Full face mask, nose swelling/pain

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:52 am

Hey folks, new CPAP user here, as of last Thursday I've been sleeping TONS better, and feel much better throughout the day...but the bridge of my nose is quite sensitive to the touch, red and swollen all day! I've been trying to find a balance where my mask seals and it doesn't hurt my nose, but it seems like air blows into my eyes if I get the right adjustment for my nose. Is this something that gets better with time? Or is there a way to pad the mask so it's less of a problem? I've got the straps about as tight as they will go, and have backed the nose adjustment off a bit, but any more and it leaks

Thanks! (and hello)

paulpb · Post by **paulpb** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:53 am

[quote="Anonymous"]Hey folks, new CPAP user here, as of last Thursday I've been sleeping TONS better, and feel much better throughout the day...but the bridge of my nose is quite sensitive to the touch, red and swollen all day! I've been trying to find a balance where my mask seals and it doesn't hurt my nose, but it seems like air blows into my eyes if I get the right adjustment for my nose. Is this something that gets better with time? Or is there a way to pad the mask so it's less of a problem? I've got the straps about as tight as they will go, and have backed the nose adjustment off a bit, but any more and it leaks

Thanks! (and hello)

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:10 am

If you'd care to tell us more about the equipment (CPAP and mask) you have and the pressure you're using, maybe we could offer some suggestions.
Masks should NOT be uncomfortable or hurt. Most of them are designed to work better if they're not too tight. Tightening too much can ruin the seal and make the leaking worse.
On the other hand, most users don't have the same experiences with masks and they're a very individualistic component of this therapy. There's usually a mask that will work for each of us, but sometimes finding that "best mask" can be a matter of trial and error.

Den

paulpb · Post by **paulpb** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:17 am

[quote="Wulfman"]If you'd care to tell us more about the equipment (CPAP and mask) you have and the pressure you're using, maybe we could offer some suggestions.
Masks should NOT be uncomfortable or hurt. Most of them are designed to work better if they're not too tight. Tightening too much can ruin the seal and make the leaking worse.
On the other hand, most users don't have the same experiences with masks and they're a very individualistic component of this therapy. There's usually a mask that will work for each of us, but sometimes finding that "best mask" can be a matter of trial and error.

Den

ww · Post by ww » Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:22 am

I piece of moleskin about 3/4 x 1 inch on the bridge of your nose works wonders. Also Macks Silicone Ear Plugs can be mashed to pad a sore place from the mask or rolled into a cord to stop mask leaks. Good Luck.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:25 am

I have that mask, too. If it's the correct size, it works better if it's not too tight. If it "feels" like it's leaking, it may be the elbow in the front of the mask. Around here, we've come to call the solution for that the "Teflon tape fix". Get a roll of Teflon tape and pull the elbow out of both the front of the mask and where it attaches to the hose connector. Wrap each end with 3 to 4 wraps of the Teflon tape and shove it back together. It gets rid of the annoying leaking.

I also have my forehead support in the full-upright position......no angle......and top straps loose......whatever tension needed is on the bottom straps.

Den

paulpb · Post by **paulpb** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:29 am

Awesome, I'll have to try that Like I said, that's the only complaint I have at all so far, and I'm sleeping so much better it would almost be worth it even if I couldn't fix this nose problem.

echo · Post by **echo** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 12:42 pm

welcome paulb! Glad to hear that you're feeling so good so fast!

I found for me the angle of the forehead piece was crucial. If it's not at the right angle, you can end up with a ton of extra leaking just because it's pulling up or out in all the wrong places. And no matter how much you tighten the mask, the leaking doesn't stop.

Your setting of 12 would be the amount of pressure, measured in centimeters of water (cmH2O). Most machines go between 4-20 cmH20.

If you fill out your 'profile' then you won't have to repeat your mask and machine info every time. Just click on the "Profile" link at the top of this page, go down to the Machine and Mask lines, and pick your equipment from the drop-down list. Text is better than Icons.

Here's some CPAP terminology to get you started: cpaptalk-articles/sleep-apnea-CPAP-definitions.html
and also be sure to check out the Yellow light bulb containing "Our collective wisdom".

deglorious · Post by **deglorious** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 12:49 pm

Hey Paul, Echo beat me on this one. I was going to suggest filling out the profile too.

Den is right about the quattro. I have it and I have the adjustment all the way out and the straps loose on the nose part. Then I tighten the chin part. Also, when you put the mask on start with the chin part and then put on the nose part.

If this doesn't work, try getting Padacheeks Nose Bridge Protection Pad. It also works well. Go to http://www.padacheek.com

Good luck,
Deglorious

Full face mask, nose swelling/pain

Full face mask, nose swelling/pain

Re: Full face mask, nose swelling/pain