Red Mark on Nose Bridge

[indyzoom]

I got a Respironics ComfortGel FF mask and would like to start using it full time instead of my Swift FX, but it's leaving red marks on the bridge of my nose. I see there are some options out there, the Pad a Cheek Nose Bridge protection and the Gecko Nasal Pad for example. Any thoughts on which is better? I've tried loosening the mask, but then air leaks in my eyes.

[cpaptex]

Indy, I have the same issue with my Phillips EasyLife CPAP Mask, that's why I got a ResMed Mirage Activa LT to give my nose a break. The issue doesn't always come up, but when it does, it can really hurt! The Activa leaks more than the EasyLife.

[queenmac46]

I also was getting red marks on my nose bridge with the Easy Life. But.... It's the only mask that I've tried that I like. The secret is two things for me: I use a small piece of Nexcare padded tape, about 3/4" by 3/4" to cushion the bridge of my nose.

Secondly, the mask fits very loosely on my face. Otherwise I get "mask bite" on my nose. I use an eye mask to block ambient light... Its almost impossible for me to sleep without my eye mask. I put that on once I have my EasyLife mask in place. The eye mask keeps the Easy Life forehead piece from touching my skin. A loose fit is the key, the Easy Life mask almost floats on my face when the CPAP pressure is on - mine is fairly low-7, no ramp. When I first put the mask on, I sometimes have to reseat it to get the seal just right. Lifting it straight away from my face then letting the inside seal puff up against my face... Again, the straps are as loose as possible, and tightened only slightly to eliminate leaks.

I sleep on both sides and on my back, and only wake up occasionally if the mask dislodges, which, after 3 months, happens infrequently. I also bought a Hose lift system and that has been a fabulous solution for keeping the hose out of my way as I move about while sleeping.

Btw, I've tried several masks, the ResMed Activa LT, Comfort Gel, Sleepweaver cloth, and a few others. It seems they all have issues, and retrofitting is almost always needed. The Nexcare tape and my eye mask do the trick for me, that and the hose lift... Best of success. Patience and persistence will win the night!

[TinkRBell]

I tried the medical-grade tape on the bridge of the nose, mask liners, and finally a Gecko pad which I just couldn't get to work. Meanwhile my nose was looking red and raw and rubbed all the time and I was sure people at work were wondering, what the heck is wrong with her nose anyway???? So I dragged all my stuff in last week when I went to see the doc and spent an hour with the DMEs. Verdict was I have a bony nose bridge and very thin skin that probably was never going to reach optimal comfort even with the best of the comfort measures. Solution was to change me over to a Liberty Hybrid FFM. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...my tender, sore nose bridge is so happy now! Took me a few nights to tweak the straps to resolve a few leaks I was having on the sides of my mouth but I'm dialed in now and not having any problems with leaks or discomfort anywhere. And as a very welcome bonus, my AHI is finally coming down. Got to a 4.62 last night (!!! !!!) for the first time since I started this adventure back in early November. I was flying along most nights in the teens with the standard FFM. My insurance only allows me to "try" a new mask every 30 days without having to pay for it myself, so it took a while to get to this point, but I have to say, this last couple of nights, all the trial and error is finally starting to feel like it was all worth it.

[cpaptex]

I rotate my ResMed Activa LT and Respironics EasyLife, in fact, last night I switch them when the bridge of my nose got irritated over the night. I like both Mask and since my DME allows me a NEW Mask every 3 months I'll be shopping for 2 more before the year is out. One has to be a full face mask for those days when I have sinus issues.