Full Mask Skin Irritation

[tamalecks]

I'm really new to this board, but not new to CPAP (2 yrs). I wear a full-face mask at 17 psi and my face looks like I've developed rosacea! Only around the triangle where my mask goes, but especially between the eyebrows and on the sides of my nostrils. The skin has gotten patchy and dry and just stays red. (yes, I have a humidifier) I've tried all kinds of creams and lotions to no avail. I've tried nasal pillows, but at 17 psi they blew me away. Any ideas/suggestions? I'll post the specs of my machine etc when I get home (I'm currently at work).
BTW, this looks like a really good place to get some advice! Glad I found it!

[nanwilson]

You need a mask liner....go to padacheeks or remmzzz. Alot of us have to resort to a mask liner, my face looked like I had a sun burn....but only where the mask sat I find padacheeks liners the best as they are more durable and can be tossed in the washer when needed. The remzzz are basically a one time use, so can get expensive after awile. A great test for you to do is to use an old well washed t-shirt. Lay your mask on it and draw a pattern on the cotton, making sure you add about 3/4 to an inch extra all round. Cut a small hole for your mouth and give it a try, if it works, either make a bunch more for yourself or purchase one.
Good luck
Nan

[tamalecks]

Thanks, Nan. I'll try that tonight!

[Sheriff Buford]

This issue has haunted me since I went on cpap therapy. I started rubbing on Afta (aftershave) every morning and it worked well. Now I use Palmers skin lotion (they only make the coconut scent... so your coconut (face) will smell like a coconut for about an hour). I've seen Palmers in Walgreens, Walmart, etc... I started noticing a difference after about a week of using Palmers, now after a month, I notice a vast improvement. Anyone gives me lip about this will feel a night stick up side the head!! Of course they "accidentally" slipped... of course.....

Sheriff

[nanwilson]

Anyone gives me lip about this will feel a night stick up side the head!! Of course they "accidentally" slipped... of course.....

Sheriff[/quote]
Sheriff:
My retired cop brother used to make comments like that too.........we all used to yell "police brutality, police brutality" all in unison Kinda made a scene when we were out in public together, we would get weird looks from people......but hey, it's all in fun, & if you can't have fun what is there.
Cheers
Nan

[tamalecks]

"Palmers Skin Lotion"? I can stand a little coconut smell on occasion! I'll check it out in WalMart! Thanks, Sheriff!
Meantime, I've done a lot of research online, starting with padacheeks (thanks Nan!) and have found LOTS of resources for other "issues". Like, I never knew you could purchase just the headgear WITHOUT having to purchase the "kit" with the face mask (CPAP Xpress). Talk about money-saving! Well, it IS covered under my insurance, but why spend the extra to get something you don't need!? Wasteful.

~ tamalecks

[EricinNC]

I'm really new to this board, but not new to CPAP (2 yrs). I wear a full-face mask at 17 psi and my face looks like I've developed rosacea! Only around the triangle where my mask goes, but especially between the eyebrows and on the sides of my nostrils. The skin has gotten patchy and dry and just stays red. (yes, I have a humidifier) I've tried all kinds of creams and lotions to no avail. I've tried nasal pillows, but at 17 psi they blew me away. Any ideas/suggestions? I'll post the specs of my machine etc when I get home (I'm currently at work).
BTW, this looks like a really good place to get some advice! Glad I found it!

Unless your diabetic, just live with it. Vitamin D pills help skin conditions and so does sun tanning. Thats the only thing I ever found that helped strap marks and mask marks. Its just part of CPAP. Whats a strap or mask mark versus being able to breathe and sleep normally?

Now if you are diabetic, its a different story as one pressure sore can get infected and never heal up and turn into a huge mess. But if you arent diabetic? Who cares.

Eric