My nose is so red

I have been using my CPAP for almost 5 years now. I had a red, sore nose bridge for about the first month. It got better and I had no problems until a couple of months ago.

The bridge is now so red and sore. I want to do something to make it better. I have looked at all of the nose pieces (ex. Gecko, etc.) on cpap.com. Some look like they might work and then I read the reviews and become skeptical. Has anyone tried any of the products and what has been your experience? I have even started putting tissue over my nose and night to keep my new mask from irritating the bridge.

Suggestions are welcome.

tvmangum wrote:I have been using my CPAP for almost 5 years now. I had a red, sore nose bridge for about the first month. It got better and I had no problems until a couple of months ago.

The bridge is now so red and sore. I want to do something to make it better. I have looked at all of the nose pieces (ex. Gecko, etc.) on cpap.com. Some look like they might work and then I read the reviews and become skeptical. Has anyone tried any of the products and what has been your experience? I have even started putting tissue over my nose and night to keep my new mask from irritating the bridge.

Suggestions are welcome.

Hi tvmangum!

Something has truly changed!!

My first guess is that you are having a lot of apneas. The hypercapnia along with it's higher blood pressure might do that I suppose.

What does your nightly flow data indicate?

May we find it soon!

Todzo

Mask too tight? Cushion old and tired? Time for a new cushion? How long since last cushion replacement?
Have you tried a mask liner?
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html
You can make your own mask liner out of an old T shirt.

If I loosen my mask it leaks like crazy. It is so aggravating. I just replace my headgear and mask last week. I hoped that would help and it has a little.

Allowing your nose to heal first is going to be key. Some moisturizing creams during the day should help with this.

Sounds like your mask is shifting causing chaffing of your nose, might be a worn headgear (stretched straps etc etc), I'm not familiar with your mask so just throwing out ideas for you to look into.

Do you pull the mask away from your face after turning machine on thus allowing air to inflate the seal(s)? If not then give it a try. After placing mask back on your face wiggle your nose a bit to adjust seal.