Seek advice for red dry nose cavity

Hi,

Just signed up on this forum and this is my first post. We (wife & me) are glad to have discovered this supportive group, little late, but nevertheless.

My wife is on ResMed Air sense 10 (with Climate line Air tube and Philips dreamwear nasal pillows) since 10 months now. About a month back she complained about the air being very dry and discomfort, so we changed the setting from auto to manual and increased the humidity from 4 to 5. We thought this was due to weather change from winter into summers now, although I thought winter should have been more dryer.

Recently (last 3-4 days) she has developed skin redness/dryness and inflammation just at the opening of the nose cavity where the nasal pillow sits. She stopped using the CPAP last night when she felt pain in the inflamed area, this is when we realized that the cause maybe the CPAP.

We have not replaced anything as of yet as she has taken good care of all the accessories with proper cleaning and storing. But, my immediate guess is that replacing the nasal pillow might help, if not next would be the climateline air tube.

Also, the report displayed on the CPAP after usage has all green smile faces, so it is not reporting any faults. Would love to hear from experienced folks here and get all the help we can.

Thanks,
Vineet

vbhoj74 wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 28, 2024 10:41 pm

Hi,

Just signed up on this forum and this is my first post. We (wife & me) are glad to have discovered this supportive group, little late, but nevertheless.

Welcome! We are here for y'all.

My wife is on ResMed Air sense 10 (with Climate line Air tube and Philips dreamwear nasal pillows) since 10 months now. About a month back she complained about the air being very dry and discomfort, so we changed the setting from auto to manual and increased the humidity from 4 to 5. We thought this was due to weather change from winter into summers now, although I thought winter should have been more dryer.

You may have actually *reduced* the humidity, max humidity is 8 right? Also, in Auto, the machine takes the hose temperature into account... you won't get max humidity without max hose temp. I run both in manual at maximum.

Recently (last 3-4 days) she has developed skin redness/dryness and inflammation just at the opening of the nose cavity where the nasal pillow sits. She stopped using the CPAP last night when she felt pain in the inflamed area, this is when we realized that the cause maybe the CPAP.
(snip)

Everyone should have more than one mask type available for situations like this. My recommendation is to have a full-face mask like the Vitera for times of illness or irritation... it does not touch the nose except at the top. Folks like Jason and Nick, who own every mask on the planet, have a 'rotation' where they switch between masks often.

Continued use of the nasal pillows will exacerbate the problem, perhaps medicated ointment? You gotta sleep! Order a nasal or full-face mask that doesn't touch the nose ASAP and have it around. I'd replace the cushion on general principles too.

vbhoj74 wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 28, 2024 10:41 pm

Recently (last 3-4 days) she has developed skin redness/dryness and inflammation just at the opening of the nose cavity where the nasal pillow sits. She stopped using the CPAP last night when she felt pain in the inflamed area, this is when we realized that the cause maybe the CPAP.

welcome to the zoo!

may I recommend lansinoh? it's lanolin based nipple cream used by nursing mothers for sore nipples. spread just a tiny bit on the nasal pillows themselves so it acts as a barrier and helps health the hurt. be sure to use just a little bit. then in the morning you can wipe the pillows clean.

it can be found in the infant care section of drugstores or grocery stores.

good luck!