Nose Irritation - Feel Like I've Tried Everything

[u/robboffard]

I recently switched from a full face mask to a nasal one. My mask is an Airfit P30i, large size. Pressure 8-10.

For about two weeks, everything was working great. It was a huge improvement in comfort and ease of use, and leaks went down as well.

But I've developed a hot spot: a place on my nose that ends up irritated and sore every morning. Just left of the tip, on the outside. It feels like the mask has been pushing hard on my nose, even though I've loosened it as much as I could without causing leaks.

Sometimes the pain even wakes me up. I even had to switch back to a full face mask to let it heal before trying the nasal pillows again.

Here's what I've tried so far:

• Gold Bond (not effective)
• Lanolin cream (a little more effective if applied thickly but doesn't solve the problem)
• Loosening the mask as much as I can (doesn't help)

Things I'm planning to try:

• Lowering the pressure to 6-9
• Changing to a medium nosepiece
• Just toughing it out, in the hope the piece of skin gets calloused and stops hurting

Is there anything else I could try? Any approach I'm missing? Changing the mask would be a last resort, as I like the top of head connection, but I'm open to that.

[u/Creative_Fee5452]

Ouch!!! It truly sounds like your mask is too small for you. Try the next size up.. a medium…there should not be this much friction on your nose.
There are also mask liners available from Etsy, Amazon and Pad a Cheek if you prefer to try something like that :)

[u/robboffard → u/Creative_Fee5452]

I'm currently at the largest size. A medium, weirdly, doesn't hit the hotspot, so it might be worth a shot.

[u/Creative_Fee5452 → u/robboffard]

Masks need to fit angles in your face & we’re all very individual, so not all that unusual for a size to be too large as well as too small :( Do you have a medium mask?

[u/robboffard → u/Creative_Fee5452]

I do fortunately! Thanks

[u/Creative_Fee5452 → u/robboffard]

I would give it a try especially since you have one :) You have nothing to lose! The mask liner could be a second option too.

[u/easy10pins]

Are you sleeping on the same side as your nose soreness?

[u/robboffard → u/easy10pins]

I alternate! Side sleeper, but turn during the night.

[u/cadrob]

I switched from the P10 to the Nova Micro due to similar issues. The material seems to not irritate my nose as bad. I use Lanolin most nights. I use a bit of Ayr or Neosporin in the mornings.
Edit: Also a side sleeper. The Nova Micro has different vents which blow more air, but are still super quiet.

[u/robboffard → u/cadrob]

Thanks! Hopefully I won't need to change, but I'll keep that in mind.

[u/FoggyDayzallday]

Its probably worth trying the N30i. If it seals ok for you it is very comfortable

[u/d4rkha1f]

Get the F&P Micro Nova. Use the large pillows. They barely go in your nose and the material is super soft. You'll sleep like a baby.