How to Prevent Nose Sores from CPAP Masks
Key Takeaways
- There are some side effects of CPAP therapy that patients may experience, including nasal soreness and irritation.
- However, there are several ways sleep apnea patients can combat this side effect to ensure they are staying comfortable and compliant while receiving CPAP treatment.
- Using a heated humidifier, keeping your CPAP parts on a regimented replacement schedule, and trying different CPAP mask types—including newer fabric-wrapped or ultra-soft silicone models—are key prevention tips explored in this article.
A common complaint from many CPAP users is nasal soreness, both inside and around the nose. While nose sores are a common side effect of CPAP therapy, they do not need to define your experience. Understanding why these nose sores occur is the first step to preventing them.
Can CPAP Cause Sores in the Nose?
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. While these sores are most commonly caused by nasal masks, traditional full-face masks can also cause nose bridge irritation.
Why Does My CPAP Make My Nose Burn?
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. As this dryness continues over time, a burning sensation in the nostrils may occur.
If your nose feels like it's burning or stinging, the cause is usually environmental rather than physical:
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Low Humidity: If the air is too dry, it dehydrates the nasal mucosa. Increase your Humidifier setting by 1–2 levels.
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Cleaning Residue: If you clean your mask with dish soap or harsh chemicals, the residue can cause contact dermatitis. Switch to dedicated CPAP mask wipes.
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Heated Tubing: If you experience "rainout" (water in the mask), it can irritate the nose. Use a heated hose to keep the air temperature consistent.
What Causes Nose Sores from CPAP Mask?
Improper Mask Fit: If your mask is too tight on your face, you may experience discomfort and soreness or irritation around your nose. Your prescribed pressure combined with an improper mask fit will result in increased friction and rubbing between your skin and the mask.
Excessive Pressure: High pressures during CPAP therapy are a very common cause of nose sores. The high flow, determined by your doctor, can irritate your nose and throat. The key to managing high pressure and irritation is to choose the right type of mask for you.
Nasal Passage Dryness: CPAP therapy uses a CPAP machine to deliver pressurized air into a person's airways so that it does not collapse throughout the night. One of the side effects of nightly CPAP treatment is nasal passage dryness but it can be remediated with certain lubricants.
Skin Sensitivity: Some CPAP therapy patients have sensitive skin and can find it uncomfortable and challenging to wear a CPAP mask at night because of it. To avoid direct contact with your CPAP mask, try using a mask liner.
Allergies: Some CPAP users may be allergic to the materials used in CPAP masks, resulting in rashes and sores on their skin and nasal passages.
Mask Type: Mask type depends on your needs, and choosing the right one for you may take some time. For those who are prescribed high-pressure settings, full face masks are best suited for you. If you have lower settings and are sensitive to CPAP masks, choosing a smaller one, or an 'under-the-nose' full-face mask, eliminates pressure on the nasal bridge entirely.
To help you find your perfect mask, try out MaskFit AR, a 3D face scanning capability from the comfort of your own home. This advanced technology selects the best CPAP masks based on your face shape, size, and other preferences. Give it a try today!
How Do I Prevent Nose Sores from a CPAP Mask?
There are a number of ways to help prevent nose sores. Here are a few:
Use a Heated Humidifier
Heated humidifiers provide warm, moist air from your CPAP machine. Users experiencing dryness of the nostrils will most likely benefit from humidified CPAP therapy. Settings can be adjusted from your machine’s menu. Humidifiers may also help users with dry mouths or sore throats.
Use a Nose Lubricant
Nasal lubricants can soothe nasal passages and keep them moist while using your CPAP equipment. Products like the Cann-Ease Nasal Moisturizer are hypoallergenic, allowing patients to insert the gel into their nose, providing moisture and preventing dryness.
Use Heated Tubing
Heated tubing works in concert with CPAP humidifiers. If the humidifier levels are too high, condensation forms in the tube. However, if lowering the humidifier level creates dry nose or mouth, then heated tubing may be needed. This provides a consistent temperature for the humidified air to travel through, providing users with the most comfort.
How Do I Avoid Nose Sores on the Bridge of my Nose?
In addition to nasal passage dryness, users may also experience red marks and skin irritation on the bridge of their nose. Here are some solutions.
Regularly Maintain Your Mask Cushions
Mask cushions should be wiped down or washed after every use. Dirty cushions frequently slide, causing leaks and making users tighten their headgear. Masks that are too tight will press into your face and cause irritations.
It is also a good habit to regularly replace mask cushions. Most cushions should be replaced every 30 days to ensure a proper seal and prevent bacteria-related skin irritation. Some, however, may require replacement sooner if damaged.
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Respironics DreamWisp Replacement Nasal CushionAs low as $19.95 Regular Price $23.99 -
Use a Mask Liner
Mask liners, such as Snugz or Silent Nights, can help minimize nose sores and red marks by creating a comfortable contact point between the cushion and your skin. These liners are also useful if you experience frequent air leaks.
Try a Different CPAP Mask Types
Sometimes the fit of the mask is not for you. Try a different type of CPAP masks such as a nasal pillow mask or hybrid mask for a more comfortable fit.
How to Stop CPAP Mask Irritation on the Bridge of the Nose
If your mask is leaving red marks or bruises on the bridge of your nose, it is likely due to excessive strap tension or a mask frame that is too small.
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Use a Nasal Gel Pad: A soft silicone pad (like the Gecko Nasal Pad) creates a barrier between the mask and your skin.
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Try a Mask Liner: Cotton liners absorb moisture and prevent the silicone from sticking to and tearing the skin.
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Loosen the Top Straps: The top straps should only be tight enough to prevent leaks. If you see skin indentations, they are too tight.
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Switch Mask Styles: Consider a "nasal cradle" mask that sits under the nose rather than over the bridge.
Sores from Nasal Pillows: Tips for Sore Nostrils
Irritation inside the nostrils is common for new nasal pillow users. Here is how to fix it:
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Check Your Size: If the pillows are stretching your nostrils, move down a size. If they are falling in, move up.
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Apply a Water-Based Lubricant: Use a CPAP-safe moisturizer (like CPAP Moisture Therapy) on the rim of your nostrils before bed. Never use petroleum-based products like Vaseline, as they degrade the mask.
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Adjust the Angle: The pillows should rest against the opening, not be shoved deep into the nasal passage.
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Alternate Masks: Rotate between a nasal pillow and a traditional nasal mask to give your nostrils a "break" from contact points.
Recommended CPAP-Safe Moisturizers
| Safe to Use |
Avoid (Will Damage Mask) |
| Water-based CPAP gels | Petroleum Jelly (like Vaseline) |
| Lanolin (for skin surface) | Vicks VapoRub |
| Aloe Vera (Pure) | Mineral Oil |
| Saline Nasal Sprays | Thick Hand Lotions |
Conclusion
Although nose irritation is a common occurrence with CPAP therapy, it can be avoided. Using a humidifier, nasal lubricant, or simply adhering to a regular cleaning schedule are only a few available remedies. For additional help or questions, contact our knowledgeable customer care team at 866-414-9700, or email them at questions@thecpapshop.com.
