nasal pillows

[Safisafi]

Hi! After trying three different face masks all of which leaked profusely, I am now using nasal pillows. When they work they are great but many nights they just don't sit properly. Is there a trick I haven't caught on to? They are extremely drying (bleeding nostrils and even some blistering where the pillows rest) . I am waiting, waiting to try a humidifyer. Am getting badly depressed, spent two hours early this morning crying with frustration because I couldn't adjust the pillows and get some sleep. Secretly I'm wondering if the equipment does more damage than the OSA! Best wishes - Safisafi

[davejwhite]

Hiya - I'm having nasal pillowproblems too

Maybe you need a humidifier on your CPAP machine - that really helps with the drying out problem.

Second thought - do you moisturise your skin where the wind blows? I just use Aloe Vera gel quite frequently, but make sure it isn't soggy before you kit up.

Third thought (they are coming thick and fast now. Well, thick, at least :-)). My clinic said that the skin integrity where the mask touches is vitally important and if it is compromised, you must let it heal before you carry on. You may well have to revert to another type of mask to allow that to happen, but see waht your clinic suggests.

My problem is with leaks. Suddenly, the nasal thingies don't seem to want to maintain a good seal any more. I'm going for a mask fitting setting at Resmed next week. I'll let you know how it goes, and see if I can 'poacj' any tips for you too.

[Biggles]

Have you tried a smear of vaseline, you might find it helps, or not. It was suggested to me by someone at Respironics as an aid against leakage. I tried it but it is not really for me.


Strange how sometimes things go where they are supposed to and other it just doesn't go right. Keep persevering, our poor noses have a bit to get used to, but at least mine has now.
best wishes
Jan

[Safisafi]

nasal pillows

Thank you Dave and Jan for replying. I feel better already knowing I'm not alone! I haven't tried using creams to try to stop the leaking because I was told not to let any creams near the pillows. Nevertheless, I shall now follow you and give it a go. I'm desperate to try the humidifyer but my 'techy' seems reluctant, keeps saying they're difficult to get hold of (which I find strange) and that they end up flooding the bed - that might prove to be true if I can't stop the leaks! I thought I would awake full of the joys of spring after starting to use this machine but, so disappointingly, it just isn't happening.

[Biggles]

It does take a bit of time Safisafi. I too was told not to use face creams with the mask in the very early days so I stopped using my nightly moisturiser, so I was surprised when I was told about the vaseline; but if it helps....

I think my facial skin did take a bit of time to adjust to these strange mask thingies but it did all settle down. I still have the odd problem with a bit of leakage now and again but I think this is normal

After 3 months on CPAP my hairdresser noticed I had a lot more hair growing from my scalp, my nails got stronger and my skin took on a healthy pink colour. I find there are lots of benefits to CPAP. I'm not sure about using a humidifyer although I see a lot of people find it beneficial. I'm waiting to see if my new consultant is going to mention it again. If he does, I won't say no.

[davejwhite]

Hi again,

You are certainly not on your own. There are thousands of people going through this, and it's unlikely that you will experience a problem which hasn't been met elsewhere.

Humidifiers come with an adjustable knob - you can turn the heat up or dopwn to control the amount of water it is vapourising. If they cause excess water in the hose, you just turn it down. Takes a while to achieve a balance, though.

[Berneta]

Nasal Pillows

Hi, I am using the nasal pillows also. Have been for about two and a half months, I was told by a Tech that I should use a Greaseless Personal Lubricant inside my nose to combat any dryness, I apply this when I go to bed and once during the night--but anytime you wake up dry, is the time to use it. Lotions don't last and are dried out quickly, some lotions contain mosturizers that will damage the nose pillow. Aloe Gel is great for sore spots if it has lanocaine in it-- but also use the Personal Lubricant too. Blow lightly after using, so it insn't sloppy--and dry the outside of the nostril. A touch of vaseline helps where it is really sore inside the nose. Don't use vaseline where it is on the outside of the nose or it will soften the nose pillow and cause leaks, Keep the outside of the nose dry. A lot has to do with the fit of the straps. Too loose and it will slip and leak--too tight, and it will make the nose sore from being pulled up. I use a humidifier and it is placed 6 inches below the top of my bed. So any condensation flows back to the humidifier. I started out at a setting of 1 and found that some nights its better at 3-- so experiment. IF your nose is dry and sore, the higher humidity will help. I have never woke with a wet bed, wet face, wet pillow, or extreme condensation in the hose. If the hose is going down and draining away from you--you should not have that problem. it will just drain back into the humidifer. I would get one if I were you. We have no shortage of them here in the states. Anyway it took me about 3 days to work it all out, I do not have any dry nose, sores, or bleeding, Slept 8 hours last night comfortably-- but woke again at 8 this morning with an achy stiff back from not turning over enough--but even that is getting better with exercises. Its not hopeless--it just takes some time to get it all to fit you properly. I was told to try to wear it at home even when not hooked up to get used to it. I didn't need to do that. But believe me the Personal Lubricant makes a world of difference, (Its the same kind women use for dryness in that private area) Hope you get it worked out soon. Berneta