturizing agent with good success. Do not use any petroleum based product, such as Vasoline, because it is harmful for the lungs and can degrade the nasal pillows. So if you use something else, look at the ingredients closely.