Breaking Out from Nasal Pillows

[Crysti]

I feel like every one of my posts have been about a complaint. I'm usually not one to complain so much.

I initially started out with a nasal mask. That didn't work out for two reasons; It made me feel claustrophobic and it bruised the side of my nose. I have a small nose, or so my RT said.

My prescription was for nasal pillows. They were out of stock when the RT delivered my machine. I had to call and ask to have them change it out. I received my Aloha Nasal Pillows on 5/12. I wore it all night with no problems. It was extremely comfy. Mid-day the next day, I went to the restroom at work and saw three tiny pimples on my nose around my nostril. My nose got increasingly sore throughout the day. I didn't sleep with the mask again for 2 nights. The next time I wore it, my nose was sore, but no pimples. I've been wearing it for 3 or 4 nights now and my nose is breaking out again today. The soreness has gotten better, but it is still there.

I'm wondering if my problem is a reaction to the rubber (or whatever the nasal pillows are made of) or if the small is too large and I need to get an extra-small. Any opinions would be appreciated! I really want to get to where this is second nature - go to bed, put on mask, sleep, no problems!

[retired_guy]

Well, you could be having a reaction to the material in the pillows. But also it could be something else, such as moisture on the surface and the pillow irritating it? I really don't know, but if it is a concern you might do well to poke your nose in your sleep doc's business and get an opinion.

It might be a different brand would act differently? Hard to say.

Also, you might be able to put a very small coating of HPA Lanolin on your nose (get it from the baby department at your local druggist) and eliminate the problem.

But don't worry about all your posts being complaints, because that's why we're here!

[Crysti]

Also, you might be able to put a very small coating of HPA Lanolin on your nose (get it from the baby department at your local druggist) and eliminate the problem.

I'm glad you pointed this out. I meant to ask if there was something I could put on my nose that wouldn't harm the mask. I'll pick some up on the way home tonight.

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But don't worry about all your posts being complaints, because that's why we're here!

[trish6hundred]

Hi Crysti,
You might get some HPA Lanolin cream and see if that helps; just rub a bit on your rash. If you find that you need to put it into your nostriles, just swav a VERY LITTLE in them as well.
You can find it at most stores in the baby isle as it is used for nursing mothers, but it works for other skin conditions too, good luck.
Edit: Another thing to note is that HPA Lanolin doesn't have patrolium in it, thus not breaking down the materials in your mask, end edit.

[PaulaO2]

The stuff the pillows are made from is the same thing your nasal mask was made from. So if you were fine with the nasal mask, then it probably is not an allergy. However, the pillows are on more delicate skin and it could be a sensitivity vs an allergy. But read up what the pillows are made of. It could be something different than whatever your mask was.

I second/third the lanolin.

There are also other nasal pillows out there on the market. And there's a lot out there for a reason. Try another kind.