Skin issues

[frustratedmary]

Does cpap cause dry skin?My cheeks seem to be really dry since I started cpap.(Only 4 weeks into this)Also I've been taping my mouth and it seems to be working and more comfortable than the chin strap. Is there a trick to getting it off in the morning? Thanks in advance to any help. Cpapers are the greatest.

[Lee Lee]

My skin is a little drier due to washing he heck out out it everynight, and not using moisturizer anymore. I have to have squeaky clean skin to make my mask seal correctly.
What type of tape do you use?

[bdp522]

I use a thin coat of milk of magnesia on my skin before taping. I just rub a bit on, then let it dry for a minute, then use a tissue to wipe off any excess, then tape as usual. Of course I use chapstick on my lips and turn them in to protect the lips from the tape.

Brenda

[plr66]

Milk of Magnesia seems to work for some, but I have found it completely useless, despite nightly face-washing. We're all different. I have been taping for 9 months, and it was just recently suggested here on the forum that soaking the tape helps remove it. Unreal. Yes, it does. I now get in the shower every morning and water-board myself for a minute or so with very warm water on the tape. Still important to have a folded-over grab-tab of about 1/4", and to peel it slowly--flat against your face with your hand pressing the tape against your face. But with the hot water pouring on it, the tape removes with no friction or irritation whatever, nearly like wet paper would be expected to remove.

[roster]

...........Also I've been taping my mouth and it seems to be working and more comfortable than the chin strap. Is there a trick to getting it off in the morning? Thanks in advance to any help. Cpapers are the greatest.

Try a full face mask and get rid of the tape.

[Insulation Tim]

Based on my wife's recommendation, I now clean my face thoroughly with a cotton ball and Clinique Cleanser before bed. All of the red irritation disappeared.
If I've been to the pistol range that evening, it's amazing how much "black" comes off on the cottonball though it never shows on my face.

[BlackSpinner]

Having extremely sensitive skin, I make sure the mask never touches my skin. I have a piece of fine knit fabric between my face and the mask. After the first night I realized I would have no skin left by the end of the week if I didn't do something quick. This eliminates having to do that cleaning and exposing my skin to irritating chemicals.

[Kiralynx]

Try a full face mask and get rid of the tape.

I tried using tape. Apneas and hypopneas went up due to trapped panic reactions.

Just looking at a full-face mask gave me panic fits. If I'd been forced to use a full face mask, I'd've failed at CPAP/BiPAP.

I got rid of the tape with my Brandykeg.

I did manage a full-face when I had a respiratory infection... 3-4 months into successful therapy. But I got back to my CL2 and my Headrest as fast as I could!

Everyone's tolerances are different.