Cristin thanks for your input.  I also have a netti pot and a nasal steroid, so I plan to use them daily from now on to try to alleviate the stuffy nose, dryness and bleeding (may need the Ayr Gel too).  I have my heated humidifier on max so dryness isn't the problem, I think it's just a shock to my already sensitive nose.  I'm working on getting a nasal mask and hope that it's my key to success!  What brand / style do you have?  Thanks for all of your reassurance and ideas!

I am using the Respironics Comfort Gel nose mask with the Remstar Pro M Series A Flex Auto machine.  

And I agree that the Carmex is not meant for inside the nose.  With the Nasarel steroid nasal sprays, I find I'll get a lot of nosebleeds.  A real gentle coating of vaseline inside the nose several times a day helps me a lot.  

I'm going to follow ChronieToo's example and see if maybe I can work through the congestion by just cranking the humidity up and seeing if that helps clear things after a few minutes.  And saline sprays certainly can be helpful to just keep things moisturized.  I've used them in the past.

I might also suggest that your local pharmacist is an absolute wealth of information.  You might ask them for their suggestions as to what might help with the soreness and nosebleeds.

DO NOT USE VASELINE INSIDE YOUR NOSE!!! Vaseline is petroleum based! Use Ayr Saline Nasal Gel or similar. Ask your pharmacist.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed's new VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro mask, ResScan 3.4 software, SPO 7500 oximeter.

Really?  No Vaseline?  It was my doctor and a pharmacist who recommended that.  Now I'm really confused.  Yikes!  Guess I'll have to find out more about that.  What problems are you aware of that these products cause?

Hi-
Just got off the phone with a pharmacist.  ChronieToo hit it on the head.  Apparently, you can aspirate micro particles from petroleum-based products into the lungs, which was news to me, and vaseline is petroleum-based.  So, a saline spray (Ocean brand is one) is considered a safe way to moisturize your nose if you're using a spray like Nasarel, etc. for congestion.

I've talked with my doctor and a pharmacist previously, who both steered me towards vaseline.  Don't you just hate when that happens???!!!

Anyway, still a major struggle with the CPAP, but I'm going on Nasarel consistently now and hope things will get better in about a week or so.  I have no idea why I have any hope at all at this point, but I do.  I must be crazy!

No, you're not crazy, Christin, just wise enough to allow common sense to prevail when you are aware of the long term consequences of untreated obstructive sleep apnea.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed's new VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro mask, ResScan 3.4 software, SPO 7500 oximeter.

It's amazing how motivating the mere idea of a restful night can be.

How true! And may those restful nights finally come quickly for you, Christin!


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed's new VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro mask, ResScan 3.4 software, SPO 7500 oximeter.

Thanks, ChronieToo!