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My mother went on oxygen at home last week. Her nose is sore from tubes in her nose. What can I use to moisten and heal. They said no to Vaseline. I was told I could get a special bottle to add water to the air but what for the sore nostrils??

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They don't want you using any oil based things because they are afraid of the danger of O2 and fire. So any water based lubricant like KY gel and so on. I would say that they don't work well because they don't stay there. This is often an ongoing problem. Talk to MD who is ordering O2 for his/her favorite miracle moisturizer.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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waytomisery Jan 20, 2026
I actually had a patient get burned lips from using Vaseline on her lips with use of O2. No flame , but her lips had gotten burned badly , anyway , brown scabs .
We used to use KY .
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Have her doctor or whoever is supplying the oxygen cannulas to order the softer more flexible ones as the stiffer ones do cause irritation.
It's been over 5 years since my late husband was on oxygen, so I honestly don't remember what the softer ones are called, but they make a huge difference and don't irritate the nostrils at all.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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AYR Nasal gel, you can find it in the cold and flu section in the pharmecy. About $2-3 dollars a tube. It's in a gold and green box.

It's saline based, you can apply it with a q-tip into the nostril.

My husband uses it with his C-PAP machine.
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Reply to notgoodenough
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The water bottle is truly a miracle. It adds so much moisture to the bone dry oxygen air that even my lips are no longer dry. My nose is no longer crusty or sore either, but the soft cannula helps a lot with that. If my nose gets irritated, I just use CeraVe unscented moisturizer.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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There is a lot of great advice here from those who have experience with this issue.

I have not, but if it were me, I would try Udderly Smooth balm, or a dab of Vitamin E oil.
I think the suggestion to add water to the dry air is a good one. I live in a dry, desert climate, and I use a humidifier. The dry air makes my nose, lips and throat feel sore.
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Reply to CaringWifeAZ
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MACinCT Jan 20, 2026
it is an oil which just like vascillene is not to be used
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I have to use O2 at night. It was drying my out so bad. I called my dr and he ordered a water cup that can attach to the O2machine. You use distilled water in it. That has helped. But also AYR nasal gel does great! You can get that at Walgreens. If she already has sores you should prbly ask her dr.
God bless
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Reply to stressedmess
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Former respiratory therapist here. The water bottle will not be adding too much moisture if under 5 liters since she is still breathing in most or her air from the environment. Pl;us it is winter now. Make sure she has cannulas that flare at the nasal piece rather than straight prongs. The softer the better. There are also some low stick tapes that she can use under her nares to help support the prongs. Check with the pharmacy to see if there are gel products.
The oily stuff reasons for not to use is because if put on too thick, she could inhale oil into her lungs which is a deamon for her body to get rid of. It is not so much a fire risk because the flash points for oil are usually above 150 degrees and I guarantee no one is going to be in a high heat environment. Open flames only tend to burn the plastic cannula which is why smokers go to the ER with strainght line burns across the face.
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pamzimmrrt Jan 20, 2026
You can also ask the home care company that provided the device for suggestions. They may also have samples of some you can try. I am also a retired RT, and though I never provided home care I have a friend who runs a HC company.
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I use Aquaphor with my CPAP canula. It feels oily going on but dissipates It's quite thick so she might need help getting it out of the tube. But helps my poor nose tremendously.
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Reply to Agca5201
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There are lubricants especially for noses like Ayr and Rhinase. Check your pharmacy or Amazon. Better ingredients for a nose than petroleum-based Vaseline.
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Reply to RedVanAnnie
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Orchid9: Pose your question to their physician.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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Nasal spray was recommended and seems to work.
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Reply to Seekerone
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Nasal spray was recommended for my family member.
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Reply to Seekerone
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Ask MD. A prescription might be better than over the counter.
Gena / Touch Matters
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Reply to TouchMatters
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CVS sells a Manuka Honey cream that's not sticky at all and is very nice and user friendly. That's what I would try.
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