Dreamwear Nasal Mask Sensitivity

[AutoBiPAPFrank]

Alas, I have to stop using my Respironics DreamWear nasal cushion mask. After successfully wearing it for about 4 months, it is now starting to cause a rash on my face where the silicon tubes come in contact. I have tried the fabric wraps all the way up to the nasal cushion but I still have a bit contact my face when pulling tight for seal. Before I totally give up on it, is there something else I might try to reduce my sensitivity?

[Julie]

If you have to pull it tight for a seal, you're not wearing it right (or it's the wrong mask/size/fitting for you) as the cushion needs to be able to inflate to do its job... you might want to look at other masks or fittings (lying down, always), and also ask a dermatologist if something like an antihistamine (small amt just at night) might be a good idea - but be careful as they can affect your sleep too.

[AutoBiPAPFrank]

The mask seems to work fine and inflates but just tightening to my face causes the edges of the cushion to touch my skin just beside my nose (Medium-Wide size) and causes the rash to appear. I have tried the Medium also but get leakage with that one that annoys me. I have gone back to my nasal pillows of many years, I just liked the head exhaust on that mask and the lighter feel.

[OkyDoky]

You might try Lansinoh cream. It is used by nursing mothers to protect sore nipples. We have found it helps heal and prevent occasional sores that a new mask might cause. It can be found in the baby section of stores.

[ChicagoGranny]

rash

Rub a small amount of 1% cortisone cream (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Maximu ... t/20659620) into the rash each morning. After the rash clears up, try the mask again. Any morning you get up and find any signs of rash, reapply the cream.

If movement in the bed is causing the mask to move and rub your skin, try these tips --->

- Observe how the hose runs from the machine to the mask. Manage your hose in such a way that it does not pull on the mask when you move in the bed. You need some slack in the hose. Check when you bed down that the slack is there.

- Watch the manufacturer's videos on how to adjust the mask headgear. There is a medium range, not too loose and not too tight, that needs to be achieved.

[Thatgirl]

Are you cleaning the mask regularly?

[AutoBiPAPFrank]

About once a week. I had a new mask sent to me about 4 weeks back.

Are you cleaning the mask regularly?

[garagelogician]

About once a week. I had a new mask sent to me about 4 weeks back.

Are you cleaning the mask regularly?

I am prone to the same thing you are describing, but regular cleaning seems to really help me. I do it daily or every other day. Love this stuff: http://maskbright.com/

[AutoBiPAPFrank]

Thanks everyone! I will give these suggestions a try and see if I can get back into the mask regularly.