Very Sore, Very Red Nose Bridge

rockncountry101 · Post by **rockncountry101** » Fri Jul 17, 2015 7:53 am

I found the perfect machine and everything is great with that. My mask is the same one that was used in the sleep clinic. It's the Pico Nasal mask. It is unbelievably comfortable. It's light weight, I can keep a seal all night, and I don't have any problems with it...except the bridge of my nose. I don't understand because the mask is very soft. But it rubs my nose raw and I don't even know if it moves. The bridge of my nose is just very sensitive. What can be done? I was also considering a nasal pillow because it doesn't touch the bridge of my nose but my nostrils are not exactly the same size and I'm afraid that I wouldn't get a seal. The mask issue is giving me grief. I know you probably hear this dozens of times a day but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Madalot · Post by **Madalot** » Fri Jul 17, 2015 8:34 am

You will get a lot of different suggestions for this problem. I, like you, had a horrible problem in the beginning. Here's what I did and it worked for me.

I began using an astringent on my face/nose bridge before bed. Then I used a PLASTIC bandaid over the bridge of my nose. I say PLASTIC because the mask can slide over it, yet still protect the skin beneath. I used a bandaid for about two months, during which time my nose healed AND toughened up enough that I can now go without it. I haven't had any nose bridge problems since.

BleepingBeauty · Post by **BleepingBeauty** » Fri Jul 17, 2015 8:49 am

rockncountry101 wrote:I found the perfect machine and everything is great with that. My mask is the same one that was used in the sleep clinic. It's the Pico Nasal mask. It is unbelievably comfortable. It's light weight, I can keep a seal all night, and I don't have any problems with it...except the bridge of my nose. I don't understand because the mask is very soft. But it rubs my nose raw and I don't even know if it moves. The bridge of my nose is just very sensitive. What can be done? I was also considering a nasal pillow because it doesn't touch the bridge of my nose but my nostrils are not exactly the same size and I'm afraid that I wouldn't get a seal. The mask issue is giving me grief. I know you probably hear this dozens of times a day but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

One option is to use some Moleskin on the mask (available at any drugstore - usual use is for blisters); that will help cushion the area temporarily and make it more comfortable to wear; just be aware that you may have to adjust the mask after applying it re: leaks. The best option would be to use another mask while your nose recovers, one that doesn't touch that part of your nose. If the mask is comfortable, then it's usually just a matter of getting used to it. (The skin over the bridge of your nose is quite thin, so it's more prone to discomfort from any kind of pressure being applied to it.)

The mask I use *does* allow you to use different-sized pillows, but it's not just a nasal pillows mask. It covers the mouth, too. But one of the many features I love about the Hybrid I use is that ability to separate the pillows and use two different sizes. (I also love that there's nothing going over my nose.) I'm not sure if anyone makes a typical nasal pillows mask that allows you to do that with the pillows, though.

Otherwise, you might consider one of the cloth masks made by Circadiance (https://www.cpap.com/productSearch.php#::::circadiance:). There's no silicone at all, and many people who use these masks love them because they're so comfortable.

HTH, and good luck.

ETA: Just thought to mention a mask liner might work for you, too (thin material that fits on the mask and provides a barrier between the silicone and your face). Check out http://www.padacheek.com for one that will fit your mask. (Karen is a long-standing member here, and her products are really great.)

rockncountry101 · Post by **rockncountry101** » Fri Jul 17, 2015 9:28 am

One thing that I just realized is that I'm using a large mask when according to the sizing chart I should be using a small/medium. I wasn't aware that they had a package that included ALL sizes. I ordered a large because that is what they fitted me with at the sleep clinic. I have ordered the fit pack and will try the advice. Thanks guys! This is a great support forum. I hope that one day I can be of help to others!

BlackSpinner · Post by **BlackSpinner** » Fri Jul 17, 2015 9:42 am

It doesn't need pressure to cause that, it can basically be the skin objecting to ANY kind of slick seal. My skin at the nose/eye area turned painfully red like a sun burn in one night but all I needed to solve it was a fabric liner.

BleepingBeauty · Post by **BleepingBeauty** » Fri Jul 17, 2015 9:48 am

rockncountry101 wrote:One thing that I just realized is that I'm using a large mask when according to the sizing chart I should be using a small/medium. I wasn't aware that they had a package that included ALL sizes. I ordered a large because that is what they fitted me with at the sleep clinic. I have ordered the fit pack and will try the advice. Thanks guys! This is a great support forum. I hope that one day I can be of help to others!

The right size may make all the difference. (Not surprising that you were ill-fitted at the clinic. Many clinic and DME personnel don't know their ass from their elbow when it comes to fitting masks properly. And most of us start our therapy with what "seemed" to work during our study. Good on ya for using the sizing guide. )

Best of luck!

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Fri Jul 17, 2015 10:08 am

I used one brand of mask that tended to make my nose raw for a couple of days with each new cushion.
I used a band aid until the new cushion was "broken in".
I usually removed the band aid before leaving for work--but not always!

Sonya · Post by **Sonya** » Fri Jul 17, 2015 10:53 am

chunkyfrog wrote:I usually removed the band aid before leaving for work--but not always!

LOL! This reminds me of when I was using tape to keep the mask on in the early days. I was driving along and saw myself in the rear-view mirror. I still had a piece of tape stuck to my cheek.

LSAT · Post by **LSAT** » Fri Jul 17, 2015 12:29 pm

Nose pads from cpap.com
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/boomer ... -cpap.html

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Fri Jul 17, 2015 12:57 pm

LSAT wrote:Nose pads from cpap.com
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/boomer ... -cpap.html

Not available in my size, bought one once, ridiculously large.
Gave it to a soldier.

Gasper62 · Post by **Gasper62** » Sat Jul 18, 2015 1:27 am

Try a fabric bandaid or a mask liner, or both together. I used a "Gecko" gel pad for a while, they can help sometimes, too. Good luck. There's almost nothing worse than a raw bridge of the nose !

rockncountry101 · Post by **rockncountry101** » Sun Jul 19, 2015 9:16 am

BlackSpinner wrote:It doesn't need pressure to cause that, it can basically be the skin objecting to ANY kind of slick seal. My skin at the nose/eye area turned painfully red like a sun burn in one night but all I needed to solve it was a fabric liner.

When you say fabric liner...what are you referring to?

BleepingBeauty · Post by **BleepingBeauty** » Sun Jul 19, 2015 9:40 am

rockncountry101 wrote:
BlackSpinner wrote:It doesn't need pressure to cause that, it can basically be the skin objecting to ANY kind of slick seal. My skin at the nose/eye area turned painfully red like a sun burn in one night but all I needed to solve it was a fabric liner.
When you say fabric liner...what are you referring to?

rockncountry101, check out http://www.padacheek.com. Karen (owner/proprietor) is a longtime member here and makes excellent comfort products for xPAP users. Mask liners, strap covers, hose covers (for both comfort and to help prevent rainout), etc. Besides the obvious comfort factor, mask liners often help with minor leak issues, too.

Some people make their own mask liners (measured and cut from an old comfy t-shirt, for example) and put it between the mask cushion and their face (cutting out a hole in the middle for nose and/or mouth, of course). Karen uses really nice microfleece fabric (thin and very soft) and puts Velcro closures on the liners to make them easy to affix to the mask.

Other manufacturers' comfort products are available from other places, including our host's site (which also offers some padacheek products, btw). Honestly, I've found Karen's products to be superior to others, but YMMV. (I'm not affiliated with padacheek in any way; just my opinion.)

BlackSpinner · Post by **BlackSpinner** » Sun Jul 19, 2015 10:00 am

Some people make their own mask liners (measured and cut from an old comfy t-shirt, for example) and put it between the mask cushion and their face (cutting out a hole in the middle for nose and/or mouth, of course). Karen uses really nice microfleece fabric (thin and very soft) and puts Velcro closures on the liners to make them easy to affix to the mask.

Yes this is all I have ever done. I used some old well washed under panties. In pinch I have used tissue paper (unused of course) - the cat liked to steal the fabric ones and play with them.

rockncountry101 · Post by **rockncountry101** » Sun Jul 19, 2015 2:44 pm

I checked out padacheek.com and couldn't find one for my mask as it is relatively new. But man is it comfortable and doesn't leak. I can move all over the place. But it just came out in May. I wonder if my nose will 'toughen' up.

Very Sore, Very Red Nose Bridge

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