Nasal pillows

[jmkejbm]

Hello,

I have downloaded the Resmed software to review my sleep events. Everything looks good. I have low leak (using nasal pillows) usually 0 leak? and usually under 5 AHI (usually some central and some apnea and a few hypopneas). However, I have some issue with the nasal pillows--

1. My nose is very sore and painful around the nostril area.

2. Sometimes it feels like the nasal pillows "slip" off my nose and I would like to know of a good way to make sure that doesn't happen.

3. Does anyone know what minute ventilation is important? What about flow limitation? I would like to know how to interpret my results better using all of the available graphs.

Thanks,
Jon

[justMongo]

Hello,

I have downloaded the Resmed software to review my sleep events. Everything looks good. I have low leak (using nasal pillows) usually 0 leak? and usually under 5 AHI (usually some central and some apnea and a few hypopneas). However, I have some issue with the nasal pillows--

1. My nose is very sore and painful around the nostril area.

2. Sometimes it feels like the nasal pillows "slip" off my nose and I would like to know of a good way to make sure that doesn't happen.

3. Does anyone know what minute ventilation is important? What about flow limitation? I would like to know how to interpret my results better using all of the available graphs.

Thanks,
Jon

I'll let the nasal pillow users give tips on that issue.

Minute Ventilation (MV) is equal to the respiratory rate times the Tidal Volume. MV = RR x TV.
Example: RR = 15 per minute
TV = 500 ml (which is 0.5 Liters)
MV = 15 x 0.5 = 7.5 Liters per minute.
Since it's a calculated number, it's not very important as the RR and TV are more primary data.

Flow Limitation is a scoring of the machine for the shape of the inhalation waveform. When it flattens on top, it indicates flow limitation. The 0 to 1 scale is just a relative scale. It can signal impending obstructive apnea. And auto PAP machine may raise pressure to quash flow limitation.

[DariaVader]

sore nares...

Clean pillows. (I use them once then wash otherwise i get sore)
Some folk like to use lanolin - it's soothing, and a little sticky
I like to put black seed oil on my nose in the morning, it's anti-inflammatory and promotes healing of any microabrasions. It is lightly aromatic, tho so I don't use it at night for fear it would break down the silicon

[trish6hundred]

HI jmkejbm,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
You could try some HPA lanolin cream, Put a "little" bit on a cotton swav and rub it into your nostriles and that should help with the soarness.
Hang in there for more answers to your questions and much success to you with your CPAP therapy.

[Possum]

Hello,

I have downloaded the Resmed software to review my sleep events. Everything looks good. I have low leak (using nasal pillows) usually 0 leak? and usually under 5 AHI (usually some central and some apnea and a few hypopneas). However, I have some issue with the nasal pillows--

1. My nose is very sore and painful around the nostril area.

2. Sometimes it feels like the nasal pillows "slip" off my nose and I would like to know of a good way to make sure that doesn't happen.

3. Does anyone know what minute ventilation is important? What about flow limitation? I would like to know how to interpret my results better using all of the available graphs.

Thanks,
Jon

With nasal pillows, I think all too often people are not using the correct size. Your supplier will likely tell you to use the smallest size that fits but I think that is bad advice. With the Airfit P10 mask, the medium technically fit, but I had problems with sore nostrils, eventually leading to an infected sore inside my nose. Eventually I determined that it was because the medium pillow was going too far up into my nose and causing irritation. I switched to the large pillow, and it rests more outside my nose but usually has just as good of a seal. It is also easier to breathe through.

[cate1898]

Welcome to ApneaBoard jmkejbm!

I was going to suggest the same as Possum. I am wondering if you need to move up a size of nasal pillows. If you are using M, go up to L or whichever is the case.

Keep us posted.

[otrpu]

Glad I came across this thread. Have been having no end of problems with leaks with my ffm. Ordered a hybrid to see if I can stop the leaking. Read elsewhere ffm are harder to seal due to greater mask size/seal area. See profile for present mask. Hope the hybrid works out better.

Cheers,
otrpu