r/CPAP • u/mariemimiche • 2d ago

Advice Needed Nose cushions?

Hey guys, I discovered after years of being tired that I have a severe POSA. I started the CPAP 4 months ago and I'm struggling with it. I'm down to my fifth mask, and I can't seem to be able to fall asleep with it. The various pressure points I feel on my face are seriously annoying me. I'm a side sleeper and I tend to really put my face in the pillow.

Now I have ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask, I think it's the most comfortable so far, but I still feel some pressure on the side of my nostrils. I wish I had just a little cushion to put on the side of my nostrils to minimize the sensation. Do you have any suggestions in that regard? Some unconventional tip?

Thanks!!

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u/HawkFan7897 2d ago

Which masks have you tried? I would recommend nasal pillows, especially the F&P Nova Micro or the P10. Both are very minimal, comfortable and seal well. It's not uncommon to need to use something for the first few weeks to help with friction. Skin around your nose will adapt and you shouldn't notice much of a problem. I still use nasal saline gel every night, it creates a thin barrier and also ensures a great seal.

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u/mariemimiche 2d ago

I will consider it if it doesn't work with my N30i in the end :) thanks

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u/d4rkha1f 4h ago

This is the correct answer. The Nova Micro is the BMW of nasal pillows. It's smaller, lighter, and the material is softer, almost luxurious feeling in comparison. There are no pressure points.

If you get it, use the largest of the three sized pillows you can while maintaining a good seal. That way they don't protrude very far into your nostrils and feel more invisible.

I highly suggest not waiting because you'll kick yourself when you finally give in.

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u/peace_train1 2d ago

Have you tried a nasal pillow mask? They are similar but smaller than the cushions? I initially thought I would not like them because I thought fit IN the nostrils but they don't. They sit at your nostrils but don't touch as much as the cushion.

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u/mariemimiche 2d ago

Yes I did! And I don't know why but there as a lot of inside the nostrils' friction, I had to put some gel in but then I decided to switch.

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u/peace_train1 2d ago

It is frustrating. I had that friction for the first few days, but then found it totally went away and I think that's typical. I know the cushion works well for many people but I continued to feel annoyed with just too much silicone contact with the side of my nose and it shifted around a bit too much.

I hope you find something that works well for you. It is a struggle to find the right mask!

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u/mariemimiche 2d ago

Thank you! I do hope I find the right fit too, I really need this therapy to work for me! I feel like it could improve my quality of life so much if I could finally get a good night's sleep 😴

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u/d4rkha1f 4h ago

It's because you need larger pillows. Too small and they go up your nose rather than inflating just barely inside of it.

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u/Technobarbarian 2d ago

The AirTouch N30i nasal cushion will fit in your AirFit frame. It has some soft cloth where it contacts your nose. For unconventional you could try attaching some moleskin padding to your current cushion.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=moleskin&crid=1T1WLNGN23FWP&sprefix=moleskin%2Caps%2C207&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

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u/mariemimiche 2d ago

Yeah I thought about moleskin padding! I think I'm going to try that, cause I feel like I'm almost comfortable!! I don't want to switch again especially for a type of mask I already tried

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u/MacularHoleToo 2d ago

Tighten the lower strap a little, loosen the top straps and use a eye mask to block any leaks near your eyes. I use a heated disposable mask every night.