Nasal mask irritation.

Hi,

A quick question. I recently switched from a nasal pillow to a nasal mask system (Wisp). After about 3 nights of use the bridg of my nose was irritated. The next night I notices bleeding on the irritated spot. I then went back to the nasal pillow.

Do you think the nasal mask is to small or is my skin being irritated by the materials of the mask?

Please help.

C. Leon

It sounds like it's too small... irritation alone would only leave a mark, red or not.

It could be both... Try the next size up in your mask, and if the skin irritation continues, mask liners can protect your face.

Why did you switch?

No mask should cause abrasions, broken skin or open sores. If it does then something is wrong.
Either wrong fit or wrong size or simply wrong mask for the person.
Some people have what I call "paper" skin and that type of skin is real easy to tear or get abraded even under the very best of circumstances.

englandsf wrote:Why did you switch?

First, thanks to all for the response.

I switched because the head gear had worn out, and the hard plastic cheek pieces leave deep indentations.

C.Leon wrote:I switched because the head gear had worn out, and the hard plastic cheek pieces leave deep indentations.

Which nasal pillow mask were you using? There are strap covers available to help with the indentations? Were you using them or did you even know about them. Some nasal pillow masks have a more rigid side strap thing than others.

I use the P10 most nights and the Nuance (with cloth straps) as a back up. No marks at all.

Pugsy wrote: Which nasal pillow mask were you using? There are strap covers available to help with the indentations? Were you using them or did you even know about them. Some nasal pillow masks have a more rigid side strap thing than others.

I was using the Phillips Respironics GoLife. I was not aware of the strap covers, so I used folded handkerchefs, which are a pain.......

In reading thru all of these posts I think the nasal pillow might be my best bet. I was looking at the TAP PAP, but found out it shouldn't be used with a tooth implant, which I have. Then I thought about getting a ResMed AirFit P10. Do you have any thoughts on that, I know everyone is different, but this is a difficult choice.

Thanks,
C. Leon

C.Leon wrote:Then I thought about getting a ResMed AirFit P10. Do you have any thoughts on that, I know everyone is different, but this is a difficult choice.

I am using the P10 now. I suggest that you give it a try. The side straps are pretty much non existent and shouldn't leave much marks at all.
Only time I get them is when I am on my stomach with face down into the bed pillow because I am using a bed pillow that has buckwheat hulls in it so it is fairly firm. If there's a wrinkle in the pillowcase and I do that I will get a wrinkle on my cheek. It's the pillow and my skin.

I think that you will like the P10 a lot better than the GoLife. I didn't care for the GoLife myself but it was at least an improvement over the Respironics OptiLife.

I have been using the P10 since Jan. I had to set the Tap Pap aside for a little while due to a problem with a bottom molar and I have been so happy with the P10 that I just haven't got around to setting the Tap Pap back up to use. The P10 is just so easy to use and comfortable I haven't been in any real rush to switch back.

Huge fan of P10, Nuance is my back up and I just sourced a cheap FX here to test. The latter has plastic sides so I'll wait and see on that one...