Nasal Dialtors in conjuctions with CPAP?

Hi all, curious if anyone uses dialtors in conjuction with their CPAP?

If so, which:

!. dialators
2. w/ what mask.

Right now I'm wearing a FFM. Sadly.

...

Lucky7 wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 26, 2023 5:03 pm

Hi all, curious if anyone uses dialtors in conjuction with their CPAP?

If so, which:

!. dialators
2. w/ what mask.

Right now I'm wearing a FFM. Sadly.

Have you been examined by an ENT? There are a variety of good treatments available.

Julie wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 26, 2023 7:19 pm

You have a PM...

I see, trying to sneak one past peer review.

Right now I have nasal tape with dreamwever nasal cushions. Tape dilates nasal valves somewhat, hence sparing the air pressure from doing the same thing. My experience is that I need somewhat lower pressures for the same AHI with them.

And that answers the OP's original question how?

I wonder if the OP is using an over the nose cushion type mask.
I have found that even the mildest pressure over the nose causes contriction
of the passages in the nose. Since I am not alone with this uncommon reaction,
could the OP's providers be unaware of it?

My husband uses a nasal mask and likes to use Breathe Right strips to help open his nostrils from the outside. I think you would find those more comfortable than internal dilators. Long before I was on CPAP I tried nasal dilators because I have small nostrils, but I found them uncomfortable and my nostrils tended to push them partway out, so they didn't actually work either. If you do decide to try the Breathe Right strips, get the ones in the red box. They are stronger and less likely to pop off.

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 28, 2023 9:52 pm

I wonder if the OP is using an over the nose cushion type mask.
I have found that even the mildest pressure over the nose causes contriction
of the passages in the nose. Since I am not alone with this uncommon reaction,
could the OP's providers be unaware of it?

That's an interesting point I had not considered, thanks for pointing that out.

I asked TWO ENT's: "what do you think about nasal pillows, etc"

"Yeah, you should be good"

HOWEVER, the RT at the DME? Wooooooo lordy.

Lucky7 wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 30, 2023 12:03 am

. . .
HOWEVER, the RT at the DME? Wooooooo lordy.

Yep, some DMEs will totally LIE to make a buck. Every time.
Mine "has to" special order the hypoallergenic filters that I need now.
Jerks!

Not sure if this is what you're asking, but I am using a long-discontinued nasal-pillow mask, one with interchangeable pillows, and they have two varieties, one called a dilator - that's what I use and it makes a huge difference from the regular style (and which is what all current-day nasal-pillow masks seem to have). My pressures go over 21cm H2O and the dilators not only keep the nostrils open but provide more surface for a good seal.

McSleepy