2Sleepy - I have been using nasal pillows for 25 years. I like less on my face! You've been given great advice in this thread but one thing I wanted to add is that many people make the mistake of inserting the nasal "pillows" too far into the nostrils. In fact, they should lay gently just inside the nares and the flow of cpap air will actually help seal by suction. If you are experiencing what many patients call "pig nose" (meaning the nose is being pushed up) then you are inserting the pillows too far and probably pulling the straps too tight.
If you have irritation at the nostril openings, your fit and adjustment is not accurate. As Joe mentioned, loosen up a bit. Needlessly over tightening our masks is one of the most common mistakes we patients make! You also mentioned upper lip and nasal openings feeling damp...this could be the result of your cpap humidification system causing excessive condensation in the tubing and flow BACK in to your mask. If this continues to occur, consider lowering the heat setting on your humidifier, or cover the tubing to lessen "rain out". You could also consider placing the tubing so that it dips down to collect excess condensation, instead of allowing the condensation to flow towards you and your mask. Many cpap users let the tubing slightly dip down between nightstand and bed. There are also tubing lifts available, I use the one by Ardent Innovations and it resolves all of my tubing issues. Good sleep to you! tracy
Jaknyc
I read recently about an implantable device that might help with moderate to severe apnea. What is the latest info on this?
Jaknyc, you are probably referring to Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation therapy which was FDA approved about a year ago. You can learn more here http://www.sleepapnea.org/treat/treatment-options.html Best wishes!
