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Sore under nose from mask -- how do I get rid of it?

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 2:50 pm
by GeorgeSpelvin
I just began using a CPAP machine several weeks ago. I'm using a Respironics Nasal Comfort Gel mask, which is generally very comfortable. Unfortunately, the first few nights, I was wearing the mask far too tightly (I didn't realize that your mask shouldn't feel tight or uncomfortable at all!) Once I got it fitted appropriately, it was much more comfortable....but by then I had developed a sore directly under my nose, between the nares. It doesn't hurt during the day, but it is red and somewhat unsightly. It can hurt a bit at night after the mask has been on for awhile. The main problem is, how do I get rid of it? Is there any lotion or creme that would work? I'm fearing that whatever I do, I'll need to go a few nights without wearing the mask to get the sore to go away.

Also, if this becomes an ongoing problem, would a different type of mask work better? I originally wanted to try a nasal pillow mask, but now I'm not sure if that would be better or worse considering the location of this pressure sore. What about nasal prongs?

Any suggestions?

Re: Sore under nose from mask -- how do I get rid of it?

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 2:59 pm
by Slinky
Ayr Saline Nasal Gel has worked great for me for this problem, but mine hadn't gotten as far as remaining red thru out the day before I started using the Ayr. By using the Ayr Saline Nasal Gel I was able to continue using my mask and xPAP every night and my nose/lip area healed and toughened up quickly w/its use. In my case it was the inside edge of the nasal cushion or nasal cushion cover that was causing the problem. Perhaps a larger size mask of the same style would make a difference but if it was "just" the result of your tightening the mask headgear too tight, size wouldn't make any difference.

Re: Sore under nose from mask -- how do I get rid of it?

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 3:28 pm
by Bluebonnet_Gal
I had a similar problem and I used a bandaid over the sore for a few nights. The mask seemd to seal well over the bandaid - only a slight leak where the bandaid "pad" was that didn't stick to my skin. I think the small amount of leakage was far better than not using xPAP for several nights. It healed quickly and I haven't had a repeat problem (at least not yet).

Re: Sore under nose from mask -- how do I get rid of it?

Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 11:59 am
by GeorgeSpelvin
Bluebonnet_Gal wrote:I had a similar problem and I used a bandaid over the sore for a few nights. The mask seemd to seal well over the bandaid - only a slight leak where the bandaid "pad" was that didn't stick to my skin. I think the small amount of leakage was far better than not using xPAP for several nights. It healed quickly and I haven't had a repeat problem (at least not yet).
I did try a bandaid but unfortunately this was even more painful because the raised part (the "pad") put even more pressure on that area. I have been trying to heal the area with various moisturizers.

I'm beginning to think that the only solution is to get a different type of mask that will not put pressure on this area and maybe "switch off" between the nasal mask and the other one. At the least, it seems like the pressure sore isn't going to go away unless I don't have the mask on it for a few days...

I'm wondering if anyone here uses that approach, e.g., switching off between a nasal mask and a full face mask (or nasal and pillow), etc?

Re: Sore under nose from mask -- how do I get rid of it?

Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 12:29 pm
by Babette
In my case, I just kept trying different masks until I found one that was comfortable and didn't irritate my skin. Took me 8 masks, but I finally found one that doesn't rub my upper lip raw.

If you click on the Free Test Drives link in my signature line, you'll find links to free mask trials where you can "try before you buy". I encourage you to get on some of these and try some different masks.

Good luck!
Barbara

Re: Sore under nose from mask -- how do I get rid of it?

Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 9:52 pm
by GeorgeSpelvin
Babette wrote:In my case, I just kept trying different masks until I found one that was comfortable and didn't irritate my skin. Took me 8 masks, but I finally found one that doesn't rub my upper lip raw.

If you click on the Free Test Drives link in my signature line, you'll find links to free mask trials where you can "try before you buy". I encourage you to get on some of these and try some different masks.

Good luck!
Barbara
Thanks. After reading as much as I could on these topics, I'm thinking very seriously about trying a nasal prongs device. I wanted to try the Nasal Aire II as my first mask but the CPAP specialist at my pulmonologist's office basically told me that they strongly prefer that people to start off with the same mask used during their sleep studies, if it worked "okay." (Well, that was the Comfort Gel Nasal Mask in my case -- which has been okay EXCEPT for this darn pressure sore under my nose).

So...I'm figuring that nasal prongs might be worth a try since my skin tends to get easily annoyed by the abrasion of the masks and pads! Though I am a little concerned about the tech telling me that the pressure feels much stronger with nasal prongs (though with my pressure setting being only 9, I'm wondering if that would be such an issue?)

Re: Sore under nose from mask -- how do I get rid of it?

Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 9:55 am
by Babette
If you will register as a member of this forum, you can Private Message me with your personal info, and I will put you the Nasal Aire II Test Drive list.

Cheers,
B.