a few cosmetic problems

[jess]

Hi --- everyone here helped me so much when I first got my machine, but after all was well I quit posting. That was 3 years ago and now I've noticed some very disturbing changes in my face from my mask. I use the nasal pillows and it appears that my left nostril has enlarged. Also, my nostrils are always somewhat red from the pillows which looks terrible. I have also developed rosacia (sp?) from the head straps on my cheeks. And last, but not least I have noticed the end 3 or 4 eye lashes on both eyes now turn down instead of up --- that's because the strap pushes against my eyes a little. I can't use a nasal mask because I think that would really disturb the rosacia. I didn't have any of these problems before going on the cpap machine. I tried an XS nose piece, but it leaked --- the small seems to be the best fit. I don't wear the mask too tight to cause the skin irritation in my nostrils. I think that is what I dislike the most so if anyone has remedies please start with the skin irritation. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have. I love, love, love my cpap machine ---- haven't had a migraine aura since I started. Oh, one more thing --- I use the resmed Swift FX nasal pillow mask. My machine pressure is set at 7 so that's not too high. Thanks again.

[Sleeprider]

Jess, I think you'd be best advised to get a referral to a dermatologist for rosacia. It can cause the enlargement of tissues in the nose, and is aggravated by the straps on you mask. The mistake here would be blaming the CPAP equipment for the problems caused by rosacia, which is a slow progressive condition. You can switch to alternative masks and headgear, but it might be good to address the underlying condition. (welcome to the club).

I used the Swift FX for many years, and recently switched to the Resmed Airfit P10. That is still a pillows mask and may be irritaing to your nostrils if you have inflammation there. It was a great relief to the sores and scabs that were forming along the sides of my eyes and upper cheeks as the headgear is much softer, and the mask in general is lighter. If you like your FX, you will love Airfit P10. It's not a complete solution, and you will need to join me at the dermatologist.

[Neecerie]

Pardon the implication that you do not already do this...but if your skin is being irritated from the straps....perhaps washing the headgear more often might change things for the better.

make sure you use soap that you use elsewhere on your body.....so that you know its not causing a new reaction.....

[Sheriff Buford]

Padacheek sells some excellent strap cushions. My skin was getting irritated around my neck and the strap cushions from padacheek solved the problem overnight.


Sheriff

[archangle]

Do you use the Swift FX with or without the "cloth" covers on the silicone straps? There are optional ResMed covers for the straps.

One advantage of the silicone straps is you can clean them really well. Even though ResMed says not to, I wash mine in the dishwasher all the time. I've even dropped them in boiling water to sanitize them. I do turn the heat off just before I drop in the straps. Some people use baking soda in the boiling water.

The disadvantage of the silicone is that they hold moisture, oil, etc. against your skin unless you have covers. Be sure you don't have any lotion on your face at night. Washing your face just before bed might make things better or worse. Give some consideration to what cleaning products you use on your face and the headgear. Sometimes, cleaning products have scents and dyes that may cause irritation. Consider the same for your bedding and sleepwear as well.

These things may not be "THE" solution, but they're cheap and fairly easy to try.

[chunkyfrog]

Just a heads up, but sometimes rosacea-like symptoms can indicate a food allergy, or even an infection of the skin.
Have you seen a dermatologist?