Rub Marks on Bottom of Nose from Activa

kurrykid · Post by **kurrykid** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 9:44 pm

Hello Folks,

I am trying out the Activa mask which seems pretty comfortable. However my biggest issue is that the mask is rubbing on the bottom of my nose...right between the nostrils. It is very uncomfortable and I can't seem to find a way to avoid it. It is not the outside seal that is rubbing, it the harder inner seal.

Does anyone have any suggestions...I would really like to get this thing to work.

Thanks.

Darth Vader Look · Post by **Darth Vader Look** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 9:50 pm

Is it possible that mask movement due to C-flex is causing this I know that when my C-flex was set to level 3 (highest relief) the mask felt like it was humping my face so I turned it down to level 1 (the lowest setting before turning off) and this helped a lot. .

Pirate · Post by **Pirate** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:30 pm

You may have the headgear too tight. With the Activa, the headgear and mask should fit very loose when not under pressure. The pressure of the blowing air will hold the mask tight against your face.

JamesCPAP · Post by **JamesCPAP** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 2:34 am

kurrykid wrote:I am trying out the Activa mask which seems pretty comfortable. However my biggest issue is that the mask is rubbing on the bottom of my nose...right between the nostrils. It is very uncomfortable and I can't seem to find a way to avoid it. It is not the outside seal that is rubbing, it the harder inner seal.

I had that problem when I started using the Activa. The mask is a lot bigger than a standard nasal mask and I was trying to position it in the same way I would a regular mask. Now I just move the mask down to the point that the rubber seal is sitting on my top lip. On some hot days it does get uncomfortable to the degree that your bottom lip is touching the masks active cell and it starts sticking to your dried lip, but I find I get a much better seal with the Activa than I do a regular nasal or full face mask and put up with this.

If it's touching the bottom of the nose, you either have the mask positioned wrongly or the mask maybe the wrong size for your face.

roadwarrior · Post by **roadwarrior** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 10:43 am

The fix is easier then you think. While indeed the initial fit of this mask should be way looser then you would normally think acceptable, it does indeed seal once you press your machine on and the air fills the bellows. I personally prefer the lowest setting on the upper nose bridge adjustment so as to allow the top of the nose bridge to lay flatter. This ironically also relieves pressure on the bottom of the mask. It tends to even out the distribution of the air on a more level basis. Also I initially had exactly what you described. The fix? Easy. Just take your thumb and forefinger and gently pull DOWN at the bottom center of the mask allowing it to reseat only that area a bit lower towards the upper lip. Sure did the trick for me. I too first felt that annoying sharp sensation against the lower tip of my nose area. This did the trick for me just fine......

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 1:46 pm

Have you tried a bit of Bag Balm, Ary-Gel, KY, or dare I say it, V......?

jmurkve · Post by **jmurkve** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 3:50 pm

I started out with the Activa Standard size initially and had the same problem. I went back to my DME and got a large size cushion instead and have not had the problem since. I tried to move the standard size cushion lower on my face so the bottom wouldn't rub on the area between my nostrils, but then it caused a sore on the bridge of my nose because the mask didn't fit correctly there.

Take a look at the measurements of your nose and face and find out if you need a bigger size cushion. It is worth it! I love the activa now!

CPAP.com website has a link to input your nose and face measurements and it will suggest masks and sizes.

WillCunningham · Post by **WillCunningham** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 4:45 pm

I am a big proponent of making sure you have the correct sized mask. That is one clear benifit I took from my recent DME visit. I got a small Activa mask, if left to my own quesstimations I would have ordered a large. I have a large head so I assumed I needed a large mask. While it is true my head is large, my nose is actually kinda small. I don't have a ruler handy so I wasn't planning to actually measure my nose, luckily the DME knew I needed the small. I have only had the mask a couple of days and have not noticed any problems yet, but as jmurkve suggested I would double check your mask size. There is a video on cpap.com that is a fitting guide that might help you deterimine that you have the correct size. https://www.cpap.com/downloadVideo.php?VGID=11

Good Luck!

Selena (but really Julie) · Post by **Selena (but really Julie)** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 7:42 pm

Hi - Had the same problem with the Activa & Ultramirage and fixed it by using manicure scissors, a good light, and some nerve (now that's all used up :0). I simply took an inch long slightly curved slice out of the hard inner lip just down to the seam where it meets the outer cushion. I was afraid that I'd be compromising the seal, but it's ok, and while it can still ride up and be a bit annoying, it's much better. I even told Resmed's PR lady about it and she was amazed, but maybe it'll reach their engineers now and they'll build in the fix... but I won't hold my breath til that happens.

kurrykid · Post by **kurrykid** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 11:11 pm

Thanks for all the comments...they are very much appreciated.

Rub Marks on Bottom of Nose from Activa

Rub Marks on Bottom of Nose from Activa

Re: Rub Marks on Bottom of Nose from Activa

Rub marks...