Need help with skin issue

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cpapper
Posts: 97
Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2007 8:50 am

Need help with skin issue

Post by cpapper » Mon Nov 10, 2008 4:25 pm

I've been using the Mirage Quattro FF mask for about a month now, prior to that I have used two different nasal masks. The skin on my face that comes in contact with the cushion of this mask has red areas that leave the shape of the mask on both cheeks, not marks or ridges from it being too tight, more like a rash type of appearance but doesn't feel sore or irritated, looks chapped but doesn't hurt. The marks are there all the time. As I am "older", I know my skin is thinner and more sensitive than a younger person's skin. Otherwise, my results have been good using the Quattro. Is there anything that could be placed between my skin and the edges of the mask cushion that would work without interferring with the seal?
Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.
To breathe or not to breathe.......

cflame1
Posts: 3312
Joined: Sat Mar 11, 2006 6:55 am
Location: expat Canadian in Kentucky

Re: Need help with skin issue

Post by cflame1 » Mon Nov 10, 2008 4:59 pm

Have you washed it well... in some gentle soap that your skin is used to?

Could it be an allergy?

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Babette
Posts: 4231
Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2007 5:25 pm

Re: Need help with skin issue

Post by Babette » Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:00 pm

That's rough. I have no idea other than to recommend you try another mask. Do you need a Full Face? Have you tried the Nasal Aire II with a chinstrap or other lip sealing technique?

Good luck!!!!
Barbara

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Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine
Additional Comments: Started XPAP 04/20/07. APAP currently wide open 10-20. Consistent AHI 2.1. No flex. HH 3. Deluxe Chinstrap.
I currently have a stash of Nasal Aire II cannulas in Small or Extra Small. Please PM me if you would like them. I'm interested in bartering for something strange and wonderful that I don't currently own. Or a Large size NAII cannula. :)

FlyingMask
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 11:51 pm

Re: Need help with skin issue

Post by FlyingMask » Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:27 pm

I was just to my DME today about a mask leaving red marks on my face. I was actually having an allergic reaction to that particular mask that I had tried. I have been using the Quattro and haven't had that problem. What I was told to do if that happened again to use a little aloe on the red spots. It is worth a try. Hope that helps.

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Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Also tried FlexiFit HC 407 (had allergic reation to it), Mirage Activia, Mirage Mirco

FoxNewsFan
Posts: 223
Joined: Thu Jun 19, 2008 2:31 pm

Re: Need help with skin issue

Post by FoxNewsFan » Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:29 pm

Cpaper,
I had a similar problem and follow forum member, Julie recommended CereVe, a skin moisturizer. Her dermatologist recommended it to her. It costs about $10 in CVS and will last a looooooog time as you only need 1 drop. In the evening, I wash my face and then put it on with my finger where the mask touches my face. It improves the seal of the mask. In the morning, I wash my face again and put it on any spot which is red.

I had a red chapped spot under one corner of my FF mask where rainout accumulated. (Iusually lay on my right side.) CereVe made it dissappear in about a week.

I just got my Aussie heated hose from Australia about 3 hours ago. I look foward to trying it out tonight. I like the bedroom cold and now I can turn the thermostat down and not worry about rainout.

Ed
ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset APAP
ResMed Mirage Quattro FFM
Backup ResMed S9

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cpapper
Posts: 97
Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2007 8:50 am

Re: Need help with skin issue

Post by cpapper » Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:07 pm

Good suggestions, thanks! I think I'll try the moisturizer, CereVe. I do wash the mask daily with mild detergent, which I think I'll switch to baby shampoo instead as that's probably even milder. I did try lip sealing techniques with nasal masks, tape, chin strap. My results are so much better with the FF mask I'd like to try and stick with this one for now. Insurance pays for new one every six months. I'll see how things go.
To breathe or not to breathe.......

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DoriC
Posts: 5214
Joined: Sat Sep 13, 2008 9:28 pm
Location: NJ

Re: Need help with skin issue

Post by DoriC » Mon Nov 10, 2008 10:53 pm

Thanks for the tip on CerVe. Will try it. I just posted the same problem with my hubby's very irritated red cheeks with the UltraMirageFF which has lasted all day.

_________________
Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: 14/8.4,PS=4, UMFF, 02@2L,
"Do or Do Not-There Is No Try"-"Yoda"
"We are what we repeatedly do,so excellence
is not an act but a habit"-"Aristotle"
DEAR HUBBY BEGAN CPAP 9/2/08

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DoriC
Posts: 5214
Joined: Sat Sep 13, 2008 9:28 pm
Location: NJ

Re: Need help with skin issue

Post by DoriC » Thu Nov 13, 2008 11:32 am

needed to see dermatologist for inflamed cheeks and he had to prescribe steroid cream which seems to have cleared it up after 2 days of no mask. He also highly recommended CereVe for daily use and to use plain Ivory soap to clean mask, the same soap Mike has always used for his daily showering. My pharmacy had to order CereVe for me, a lot of people buy it. Karen(Padacheek) is making a thin liner to use to protect the skin, haven't received it yet, but it might be an option. He also sleeps on a memory foam pillow which we carved out in a half moon shape on both sides so his mask hangs over the side(most of the time). This has really been a daily learning experience and we're out of K but still in 1st grade.

_________________
Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: 14/8.4,PS=4, UMFF, 02@2L,
"Do or Do Not-There Is No Try"-"Yoda"
"We are what we repeatedly do,so excellence
is not an act but a habit"-"Aristotle"
DEAR HUBBY BEGAN CPAP 9/2/08