weird welt reaction to full face mask--help!

[tiredlawstudent]

I usually use the nasal only respironics mask, it works well, but I wonder if I have mouth leakage. Also when Im sick, I become a mouth breather--so I thought Id try a full face mask. Often when I wake, I have those marks from the pressure on my nose area--but no biggie, it is just a mark and goes away shortly. However, I used the full face mask ONE night and when I woke up I had this HUGE (like inch long) red raised, hard, bump like area on the front top side of my nose (bridge) like where the top of the mask rests on the side of my nose. It was sooo weird. It was red, and hard, raised, almost like a zit would be, but an inch long, and maybe 1/3 an inch wide. It remained on my face for about 2 weeks (and sometimes almost looked like it might have some clogged pores or something going on). I was shocked. I can't have huge red welts on my nose lasting weeks!

Anyone else have this issue? What is it? What can I do?

Also, side note, I read some posts about acid reflux/gerd and waking up with choking feelings (which can be a sign of gerd)--and I found that aciphex (prescription) works wonders. It is an amazing pill. My brother, who also has gerd, takes nexium and likes it too. I literally can eat anything, and i no longer have any reflux--and I never get that choking liquid issue at all anymore.

Lastly, Ive totally plateaued. My doc raised me a few times, and it helped, but refuses to go any higher. I dont know what to do. She suggested provengil (oral meds) to help me feel awake, but Im hesitant to try it. I wanted to try the full face mask to see if maybe the air leak is an issue--but with that welt, Im worried! I wish she could keep raising my pressure, but I guess there has to be a limit otherwise Id blow my throat out! I use a cpap called the RemstarAuto-M series--Aflex.

any advice?

[Julie]

Try raising the head of your bed by about 6 inches - it can make the reflux go away. As far as your 'welt' goes, how weird!

[cflame1]

Do you know what your current AHI is? Do you have the software and reader?

[Cygnusia]

The welt sounds like good ol' virgin skin problem. What kind of mask is it?

[tiredlawstudent]

I dont know what AHI is, i have to look it up...(nor what it stands for) lol. I dont have any reader or software, so probably not.

It is (I believe--Ill have to check at home tonight) a respironics full face mask. I use the respironics nasal one usually, and I think it is the same brand. I think it is this one Respironics Comfort full2--if not, it sure looks just like it!!
http://www.directhomemedical.com/masks- ... bipap.html

Also, for a fast fix you can chew gum for the reflux/acid. It may not be safe, but Ive left a piece tucked in my cheek as I slept, never swallowed it, but it kept the reflux down enough to sleep until I got on meds.

[dhelinski]

Yes - I did have something very similar to the welt - I am very new at this and have been on a trial - for about 4 weeks - I went from the nasal mask to the the nasal pillow for just that reason - I have very oily skin - always have - although I am mid 40s now - and it would be read adn welt and then develop into an area of acne - In addition it was a bit sore - from the pressure. My Respiratory Tech seemed to think I had particularly sensitive skin... She says most masks are made of the same material - so the nasal pillow helped by not touching much of my skin. I tried a number of things .... placing a tissue strategically between my skin and the mask - but that was challenging.... I also tried some diaper rash cream.... because it was mild and formed a barrier of sorts.... Anyway it was most unpleasant so I hope you are able to come up with something that works for you.

[BlackSpinner]

Find an old t-shirt, lay the mask on it, cut around the mask leaving at least an inch all around. Now cut a triangle in the center. Put mask with gasket on face, then trim until mouth and nose are comfortable. This way nothing touches your skin.

It might slide more easily so watch for leaks where turning over.

[tiredlawstudent]

Has anyone tried the neopryne or gel things you put under the masks?

whats the difference btwn the mask and the mask pillows? I think I used pillows, but now im not sure!

Or the cloth barrier things? The welt was like taking over my face! I cant have that!

[BlackSpinner]

Or the cloth barrier things? The welt was like taking over my face! I cant have that!

I went online after the first night when it looked like my face was burnt from the mask (felt like it too) I created my first cloth gasket and have been using one ever since. I didn't have on old tshirt handy so I cut up a pair of old well washed cotton panties instead.