For many patients diagnosed with sleep apnea, the use of a CPAP machine is essential in order to get a good night’s sleep.
Unfortunately, there are several common side effects associated with CPAP therapy, including nasal soreness both inside and around the nose. To make matters worse, these sores can be painful and can cause extreme discomfort for many CPAP users. But don’t let these sores define your experience with CPAP therapy! Read on to understand why nose sores occur so you can prevent them.
What Causes Nasal Sores?
CPAP therapy can cause two types of nose sores - nasal passage dryness and exterior sores or red marks on the nose bridge or around the face. While these sores are most commonly caused by nasal masks, traditional full-face masks can also cause nose bridge irritation. This occurs because of the direct contact between the mask and your skin where it fits snugly against your face.
Some nasal mask and nasal pillow users describe a burning sensation during therapy as well. The pressurized air from the CPAP machine plays a large role in this dryness since it tends to dry out your nasal passages while you sleep. This dryness could also be caused by an overuse of heated humidifiers since they tend to reduce moisture in the air being delivered to your lungs through your mask, leading to an increased chance of mouth breathing due to dryness.
How Can You Prevent Nasal Soreness?
Luckily, there are ways to prevent the uncomfortable soreness that comes with using a CPAP machine. One solution is Nadu’s CPAP Soothe Balm – an all-natural balm made from shea butter, cocoa butter and beeswax that helps relieve suffering skin without harming your CPAP mask or altering its fitment/sealing properties. It also prevents chafing and blistering caused by long-term use of a full-face or nasal mask. Additionally, you should consider investing in moisturizing strips for your mask which will lock in moisture for hours at a time and help protect delicate skin against pressure points created by your mask straps or cushion sealant strip rubs. Finally, try keeping extra humidifier water tanks handy just in case yours runs out during sleep sessions so you don’t have to worry about waking up with dry lips or throat pain due to lack of moisture in the air you breathe while wearing your Mask/CPAP device!
Nasal soreness is unfortunately a common side effect of using a CPAP machine but it doesn't need to define your experience! By understanding what causes these sores and taking preventive steps such as using moisturizing strips for your mask or investing in Nadu’s CPAP Soothe Balm, you can enjoy comfortable nights of restful sleep without any painful distractions from those pesky nose sores!