Dry skin/acne on forehead from CPAP machine. How to remedy?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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YouTube
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Dry skin/acne on forehead from CPAP machine. How to remedy?

Post by YouTube » Fri Oct 24, 2014 1:08 am

Hello.

Post title says it all. First off, I'm having an acne breakout on my forehead due to the mask's straps. I've done some research on here, and a fan favorite seems to be this:
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html

Can anyone vouch for its effectiveness?

Second off, for months now, I've been having this dry skin rash on one side of my lip, and I have to only contribute it to the air being pumped into my mouth via my CPAP machine. But I'm confused - why just one side, and not the other? I've tried some lotions, and I don't know, they didn't really help because at the end of the day, I have to use the machine and the dry skin returns. But this was never an issue early on with the machine.

Here are three photos which show my dry skin ailment. I'm told it won't cause permanent skin damage, but still, I want this taken care of:

ImageImageImage

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Re: Dry skin/acne on forehead from CPAP machine. How to remedy?

Post by SleepyEyes21 » Fri Oct 24, 2014 6:30 am

YouTube wrote:Hello.

Post title says it all. First off, I'm having an acne breakout on my forehead due to the mask's straps. I've done some research on here, and a fan favorite seems to be this:
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html

Can anyone vouch for its effectiveness?

Second off, for months now, I've been having this dry skin rash on one side of my lip, and I have to only contribute it to the air being pumped into my mouth via my CPAP machine. But I'm confused - why just one side, and not the other? I've tried some lotions, and I don't know, they didn't really help because at the end of the day, I have to use the machine and the dry skin returns. But this was never an issue early on with the machine.

Here are three photos which show my dry skin ailment. I'm told it won't cause permanent skin damage, but still, I want this taken care of:

Hello - welcome to the forum. I haven't used Pad-A-Cheek liners yet, but others have and can comment on them. While you are waiting to decide if you want to order the pads, you can try making padding out of an old t-shirt; just cut pieces into rectangles to put under your mask on forehead and around straps where they likely come into contact with your face. I'm assuming you are using a full-faced mask; there is also a product called Remzzz liners made for these masks.

You can try aloe vera on your skin irritation & dry skin. You can buy this at a store like Walgreens or Walmart, but you can also buy an aloe vera plant, trim the leaves, and use the pure aloe.

As to why this is occurring now and just on one side - my guess is that you could be moving in your sleep more now that you are more comfortable with using your mask & machine. I know when I started treatment, I was almost afraid to move much for the first few weeks because I didn't want to move the mask out of place.

Also - you could be moving your head in ways that cause the mask straps to come into contact more frequently on one side of your face. Do you find yourself sleeping on that side often? It could be that also.

ImageImageImage

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Re: Dry skin/acne on forehead from CPAP machine. How to remedy?

Post by debhosenose » Fri Oct 24, 2014 7:58 am

Hello, My technician told me that if I get any of these symptoms to just put a little vasaline on it...that's what she does and it goes away.
Maybe try that?

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Re: Dry skin/acne on forehead from CPAP machine. How to remedy?

Post by library lady » Fri Oct 24, 2014 8:05 am

The question asked was whether mask liners/strap pads are effective. Everyone's experience with these is different, but yes, these make a big difference for many cpap users. The Pad A Cheek liners and pads are used by many, as are RemZzzzs, available from most DMEs and https://www.cpap.com. Forehead pads are also available. They protect your skin, and also help with mask leaks. Some people find lansinoh effective - get these in the baby products aisle.

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Re: Dry skin/acne on forehead from CPAP machine. How to remedy?

Post by BlackSpinner » Fri Oct 24, 2014 8:35 am

debhosenose wrote:Hello, My technician told me that if I get any of these symptoms to just put a little vasaline on it...that's what she does and it goes away.
Maybe try that?
NO NO NEVER petroleum products. You technician is an idiot.

Use a mask liner - you can make your own out of old well washed t shirt

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Re: Dry skin/acne on forehead from CPAP machine. How to remedy?

Post by LSAT » Fri Oct 24, 2014 8:43 am

I agree with BS.....Petroleum products and silicone don't mix well

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Re: Dry skin/acne on forehead from CPAP machine. How to remedy?

Post by LSAT » Fri Oct 24, 2014 9:27 am

YouTube wrote:Hello.

Post title says it all. First off, I'm having an acne breakout on my forehead due to the mask's straps. I've done some research on here, and a fan favorite seems to be this:
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html

Can anyone vouch for its effectiveness?

Second off, for months now, I've been having this dry skin rash on one side of my lip, and I have to only contribute it to the air being pumped into my mouth via my CPAP machine. But I'm confused - why just one side, and not the other? I've tried some lotions, and I don't know, they didn't really help because at the end of the day, I have to use the machine and the dry skin returns. But this was never an issue early on with the machine.

Here are three photos which show my dry skin ailment. I'm told it won't cause permanent skin damage, but still, I want this taken care of:

[i
The air from the CPAP should be pumped into your nose...not your mouth. You don't say what mask you are using, but by reading your post...I would guess that you need a different mask. Some masks work better with facial hair and some do not have anything across the forehead.

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Re: Dry skin/acne on forehead from CPAP machine. How to remedy?

Post by YouTube » Fri Oct 24, 2014 12:35 pm

LSAT wrote:The air from the CPAP should be pumped into your nose...not your mouth. You don't say what mask you are using, but by reading your post...I would guess that you need a different mask. Some masks work better with facial hair and some do not have anything across the forehead.
I have severe sleep apnea with a deviated septum that doesn't allow me to breath through my nostrils at any point really, so my mask is designed big enough to fit over my whole mouth and nose region, and I breath in through my mouth because if I did it with my nose I'd have serious breathing issues.

That said, can anyone else offer advice on my dry skin on the lip? It's starting to depress me.

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Re: Dry skin/acne on forehead from CPAP machine. How to remedy?

Post by Wulfman... » Fri Oct 24, 2014 12:44 pm

Try something like Tinactin (cream).

Have you seen an ENT about getting your nasal passages fixed?


Den

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YouTube
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Re: Dry skin/acne on forehead from CPAP machine. How to remedy?

Post by YouTube » Fri Oct 24, 2014 12:50 pm

Wulfman... wrote:Try something like Tinactin (cream).

Have you seen an ENT about getting your nasal passages fixed?


Den

.
I don't have medical insurance, plus there'd be complications about my weight.

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Re: Dry skin/acne on forehead from CPAP machine. How to remedy?

Post by Wulfman... » Fri Oct 24, 2014 2:40 pm

Shave the beard and mustache off (probably harboring bacteria).

And, if you're in the U.S., with the "AFFORDABLE Care Act" (AKA "Obamacare") now in effect, there's no reason you shouldn't have healthcare insurance. Preexisting conditions aren't relevant anymore.


Den

.
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05