Huge bags under my eyes...

[Apneic Nation]

Actually, it's more than just bags, my eyes, eye sockets, eyelids, everything; I wake up feeling rested now, but my face looks lke I got hit by a truck. The corners of my eyes are all wrinkled and swollen, I have these deep lines that go from the corners of my eyes all the way to my cheeks. It's ugly and horrible, and I'm scared if I dont do something about it soon, I'll end up with permanent disfigurement. I don't think my mask is leaking, but I could be wrong, I don't know what happens when I'm sleeping, but it's always got a good seal when I fall asleep and when I wake up. I use a mirage 2 mask, with a Remstar auto. Help!

[Apneic Nation]

Help!

[chdurie2]

apneic nation:

i don't think you're going to end up with permanent disfigurement, if that's any discomfort. i also have big bags, with or without the mask. i have noticed, however, that they are more pronounced with the mask for a good long while after i wake. I use UMFF, and it has to be fairly tight so that i don't leak around the chin area--if not, i can open my mouth and my chin slips out from under the mask, leaving a big gape. in any event, i think the extra swelling is from the mask pressing down on my face, so the areas around the mask get puffed up.

you could try rinsing your face with extremely cold water a bunch of times. supposedly, a spoon left in the freezer and applied under the eyes helps the bags go down. my spoon is in the freezer but i haven't been disciplned enuf to use it. it's a little harder when the area to be reduced is so diffuse.

if anyone has any other ideas, i'm all ears.

caroline

[brasshopper]

I've always wondered whether sometimes huge bags can be signs of circulatory trouble. Just anecdotally, of course.

[Wulfman]

Apneic Nation,

I get some of that, too. Usually subsides throughout the day. BUT.....I probably still look better than I did before I started therapy......and I KNOW I feel better.....and that's what counts with me.

You didn't say what your pressure was. I assume you're also using a humidifier......is it heated or cool (passover)?

I wouldn't worry about any permanent disfigurement. I think some of it is pressure (sinus areas) and some is leakage.

Are you monitoring your therapy with software? If so, you would/should be able to see what your leakage rates are.

Best wishes,

Den

[sleepyred]

I have had trouble with a "bag" under my left eye. I sleep on my left side and have been told by doctors that since I rarely sleep on my back or other side, gravity is taking it's toll. I had this problem before my cpap therapy. I also have bad allergies which effect my eyes.