Dry Skin with ResMed S9

[Kiesha]

Hi guys,
I just recently got a new cpap after not using one for several years. I turned the humidity down to zero and woke up with dry, peeling skin, especially around the eyes and mouth area. I tend to have dry skin anyway so assuming turning the humidity down to 0 was a bad idea. Has anyone else experienced a similar reaction? I'm using an old mask as they had to order me one but I didn't want to continue to go without a cpap. I cleaned it before using.

Cpap - Resmed S9 Auto set w/ h5i. Slimline tubing.
Mask: Full Face Mirage Quattro

[ChicagoGranny]

assuming turning the humidity down to 0 was a bad idea

I have not used the humidifier in years, and I don't get this problem. I don't know what your problem is, but the mask could be leaking and drying your eyes - this is a common problem.

To see the mask leak statistic, you need to get into the reports on your machine display. Here are instructions - http://www.apneaboard.com/resmed-s9-cpap-setup

Let us know what your leak and AHI are for the night you had the problem.

[Julie]

It actually sounds to me like you might have had an allergic reaction, so I wouldn't necessarily assume it was 'dryness' for any reason, but be careful about using it... and if you have another reaction maybe try taking a Claritin or other antihistamine before bed and see if it helps (though otherwise would not recommend your taking meds and would maybe look into using a Padacheek.com liner instead).

[Kiesha]

assuming turning the humidity down to 0 was a bad idea

I have not used the humidifier in years, and I don't get this problem. I don't know what your problem is, but the mask could be leaking and drying your eyes - this is a common problem.

To see the mask leak statistic, you need to get into the reports on your machine display. Here are instructions - http://www.apneaboard.com/resmed-s9-cpap-setup

Let us know what your leak and AHI are for the night you had the problem.

Hello! I checked and it shows mask for AHI, it was 0.4 and mask fit shows a smiley face.

[Kiesha]

It actually sounds to me like you might have had an allergic reaction, so I wouldn't necessarily assume it was 'dryness' for any reason, but be careful about using it... and if you have another reaction maybe try taking a Claritin or other antihistamine before bed and see if it helps (though otherwise would not recommend your taking meds and would maybe look into using a Padacheek.com liner instead).

I do have sensitive skin. Also talked to our RN at work and she's brought up a good point. I use creams for acne a couple times a day, one in the morning, one at night. For the night cream, I usually use 2+ hours before bed time. I wonder if the combo of dry heat and that could be the issue? It didn't hurt, just flaky, dry skin that went away after washing my face. It wasn't red or irritated or itchy. I take a Claritan in the morning. I'll also look at the site you recommended.

[LadyKiki]

Might have to throughly clean your mask right before bed, since residue of the acne lotion could linger. Also set up the humidity up, I have mine on 3. Humidity helps your skin greatly. The less dryness on your skin the less likely you are to continue spreading acne.

[SewTired]

I'm thinking that if you are using some kind of cream or indeed have some kind of allergy that a homemade mask liner would be something to try. There's a thread on that, but I think they cut up a thin t-shirt.

[Okie bipap]

If you want to try making your own mask liners, here is a link to the pattern I found on line:

http://montfordhouse.com/cpap/diy-cotton-mask-liner.pdf

I used this pattern to make liners out of an old, well-used tee shirt. I also made some out of paint rags I purchased from a home center. They look like pieces or tee shirts.

[Kiesha]

Hi Guys,
I made sure to put some extra moisturizer on in addition to turning the humidifier back on to 3. It helped decrease the dryness; the area around the mouth and eyelids has some dryness but it's much better than it was before. I think I nuked my skin with dry air lol. I will look into some of the liners though. I also had an appointment with my PCP yesterday and when I spoke to her about it, she also thought the dryness was from the humidifier/drying cream and recommended really making sure to moisturize my face before bed. When I first got the Cpap back in 2008, I wasn't using any acne creams; these creams were just used the past year or so.

Thanks for all of your helps guys and especially the info on how to get into more settings on the machine.