So last night I tried a new mask, as my quattro is really abrading the bridge of my nose.

I tried the liberty, which was comfortable when I put it on. I really like that less of my face is covered, and it's less hot.

I think I have a small nose. I first tried the medium pillows, but they felt wrong. So I popped in the small ones. All was well.

And I was thrilled that I didn't wake up at all for nearly five hours-- a new record. But when I did, my nostrils, esp my right one, were really sore/rubbed feeling. I tried turning up the humidity, but it still just hurt too much. Couldn't tell if it was abrasion, dryness, or both. So after tossing and turning, I went back to the quattro around 230 am. And then woke up with my usual rubbed/red bridge of nose. My poor schnaz can't win!

So I'm trying to figure out is the problem is the fit of the pillows? anyone else have this? Is there a way to tweak things to minimize nostril soreness? I"m almost tempted to put vaseline in my nostrils, but fear this will hurt the seal.

I have the same problem, but to a lesser degree.  I've worn the Optilife nasal pillows for almost a year now, and have not had a problem.  Then last week, my nares were quite sore, and as far as I know, nothing else had changed (humidity etc.).  I switched back to the Activa for a week to let the nares heal.  BTW, I can't wear either of the 2 full face masks I have because of a sore nose bridge.

So, you might try a different mask that bears on your face in different places, or you can try some Ayr Gel where the Liberty nasal pieces rest.  Get this at any pharmacy. I wouldn't go with vaseline, that's a petroleum base and not compatible with the plastics used in the mask.

Good luck - keep trying...



Last edited by George O on Wed May 07, 2008 5:44 pm; edited 1 time in total

Try the following: Ayr Gel (sometimes the long saline exposure bothers me), Blistex cream, or your favorite "personal" lubricant (yes, it really works!).  You nostrils, or nares as they're referred to take some time to toughen up.  I still experience ingrown nose hairs where the pillows press against the edge of the nostril.


_________________
My life was restarted on June 29th, 2007

57 yr. male
pre-CPAP apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 64
ResMed S8 Escape w/humidifier
ResMed Mirage Swift II nasal pillows system
Prescribed for a 6 but I like to fool with things, and prefer 7