The ridge of my nose has broken out

[dooger]

It now the third day with my new machine - the ridge of my noes is broken out. Can anyone tell me whats going on?

Thanks

[DreamStalker]

Straps are not adjusted correctly or the mask is the wrong size or the mask is just plain not made to fit you face.

Re-adjust straps or try different size or try different mask.

PS - OR your skin is sensitive to silicon cushion. Try a different mask.

[Pad A Cheek]

Which mask are you using that is causing your problem? If it is a ResMed Quattro, try to dial the forehead part so it contacts your head with more pressure, that will take the pressure off your nose bridge area. If it is another type try to find a way to put less pressure on your nose, and sleep with a pillow that will not put pressure on your mask like a buckwheat pillow that you can shape to leave a dent for your mask if you sleep on your side.

There are many people who have this same problem at first. Often the nose will toughen up with time, but in the meantime a different mask may be needed. Go ask your mask provider if you can switch out for one that does not contact your nose bridge. There are many mask choices and getting a comfortable one will greatly help you get the sleep you need with your new machine.

Good luck, there are people here to help support you during this adjusting period. It takes time and persistance to get it working well, but when it does it will be a world of difference in your life.

Karen

[josef]

I had the same problem at first, the Sleep Doctor told me it was a pressure injury from having my mask too tight. Also to use a large non sticking band aid until it healed up. Learning to adjust a mask properly is probably 1 of the hardest part of CPAP Therapy. Your DME should deffinitely be able to help you. My DME put me into a different mask and I kept switching masks and after a year and many masks, I was back to my original mask properly adjusted. If it was a reaction to the silicone cushion, it would be other places than just the bridge of your nose. It seems the bridge of the nose takes the brunt of the abuse from a full face mask.

PS it looked like pimples on my nose.

[jmelby]

Full face masks are known for this... I assume you are using a full face mask? If you have problems eliminating leaks without having it as tight as you do, you could try some other things... some people use moleskin or other such products. Nose and nasal pillow masks are other options. I had a horrible sore form on my nose bridge when I first started (with a full face mask). After switching to a nose mask, I have not had this issue come up again.

[JohnnyBSurfing]

Im with you !
My Lincare+ set up guy suggested that I use the Lysol antibacterial wipes to wipe out my mask every morning.
After two weeks I had big red marks where the mask touched on either side of my nose.
My Doctor at the two week check up said he had never heard of using the wipes and I stopped immediately.
I have been washing with dish soap every morning and it has cleared up for the most part.
I do have some issues with mask leak around the top of my nose or bottom right corner early in the Am when my skin has become oily.
Nothing like a mask fart to wake you up ! LOL

[deadhead77]

[Tielman]

It now the third day with my new machine - the ridge of my noes is broken out. Can anyone tell me whats going on?

I had over adjusted my mask the first day home, and the second day. I readjusted it on the third day, and a lot of the discomfort went away, but unfortunately, the damage was done to the bridge of my nose.

I've been using a skin mask w/benzocane to keep the area clean and reduce the redness. It's also kept the breakouts to a minimum. Today, I got a blister up there, and I'm hoping that it will survive the night so that I can get it in shape tomorrow. The skin creme really does help with the redness, but first you've got to adjust your mask.

Wishing you the best!

[SleepingUgly]

Oh yes...the "pimple farm" as someone once referred to it. I can't forget that. It's happened to me to varying degrees many times. It's happened with 2 different full face masks, and occurs only in the red spot on the bridge of my nose. I agree that it's not likely an allergy to the material if it only happens at one point of contact. I never succeeded with these types of masks, so I can't offer you any advice. I'm now trying the Hybrid.

[dooger]

Thanks everyone for the help and the comments I am headed back to the company I purchased the mask from to try
something different. I know now that I can't live without the machine. I am a much happer person now - My family can really see the difference. How every I look like I have gone a couple of rounds with prize fighter

[josef]

The following is from CPAP.com

Why is my face breaking out around my nose?
An allergic reaction to the mask usually appears as redness or a rash all around the nose and on the forehead.

Most masks are made of silicone, which is an inert substance. But silicone is manufactured in chemicals to which some people are allergic. The chemicals normally degrade and disperse over time, but may cause a reaction when first used. The solution is to remove the chemicals and gasses before using the mask.

Washing the mask will reduce or eliminate the problem. This process can be accelerated by long soaks in warm soapy water. This is true with all masks and other types of nasal prongs and cushions.

Replacement items should be bought well before they are needed, washed and soaked at once and stored. This process may reduce the life of the silicone.

Allergic reactions are often confused with the pressure bruises, bumps and open sores that can result from tightening headgear straps too tightly. If the problems are only at the bridge of the nose or beneath the nose, it is probably a pressure issue and a new size or new mask is needed.