For many CPAP users, nasal soreness, both inside and around the nose, is a common complaint. Many patients find that this side effect of CPAP therapy can significantly reduce their quality of life and interfere with their sleep apnea treatment. Fortunately, understanding why these sores occur can help you prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Let’s take a look at why some people experience nose sores and what you can do to reduce or eliminate them.
Types of Nose Sores Caused by CPAP Therapy
CPAP therapy can cause two types of nose sores: nasal passage dryness and exterior sores and red marks on the nose bridge or around the face. Some nasal mask and nasal pillow users describe a burning sensation during therapy. The pressurized air from the CPAP machine plays a large role in nasal passage dryness while these exterior sores are most commonly caused by nasal masks but traditional full-face masks can also cause irritation on the nose bridge.
Tips for Reducing or Eliminating Nose Sores
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce or even eliminate these uncomfortable side effects of CPAP therapy. To minimize nasal passage dryness, make sure your humidifier is set to an appropriate level for your room temperature—not too hot or cold—and use a saline spray before bedtime as well as after awakening to keep your passages moistened throughout the night. Additionally, ensure that your mask fits correctly; if it doesn't fit properly then air might leak out from gaps around it which will cause further irritation inside your nose.
For those experiencing soreness caused by their CPAP mask rubbing against their skin, try applying a moisturizing balm such as Nadu CPAP Soothe Balm which is specifically designed for CPAP users to relieve suffering skin without harming their mask. This product has been found to reduce friction between the mask and skin while still maintaining an effective seal that helps deliver optimal pressure levels while sleeping.
Finally, always remember to clean your equipment regularly using warm water with mild soap so that bacteria does not accumulate on it over time which could lead to further irritation of the skin around your face or within your nostrils.
Nose sores are a common side effect of CPAP therapy but they don't need to define your experience! By understanding why these sores occur so you can prevent them in the future with simple solutions like increasing humidity levels in your room, ensuring proper mask fitment, using a moisturizing balm like Nadu’s CPAP Soothe Balm, and cleaning all equipment regularly with warm water and mild soap! With these tips at hand you should be able to enjoy great sleep apnea treatment without discomfort!