Help, my face is breaking out

Hi guys, I just got my CPAP machine like a month ago and its been rough going, but I've finally gotten to the point where I can sleep for a full 8-9 hours without ripping the thing off my face in frustration. But now I've got this red mark over the bridge of my nose that is swelling up and starting to form pimples. I mean I'm not the prettiest guy on the planet, but this thing makes it look like i was in a bar fight.

The problem I'm having is with the pressure. The doctor said that I needed the machine set to 17, which is what the lady at the equipment place set it to. I've read a bit through the forums and I'm not having trouble with some of the other common problems like sleeping with my mouth open, but in order to keep a good seal I have to tighten this thing way down on my face. Any slack at all will cause it to leak out the sides. I'd like to get a different mask. But my tricare coverage ends next week from the army and my VA disability claim has not come back yet. I may actually have to give the thing back if I go too long without coverage. Anyway, I'm stuck with what I have right now. Are there any tricks that might help me out?

Edit: Is there ANY way to swallow without my ears popping? this is driving me CRAZY..

29 replies and not a single reply?

disconnect79 wrote:But now I've got this red mark over the bridge of my nose that is swelling up and starting to form pimples.

I would not let that get worse. If you get an open sore, it could be really hard to get it to heal. My suggestion is that you put some padding, like a small square of T-shirt or other soft material, between your nose and the mask. Or make a face gasket out of a T-shirt, which could also help with the leaks. Search on this forum for RemZzzs for ideas on the face gasket.

See the next suggestion to see if you can't also loosen up the headgear a bit.

disconnect79 wrote:Are there any tricks that might help me out?

I've been experimenting with taping a full face mask to my face. I actually only tape the bottom half. I use 2" wide painters tape, and I put it so that about an inch (of the width) goes on the mask around the edge, and the other inch sticks to my chin and cheeks. Try to get the tape to form as much of a "right angle" between the mask and skin as possible so that you don't skip any skin up next to the mask.

That may allow you to loosen up the headgear a bit.

You might also try the silicone earplugs to help seal your mask. Search on Mack's or earplugs or something like that.

disconnect79 wrote:29 replies and not a single reply?

It could just be that nobody in the 29 who looked at it had an answer for you. They might have to actually look at your question, not just the subject you chose, to figure out they could not help you.

A t-shirt? I think i'll try that, i just hope it stand up to the pressure on my mask... Thanks for your suggestions. I'll try to be more patient

Also, you may want to check PadACheeks padding (I think it's http://www.padacheeks.com). There is one that's made to pad the nose bridge.

Sorry, I missed your post yesterday. I also highly recommend padacheeks. I also have to tighten my mask down to stop the leaks at high pressures. THe bridge of my nose is always in some stage of blisters or peeling from dried up blisters. Karen, at padacheeks, made me some nose protectors that fit on the the forehead piece and come down to protect the nose bridge. She will make one to fit whatever kind of mask that you may have. This will stop the blistering. While you are waiting for your padacheeks, put a bandaid on that blister to keep from having an open sore.

Best wishes,
Bev

Padacheeks is the place to go: http://www.padacheeks.com

Good luck!
Barbara

[quote="disconnect79 Is there ANY way to swallow without my ears popping? this is driving me CRAZY..[/quote]

I don't know of any fix for that. I usually swallow once, my ears pop, and then I try not to do it again.

BTW, welcome to the forum. It's nice to have another Virginian on board.

Bev

Try a neti pot (Nasal saline rinse--only rinse your nose) to help with your ears. My ears have been clogged up since I started on CPAP, but the rinse has helped. I end up sticking my finger in an exposed ear every time I swallow so they don't plug up. It works, and I only need to do it while I'm awake.

I have the same problem, but I have a nasal mask and my face is breaking out along the sides of my nose. The DME provider suggested putting a little vaseline along the edges of my mask. I haven't tried it yet; will let you know. Also, if you are losing your insurance, you can get supplies inexpensively online instead of getting them through a DME company.

ann120 wrote:I have the same problem, but I have a nasal mask and my face is breaking out along the sides of my nose. The DME provider suggested putting a little vaseline along the edges of my mask. I haven't tried it yet; will let you know. Also, if you are losing your insurance, you can get supplies inexpensively online instead of getting them through a DME company.

Ann this thread is from 2009 so an oldie. Do NOT used Vaseline around your mask, you dme is dead wrong. Vaseline is an oil based product and will degrade your mask faster, instead use Lansinoh it is pure lanolin and found in the baby isle at walmart or any pharmacy. If you use Vaseline and your mask silicone degrades faster of course the dme would love that as you would need a new mask sooner

ann120 wrote:I have the same problem, but I have a nasal mask and my face is breaking out along the sides of my nose. The DME provider suggested putting a little vaseline along the edges of my mask. I haven't tried it yet; will let you know. Also, if you are losing your insurance, you can get supplies inexpensively online instead of getting them through a DME company.

Did you THOROUGHLY wash your mask before using it?
That is a common cause of this problem.


Den

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