FF Mask: mask marks/allergic reaction?? Help or tips?!

[claireybear]

Hello all,

I recently had my first check-in with the sleep doc and also with the DME, and was given a FF Ultra Mirage mask instead of the nasal pillows (Opus) I had been using (which I never felt like I got enough air with: I would wake up and pull them off). I LOVE this mask: I sleep well, breathe well, it's comfortable, it doesn't leak very much, and my data is good. I realize that some red marks are common when taking off the mask first thing in the morning. While these are kind of annoying, they generally go away by the time I shower and get ready to go.

My question is that there is now a red mask mark around my nose area (two lines down from my nose to mouth, right where the seal goes) that has not broken out (no pimples) but is red and kind of inflamed looking. It doesn't itch and there are no bumps. But it does NOT go away, i.e. no matter how long it's been since my mask was on.

Dad (who also wears a FF mask) says he think I wash mine "too much" and it may be an allergic reaction from the soap. I wipe my mask down in the a.m. with a hypoallergenic, fragrance free, alcohol free baby wipe (CVS brand) which I thought was fine... (Dad supposedly rarely/never washes his and I think that's gross?!?!?!) but I suppose that could be causing a reaction? Or has anyone had a reaction just from the silicone? I figure some of you who have had more experience trying various masks might have had the same issue.

I have a dermatologist appt. for other issues within the week and will ask her, but I was wondering if anyone had any opinions or tips for making these nasty red marks go away before then.... I'm a 22 year old girl and I'd rather not walk around with weird patterns on my cheeks. (-:

I otherwise LOVE this mask so would prefer to make it work --- since all other things seem to be working out with this one.

Thanks!

[Ruby Vee]

I've had that kind of reaction just from the silicone. Following advice I read here, I soaked my cushions -- not the whole mask, just the part that touches my face -- in soapy water for an hour or two, and that helped some. Evidently you're supposed to do that before you use a new mask for the first time. I'll do that from now on! I wash the cushions with Ivory soap every morning. That helped, too. My marks were just on the upper sides of my nose, and a Breathe Right strip (the "wings" part on either side) covers the reddened areas. I haven't had issues with the bridge of my nose, but the strip would cover that, too. Two or three nights with a Breathe Right strip to keep the silicone away from that part of my face and the marks went away. I've also read that tape or band-aids between your skin and the silicone helps. I tried that, but couldn't get the sticky residue off my face in the morning.

Bare Minerals foundation helps cover up the marks until you're successful in making them go away. I was surprised at how it made them disappear!

[harry33]

all new masks, headgear and airhoses should be soaked in warm soapy water and then gently washed and rinsed to get rid of chemicals left from making them

suck the water into airhose

[BlackSpinner]

I can't handle the mask against my skin either - Cut a piece of thin knit 100% cotton fabric in a triangle the shape of your mask, cut a hole for the nose and mouth, repeat weekly. Voila - no burn marks.

There is someone "padacheeks?" on the board who makes these things too.