Help - How to heal a sore from the nasal mask?

I have been using my CPAP machine with a nasal mask for three weeks now. I've developed a sore in one of my nostrils. My guess is, the mask sits or rubs on this same spot night after night.

Has this happened to anyone else? Does anyone know of any type of over the counter remedy that would help/heal this sore spot?

Thanks for all advice!

Carolyn

Hi, Carolyn.
My son used to get a "rubbed" place on the the bridge of his nose. He began putting some ointment there each night, and it went away. Maybe his skin just got used to the mask. :)
Anyway, I'm not sure, since it's inside your nostril. Bless your heart. Maybe some vaseline?
Consider getting a nasal pillow. If you do not need a mask that covers your nose and mouth (i.e., you're not a mouth breather), you will LOVE a nasal pillow. It sits below your nose, between your nose and above your upper lip. It has a gentle suction, when the machine is on. It doesn't even feel like you're wearing a mask! If you have insurance, I'd sure call a medical supply place and inquire about one. :)
Hope this helps. One day, you probably won't need to use a CPAP! :)
Blessings,
Mary

Hi,

I guess what I have is the nasal pillow. The sore is on the inside of my nostril. I was thinking about vaseline, but, wasn't sure if that is something that could be used "internally."

Thanks for your help!!

Blessings,

Carolyn

I called the pharmacist at a CVS pharmacy and she told me I could use lip balm. Most people lick their lips and ingest some lip balm, so she thought it would be okay. Just thought I'd post this in case it might help someone else.

Blessings,

Carolyn

I've used nasal pillows for 16 yrs.  An occasional zit or sore spot is bound to develop once in a while inside the nostril.

I would suggest a light coat /small drop of neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment each night and morning for a few days on the sore spot.  By the 3rd or 4th day it should clear up.  Vaseline won't hurt it either, but it takes longer to heal im my experience.  Some neosporin comes with pain relief built in - it can help ease the irritation if it's bad. 

Hi Carolyn,
I just go my new mask Friday and it is a sleepwearer cloth mask  if is wonderful. If you keep having trouble with the pillow you may want to try it.  I Love Love it.
Good Luck.

Wendy

I had some of those problems when I fist started wearing mine.  Turns out that one did not fit properly for me.  So I tried lots of other ones, fortunately the place I get mine from would let me try them out before I bought.  That was very helpful.  The one I have now is fab and made just for a woman  it is a ResMed Swift LT for Her.  It has smaller nasal pillows for a more comfortable fit, and it just fits my face much better.  Also I was told by the guy I get the masks from not to use Petroleum products, because it will break down the mask faster.  He said KY jelly would be good for at night while sleeping,  this worked.  Now that I have this for her mask I don't need that anymore.  And I have not gotten any sore spots since I hae switched masks.  As for to get it to heal I don't see why lip balm would not hurt duriing the day.  Good luck!

Thanks for the reply. I have that mask and use a size medium nasal pillow. I wonder if I need the small? Did you try the small by chance?