CPAP caused bridge of nose to bleed and my solution

[jeffchel2]

When I first began using a cpap about 2 years ago I had problems with my mask causing the bridge of my nose to turn red and after a few nights begin to bleed. I searched the internet and saw some solutions others suggested. I tried many of them without much success. I finally came up with a free solution which took care of my problem. I have blogged about it at http://www.jeffchel2.blogspot.com/. Hopefully this will help someone else.

[dkdc]

I wonder how many people have tried this - if it works it would be one of the most popular accessories to buy (or make)!

[swknight]

Thanks for the suggestion.

I need to try something like this because I am having the same issue with the bridge of my nose. This morning it's really sore.

[Autopapdude]

I think that if the bridge of the nose is that sore, the mask is either too tight, or is not fitted properly for your face. Consider another type or brand of mask, or look for a different size. DME providers don't spend a lot of time sizing masks under all situations for patients.

[SaltLakeJan]

Mornin' jeffchel2

Because FullFace Mask was hurting my nose, I got up very early this morning. I brought up Cpap, and found your thread.

When I first began using a cpap about 2 years ago I had problems with my mask causing the bridge of my nose to turn red and after a few nights begin to bleed. I searched the internet and saw some solutions others suggested.

I immediately found a piece of Polyester Fleece. Because the bridge of my nose was already sore, I put an inch and a half shaped square, (shaped in a half-moon at the top) on the bridge of my nose. I taped it on with a 1/4 inch of blue painters tape. then because of my experience with the pressure the FF mask puts on my nose, I cut a strip about an inch & 3/4 long. I planned to put this strip over my nose & about an inch above the mask. (I trimmed the area by my eyes to make it narrower) I secured this piece on my forehead with another narrow piece of blue painter"s tape. Put the mask back on . . .

The piece of fleece that was continuous from the bridge of my nose to my forehead, caused leaks around my eyes. I adjusted the tapes till the leak stopped. And thankfully, I was able to go back to sleep. When I awakened 2 1/2 hours later. I had a slight additional mark, but no more than than.

I was going to take the FullFace mask back to the DME today. Thanks to your suggestion, it has a reprieve. I will give it another couple of days using your fleece technique. I really hope it will work for me. I need a full face mask, and other than the sore snoz, it seems to fit me well. Jan

[DJ_Boxer]

I agree with autopapdude: I was fitted with an HC407 from Fisher & Paykel that I got originally from my DME and get this irritation/soreness on the bridge of my nose when I use it, so I switch to the Opus 360 but still have my HC407 for when I am ill. I just did the measurement guide on CPAP.com and lo and behold it recommended the HC406 among other masks that say small/petite, xtra small and some medium but not many large and the HC407 was not on the list. Neither was the Opus 360 but I know that with the small pillow and have the hose free to track and no hose stay velcro attached that it is fine for me.

DJ

[LinkC]

Sounds like a make-shift Pad-a-Cheek nosepad to me. But with a whole lotta tapin' goin' on...

[blakepro]

When the bridge of my nose starts to get irritated or raw, I take a foam bandage, cut it in half to make it less wide, then cut the ends off to make it less long. Then I take just a dab of neosporin and put it on the bridge of my nose before applying the bandage. It protects the irritated skin, the neosporin helps it heal, and in a few nights I'm usually good to go without it for a while.

I also found that cleaning your mask regularly helps with this. Also, make sure you are using the right soap. If it leaves any residue at all, or if its too harsh, it will definitely irritate your skin while you are sleeping.

[dkdc]

Some of us have bumps on our noses that don't work well with much of any mask (or so it seems about 4 masks into this process). Masks are made to fit most people but not all.

I got a mask that doesn't touch the nose, but I think this is another good option. It works for some people - why go to another mask?