red face

epri · Post by **epri** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 6:22 pm

Greetings: I just started using BiPap. I've managed to sleep with it for 3 hours 3 nights and one night all night. It has been a challenge getting the mask comfortable, but now my face is very red every where the mask covers plus some past the mask. Has anyone experienced this

53now · Post by **53now** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 7:29 pm

This is a new one on me !!! I'm wondering if you could somehow be allergic to the material used in making cpap masks ??? They are made with a "latex-free" based material. Hummmmm Have you washed the mask with soap ? Do you use any type of lotion or make-up on your face ? My skin is very sensitive but I have not had any of these problems. I would talk to your DME about your skin troubles (or your Doctor). You might need to switch to nasal Pillows......such as The Breeze or the Swift. Nasal pillows do not touch your face. This might be your best bet.

Let us know what happens
Rich

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 9:23 pm

How tight did you have the mask ! Must be some good stretchy neoprene on that headgear. ... LOL....Don't have a clue to your troubles mate. Other than the obvious, cleaning , lotions. What is your pressure? Perhaps its windburn..

Cheers,

Chris

hoser · Post by **hoser** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 11:00 am

I copied this out of the cpap.com mask FAQ.

The problem is that silicone rubber has some components that a few people out of a hundred are allergic to.

We have found that patients sensitive to these chemicals can use CPAP but must do one or both of the following.

1. A weeks washing of the mask will much reduce or eliminate its ability to cause a reaction. Over time the chemicals that are causing the reactions degrade and disperse, usually in a gaseous form. This process can be accelerated by long soaks in warm soapy water. This is true with all mask, nasal pillow and headgears. Some patients will need to soak these items even longer. This process works!

2. There are some cloth only headgears available for nasal pillows. These are often called into service for the most difficult cases. The metal and hard plastic Breeze system can also be used to good effect in this application.

3. New items should be bought before they are needed and soaked as above. Unlike normal CPAP masks, for people with rubber related allergies, the older the equipment, the better.

epri · Post by **epri** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 11:22 am

Thank you all so much for your post. I've washed the mask in the dish soap I use at home, but I'll try cleaning it in vinegar and water only and see if that helps. I haven't used my normal face creams as I wanted to see how I responded only to the mask. I'm still trying to adjust to the mask and find the right degree of tension without it leaking. I took it off at about 3:00 in the moring with mosture having built up in the mask. How long did it take any of you to adjust to sleeping with this equipment?

53now · Post by **53now** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 12:23 pm

I'm wondering.....Do you use a humidifier with your Cpap machine ? If so...you might turn the heat down. This will help get rid of that moisture. ALSO....What kind of mask do you use ? You might want to switch to a mask that doesn't require the continued tightening of the straps. The Activa and the Ultra Mirage ...(both are made by ResMed)

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 2:36 pm

I second 53now's suggestion to switch to a completely different kind of interface. The Breeze/nasal pillows (my favorite) would give minimal contact with your face:

You might need to switch to nasal Pillows......such as The Breeze or the Swift.

If you sleep almost exclusively on your back, the Swift is great. For side sleeping, I much prefer the Breeze. (Swift is "ok" for side sleeping too.)

epri · Post by **epri** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 7:36 pm

I am fairly certain I am allergic to the mask at this point. My face feels like it is burning where the mask rest on my skin. I turned the heat down and washed it again and used a diluted vinegar solution, but nothing has helped. I have the Ultra Mirage Nasal Mask and I keep it as loose as possible without it leaking. Every night after about 2 to 3 hours, I'm so miserable with the mask irritaing me, I pul it off. Does anyone know where I can find imformation on what materials different mask are made of?