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Can anyone solve the problem of getting sore nostrils as a result of the oxygen nasal cannula ?

Snippet profile image
32 Replies

Hi my mum is now on oxygen 24 hours and is coming to terms with this but she is finding the nasal spectacles are making her nostrils sore.

Has anyone found a softer version on the market that might be more comfortable?

Or any top tips to avoid this problem? She is very small and petite I wonder if there is a children's version that has slightly smaller prongs ?

Well Thankyou anyway this is my first blog I hope I can get my mum to join too !

Jane

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32 Replies
maruth profile image
maruth

hello Jane, KY jelly is a good , safe lubricant.It was recommended to me., but, be very careful not to use petroleum jelly. sorry, i cant help with the cannula ,but ,i am sure you will get help very soon,M x

sharon681 profile image
sharon681 in reply to maruth

anyone out there know why to use Ky and Not to use petroleum jelly?

mrsmummy profile image
mrsmummy in reply to sharon681

It is unlikely that anyone will see your question on such an old post. Why not click "Write a post" (green button, top right) and ask on the more recent forum? Welcome to the BLF.

snookielf profile image
snookielf in reply to mrsmummy

Just today joined. Thank you for your reply.

stone-UK profile image
stone-UK in reply to sharon681

Hi

Petroleum products should not be used by anyone using medical oxygen. This should be explained in your home pack supplied by your oxygen provider.

There's another product available ask at your local pharmacy, remember to mention non petroleum.

sharon681 profile image
sharon681 in reply to stone-UK

lol yeah Ive now seen the reason is that it is flammable, yikes. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. Ill specifically ask at my pharmacy as you have suggested. Thanks again.

Lcarmichael profile image
Lcarmichael in reply to sharon681

KY jelly is what was recommended to me lol I'm 71 years old never had to use KY and now it sits on my bedside table

Lisanice6 profile image
Lisanice6 in reply to sharon681

Petroleum jelly is flammable

carlamartin1962 profile image
carlamartin1962 in reply to Lisanice6

How do you use it, please help me my mother in law on 24hrs and has such problems , nose bleeds , dryness, etc you know! I would appreciate it Thank You!

pcbillington profile image
pcbillington in reply to sharon681

Petroleum jelly is flammable and combined with the oxygen machine it's dangerous.

Tifdannik profile image
Tifdannik in reply to sharon681

No petroleum based products because petroleum is combustible

Lcarmichael profile image
Lcarmichael in reply to sharon681

Petroleum jelly is oil based KY is what my supplier of oxygen told me

Lcarmichael profile image
Lcarmichael in reply to maruth

Yes use KY not petroleum jelly as it is oil based is what I was told by my oxegyn supplier

phillips1 profile image
phillips1

Hiya Snippet.

Maruth is right, KY jelly is excellent or you can use any water based lubricant, not a spirit based one. Your local chemist can help you out there.

Bobby

Snippet profile image
Snippet

Oh thank you very much Maruth and Bobby .

You can have all the hassles that copd brings but it's the little irritating things like sore nostrils that can just push your buttons on a bad day !

I will pass the info to mum !

Thanks again

Jane

jeanghost profile image
jeanghost

Hi Jane

Sorry to hear about your mum. My husband is on oxygen 24/7 so can understand what she is going through. It sometimes depends on what level of oxygen she is on ,my husband is on 7 at present. He gets a sore nose and nosebleeds.

The doctor prescribed Beconase which really helps. He also suggested he tried try a mask for some of the day but my husband cannot get on with it.

I hope that you find this site helpful. Keep in touch.

Jean

Snippet profile image
Snippet

Hi Jean

Thank you for that.I will look up Beconase and ask mums G P.

I really think the site is great .....you suddenly don't feel alone with everything.I hope your husband is doing ok.Mum would agree with him about the facial mask I think she found it awkward too ! We both have joked that there should be a little discreet feed similar to the tiny microphones the stars use.

I will keep in touch .

Best wishes

Jane

libbygood profile image
libbygood

I get sore nostrils and have just started using KY Jelly to lubricate my nose, the oxygen makes my nostrils very dry and uncomfortable. I also use Sterimar salt water spray which helps. My biggest problem is blocked sinuses. I also think changing from the curved canulas to the straight ones every so often helps, The oxygen hits a different spot.

Lib x

Snippet profile image
Snippet in reply to libbygood

Thanks Lib

That was going to be my other question .My mum often feels her nose /sinuses are blocked and she can't clear it.Do you use anything else to try clear your sinuses?

Jane x

caroleoctober profile image
caroleoctober

You asked if you could get a child's cannula, yes you can. Ring the oxygen company and they will send you some. Also if anyone one is interested you can get 2 metre long ones to fit portable cylinders, which make it easier when you put it in a rollator, shopping trolley or when you are driving the car, but you have to fit ask the oxygen company for them. Keep smiling

Carole x

libbygood profile image
libbygood

Hi Jane, when I'm desperate I use nasal spray which shouldn't be used too often, also inhale Olbas Oil which you can use as often as you like, the Sterimar salt water helps , it loosens the gunge (for want of a better word) and makes blowing easier. Hope you find a solution for your mum. I am going to look into Beconase as Jean suggests. I need to do something as my sinuses block up so badly it adds to my breathing problems.

Lib x

Snippet profile image
Snippet in reply to libbygood

Hi Lib and Carole

I was wondering about olbas oil ! My mum has always had a fear that anything with a strong smell might take her breath away.....I think it goes back to a fairly stringent cold product she used that sent her into a coughing session.Olbas oil on a tissue should be reasonably gentle though .I will try some .

I will also order a child's cannula ....will report back on how we go !

Thank you again.

Jane

dime profile image
dime

Hi I really suffer with a sore nose with using oxygen 24/7. I get huge dried blood clots I call them gremlins and they completely block my nose it is horrible!!! I do use my steamer a lot lately it is a great help . I also use Sterimar spray,K jelly ,and an oxy arm at night when watching TV or reading .It does give your nose a rest but you can't really move around much!! It will end up in you eye on your forehead ,on top of your head wherever !!! Has anybody else got more ideas !! I will try anything at all!!! Dime

Snippet profile image
Snippet

Hi Dime

I didn't know the oxy arm existed ! I have just had a look on the Internet do you mind me asking where you bought yours from ?jane

dime profile image
dime

Hi Jane I acquired my oxy arm from the oxygen assessor at the hospital , don't think you can buy them but who knows!!!!Hope you manage to get one for your Mum, I do sympathise with her and Libby. Dime

Security1_ profile image
Security1_

Try. Triple antibiotic creme.

Security1_ profile image
Security1_ in reply to Security1_

Wrong pharmacy told me triple antibiotic I said NO Petroleum. Just read for my comment on that you can get a prescription or find something I Will check cause I have the problem again.

cloez profile image
cloez

I use a saline nasal gel, it is also good for a bloody nose, and I bought it on the internet, also for a inhaler I use Olbas ihaler it is like the old fashion vicks plastic but all natural~~~being on oxygen 24/7 can be tough sometimes~~~~Good luck and know your Mom is not alone

Baby19640 profile image
Baby19640

I am new this is my first respond and I am looking forward to seeing more helpful information thank you all for the much needed information on nose sores I am on oxygen and not knowing what to do about the issue has really taken a toll on me . Again thank you all so very much and may God bless and keep you always !!!

Dusk_to_Dawn profile image
Dusk_to_Dawn

I read that Sesame Oil works. I'm desperate--giant painful sores. I have been using a jell that the oxygen company gave me--pretty useless. I ordered the Sesame off of Amazon, will let you know. I am glad I read this post, because my next step was Vaseline! I can envision waking up my roommate. "Uh -- excuse me -- my nose is on fire."

shelakay42 profile image
shelakay42

Because petroleum jelly is highly flammable when using oxygen

Lcarmichael profile image
Lcarmichael

They make a real soft nose peace for children check you oxygen supplier to see what they might have. The one I got was at my Drs office as they supply me with oxygen when they see me so I don't run my small tank out They just happened to have this one and gave it to me as they have to dispose of them once I use it. I keep it for my portable tank. I am going to check with my supplier to see if I can find more

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