red strap marks on the face

[Tzvidvo]

I have been using a cpap machine for 12 years or so and I have the same problem with it. If i use the mask without leaking, I need to have a good fit on the face but as a result I have strap marks on my face that last several hours into the morning, after removing the mask from my face. If i loosed the straps, the air begins to leak. IF i tighten them, they leave a mark. Any suggestions?

[nanwilson]

You can make strap covers out of a nice soft fleece material that will help with the strap marks....b ut if you are tightening them down too much it won't help. The key with most masks is to have the straps so that you can put 2 fingers between the strap and your face.
Good luck

[LSAT]

Order strap covers from.... padacheek.com

[Kitatonic]

My red marks have benn greatly lessened by the Pad-a-Check fleece straps since I have to tighten the mask or pillows down to prevent leaks. If I leak, my AHI climbs, with a tight mask, I can eliminate the apneas to zero (average 0.3). Wearing the mask too tight,without the fleece straps, can produce check/head soreness during the day, not just that those noticeable marks.

[lorraineg57]

You can make strap covers out of a nice soft fleece material that will help with the strap marks....b ut if you are tightening them down too much it won't help. The key with most masks is to have the straps so that you can put 2 fingers between the strap and your face.
Good luck

Agreed, it took me less than 10 minutes to whip out a couple fleece "tubes" to cover the straps that leave indentations on my face. No need to hem edges, fleece doesn't fray. Use the nice thick stuff.

[Thetoolman]

Order strap covers from.... padacheek.com

I got 2 sets of these. They really work well!!

[waterlady]

I have the same problem using a full mask so I changed to the nose pillows, but I still have the face strap marks. Any recommendations from seasoned CPAP'ers?

[Pugsy]

I have the same problem using a full mask so I changed to the nose pillows, but I still have the face strap marks. Any recommendations from seasoned CPAP'ers?

If you are handy you can make your own fleece side strap covers.
If you aren't handy you can buy some really nice ones. I use these because I don't want to be handy anymore.
http://www.padacheek.com/
Look on the left side for the nasal pillow mask you use to find the straps for yours.