about to toss this mask...

[new to cpap]

I have been using the nasal mask for the past week now and the marks it is making on my face are just not going away...I use astringent and keep the mask clean. These marks aren't very attractive, to say the least!

Other than the unsightly marks on my face, the nasal mask seems to be doing the trick.

I'm not sure what to do. Should I go back and try the nasal pillows again (even though those three nights I used them I felt awful?) or should I seek a different type of mask altogether?

[bdp522]

For marks from the headgear - http://www.padacheek.com

Padacheek makes covers for the headgear that are machine washable and leave no marks. They also make the mask more comfortable. You can also PM Padacheek, she is a forum member and will do all she can to help.

Brenda

[new to cpap]

it isn't the headgear that is making the marks, it is the mask itself...the two sides that rest beside my nose...it is making marks/blemishes from the inside of each eye almost down to the nostrils, where the mask rests on the face.

[bdp522]

Yep. Get a hold of Padacheek and she'll be able to help. Here is a link from her website;
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_SwiftLT.html

Brenda

[Strapparatus]

0

[new to cpap]

Thank you for your response...the nasal mask is the respironic comfort fusion

And with regard to the headgear...I think mine is too big from top to bottom...it feels like it bunches on the back of my head

[gsbuck]

I tried a mask like that and I really didn't like it. In order to get it to seal I had to tighten the straps so much that it was very uncomfortable and left marks and irritation on my face. Look at other masks online and you will see many models that don't touch the face at all and are much more comfortable. So far my preference is the Comfortlite 2 (no straps), but I also like the Mirage Swift II (does have straps but not uncomfortable). Hope you find what works best for you!

[Babette]

I use the Nasal Aire II. You can read all about it in my Signature Line. It doesn't create any marks on my face. In fact, it has very little facial contact at all. The prongs hold it in my nose, and I stabilize the side tubes by attaching them directly to the chinstrap.

If you are interested in test driving it, PM me. I run a free test drive for this mask, so you can try before you buy.

Cheers,
Babs

[WearyOne]

I agree with Babette, that the NAII is a great mask, with very little contact with your face. I just wish I could use it! I can't handle masks that don't cover my mouth. If I could wear one that didn't cover my mouth, I'd go straight to the NAII. This was my first interface from when I first went on cpap. I still have it, but can't use it.

[Babette]

WearyOne, did you try taping your mouth shut? I'm having a lot of luck just now using blue painter's tape to tape my mouth shut. It's been a slow thing getting used to doing it, but I am learning and doing better every night I do it. Give it a try if you haven't yet.

Cheers,
Babs

[WearyOne]

WearyOne, did you try taping your mouth shut? I'm having a lot of luck just now using blue painter's tape to tape my mouth shut. It's been a slow thing getting used to doing it, but I am learning and doing better every night I do it. Give it a try if you haven't yet.

Cheers,
Babs

Thanks, Babbette, but I did try taping. It's odd, but I feel claustrophobic when I tape my mouth! I tried it several times, several different ways, I couldn't get over the panic I felt when I did it. I still remember making such a fuss before my titration that I was so claustrophobic that I knew I wouldn't be able to tolerate a FF mask, which is why they used the NAII on me. Turns out I do fine with MOST FF masks as far as that goes, but not when I have to tape in order to use a nasal-type interface. Go figure!

Pam

[gsbuck]

What about trying a chin strap?

[Babette]

Oh dang... I'm sorry Pam!!!!

Well, I guess it's Hybrid or Liberty for you, then!!!!

Huggers,
B.

[WearyOne]

Chin strap = lip flutter big time, plus headache.

The Liberty leaks on me like crazy, but fortunately, the Hybrid works very well. I just read the OP about the bumps on her/his face from the mask (not straps), and every morning without fail my chin looks like a ripe tomato for several hours because of the bottom of my Hybrid mask! (Well, maybe not THAT bad, but it seems like it. ) Doesn't hurt and no rash, just stupid looking! Thank goodness I work from home!

Thanks, though, for the suggestions!

Pam

[Craig-Tx]

I have been using the nasal mask for the past week now and the marks it is making on my face are just not going away...I use astringent and keep the mask clean. These marks aren't very attractive, to say the least!

Other than the unsightly marks on my face, the nasal mask seems to be doing the trick.

I'm not sure what to do. Should I go back and try the nasal pillows again (even though those three nights I used them I felt awful?) or should I seek a different type of mask altogether?

It sounds like you might be better off trying a different mask. Almost every mask company offers a 30 day return policy. Respironics DOES. If your DME didn't explain this, they are idiots. Call your DME and let them know you are having issues with the mask and that you would like to return it and try another one.

A DME (as much as I bad-mouth them) is where you should turn when it comes to helping you find a mask that WORKS FOR YOU! If they are not helpful, find another DME.

But seriously, don't give up on CPAP without trying several things. Unfortunately this therapy is has a large amount of trial and error to it. If it's not working, try something different. I've been on CPAP for just under 2 years. I'm on my 6th mask and 2nd machine.

Keep searching.