Hello all,

First time caller, long time listener.

So, seriously, I started using my new Respironics Optilife Nasal Pillow last week and it's working really well. I've been increasing my usage by 2 hours a night (meaning sleeping longer without pulling it off) but I've encountered a problem.

Every morning, I wake up with really sore nostrils. By that I mean right around the inside/outside of each. I know that there are some things that can damage the silicon cushions, but I need a bit of relief.

Any suggestions for lotions, potions or creams that will sooth / protect my poor nose?

I appreciate all the help!

Rich

Most of us have had the most success w/Ayr Saline Nasal Gel or Spray. I think that Ocean might also make a saline nasal gel and spray but can't swear on that.

The IMPORTANT thing to remember is to NEVER use a petroleum based gel or product near your nose or your mask. The saline gels and sprays are okay and quite healing.


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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 VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

Thanks Crohnie!

Just curious, how would a spray help?

The spray would be more convenient for dry inner nasal passages which sometimes occur when first using CPAP, especially when using nasal pillows style masks where the force of the air is more direct into the nasal passages.


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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 VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

I am using the humidifier and that's working really well for hydration, it's mainly where the cushions actually make contact...

rcarr you might want to swab the insides of your nostrils with saline gel just before you put on the nasal pillows. It will not only help the seal but will give you some relief to the soreness, also don't have them so tight against your nose that the pressure is causing soreness. Firm enough to hold in place but loose enough to be comfortable. Good Luck to You


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White Beard with a White Beard
Resmed VPAP Adapt SV Enhanced, HumidAire 2i, ResLink with Model 8000 Flex sensor Pulse Oximeter, and ResScan 3.5 software. Respironic EverFlo OPI Oxygen Concentrator 3 lpm
EEP 9.0, min PS 6.0, max PS 16.0

i think s/he is having the same issue i am. I jsut astarted using a cpap but it seems the pillow is, I guess, rubbing against the base of my nose causing soreness. My guess is i have the thing on too tight.

I had that problem with my nasal pillows mask until I realized that it was too tight. I'm not a "tosser and turner", so I found that I could loosen the straps considerably and maintain a good seal. My nasal irritation went away within two days after that.

Brad

Just curious - one said to never use a petroleum-based gel near nose or mask. Why is that?

I use aquafor, which is petroleum based, and nothing bad has happened. I"ve been using the same mask since May.

Thanks mkoven. I use Vaseline to help moisten the insides of my nasal passages, to keep them from drying out when using CPAP, and it's been working very well for me. I was wondering why that person said that - does it damage CPAP nose pads/interface "thingies"? Mine have been fine...

I'm not sure about the reason for NOT using petroleum based products. I do remember from my Navy training that you didn't want to use petro based stuff when on 100% oxygen, something about fire potential. Maybe the petroleum causes deterioration of the mask material.

I've been using Swift nasal pillows for almost three years.  Since day one I have used Bag Balm, which is lanolin, on the inside edge of my nostrils.  It works great.  A small dab acts as a barrier so there isn't any rubbing.  I haven't seen any indication that the pillows have been degraded.  It's available at pharmacies.  I'd start with the one ounce tin  A little goes a long way.

Hellow:

Every morning and night I rinse my face off with Witch Hazel.   Not up my nose but around it.  I use a nasal pillow too.


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I'm to sexy for my CPAP

I purchased some Ayr Saline Nasal Gel.  Got it at Walgreens.  It really works great~~so far no more soreness around the nose.


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REMstar Auto M Series w/C Flex & Smart Card
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