nasal pillows and zits

[seekingwellness2016]

I feel a little strange posting this, I apologize in advance. This is my second night using CPAP with nasal pillows... they were new from the package. After the first night I already started getting small, painful zits around my nostrils. I'm concerned that this may continue/get worse. I haven't had zits for a long time...

[Sylvia54]

Hi, I've been using nasal pillows for months and have not had that problem. However, when I first started on cpap earlier this year, my DME RT told me that some people get the pimples in the nose and end up switching to a full face mask. It was the argument he used to push a ff mask on me (most likely that's all they had in stock) and told me I had to try it for 2 weeks first. After 2 masks from them that didn't fit, I went and purchased (from out of pocket) a nasal pillow mask that works good for me. All I got at first was a sore on the outside of one nostril that lasted a few days. To treat it, I used "A+D" first aid ointment (from Walmart), treats burns, cracked skin, etc. It has a strange odor but did heal the sore. No other sores after that. You can use the search box to learn what others have done.

It's helpful for others to see the equipment you are using. Please click on the User Control Panel at the upper left to reach the small completion form.

[chunkyfrog]

It concerns me that the zits around your nares are painful.
Painful pustules are a symptom of herpes.
Like the "naughty" form of herpes, this will also respond to valacyclovir,
-----if you catch it early.

[MizLizzie]

So sorry. I have this issue, though I am prone to acne. Yes, they hurt! Try putting a little Zapzit cream or Clearasil under the nose before bed. Or you might get by with just a dab hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball. Be sure the pillows are not too big, and seated well against your nostrils. Good luck.

[Malinalli73]

I was having the same issue first with the pillows and later with the full face mask breaking out around my nose and mouth. Now I'm being extra clean with both the mask and my face, using hypoallergenic anti-acne products morning and night. I also need to be really patient and let the product dry on my face before putting the mask on, to avoid damaging the mask.

[palerider]

to avoid damaging the mask.

and, what 'damage' would that be?

[Hello, World?]

Hi, I've been using nasal pillows for months and have not had that problem. However, when I first started on cpap earlier this year, my DME RT told me that some people get the pimples in the nose and end up switching to a full face mask. It was the argument he used to push a ff mask on me (most likely that's all they had in stock) and told me I had to try it for 2 weeks first. After 2 masks from them that didn't fit, I went and purchased (from out of pocket) a nasal pillow mask that works good for me. All I got at first was a sore on the outside of one nostril that lasted a few days. To treat it, I used "A+D" first aid ointment (from Walmart), treats burns, cracked skin, etc. It has a strange odor but did heal the sore. No other sores after that. You can use the search box to learn what others have done.

It's helpful for others to see the equipment you are using. Please click on the User Control Panel at the upper left to reach the small completion form.

It's also worth nothing that you can still get zits from ff masks. I ended up with zits all over the bridge of my nose, right where it meets with the top of the mask. I started using the cpap masks wipes on both the mask and my nose before using it. It should help reduce the buildup of oils between the skin and the mask.

[SleepyonMagnoliaSt]

Cpap mask wipes are good. Also they make face cleaning wipes and if your skin is getting oily I'd suggest using one before putting on the mask every night

[Malinalli73]

to avoid damaging the mask.

and, what 'damage' would that be?

Thank you for following me around. Do you have a crush on me? I'm flattered!

According to Resmed website "We recommend that you wash your face before bed, ideally with a pH neutral soap, to remove excess facial oils. You should also avoid using facial lotions and creams where your mask comes into contact with your face, as these products may interfere with mask seal and potentially degrade the quality of the cushion over time."

Same page recommends not to clean the mask with products containing alcohol, and considering many acne products contain alcohol it could be a good idea to let them dry on your face before putting the mask on.

Here is the link...in case you want to check it out.
http://www.resmed.com/epn/en/consumer/s ... -mask.html

I might be fairly new to cpap, but beauty products and their ingredients I'm very familiar with.Plus these ladies and gens here seem pretty smart, I'm sure they don't need their red knight in shiny armor to defend them from me and my awful awful comments...they can blow me off if they wish to.

[palerider]

to avoid damaging the mask.

and, what 'damage' would that be?

Thank you for following me around. Do you have a crush on me? I'm flattered!

more an issue of having to watch where I'm going to avoid stepping in your droppings.

According to Resmed website

written by marketeers and lawyers, not scientists. of course, it IS a good idea to wash one's face, and clean the oils off the mask on a regular basis, but not because it's going to "damage the mask".

I might be fairly new to cpap,

and people here have been doing it for years.

once again, you let your ignorance gallop on... here's something for you, go to a chemical manufacturers site, like this one: http://partners.coleparmer.com/techinfo/chemcomp.asp and put in 'silicone' and then look at the effect of various alcohols (you do know that there's more than one kind, right?) on silicone...

[chunkyfrog]

For more info, type in silicone and "MSDS", which means material safety data sheet.