Bridge of Nose - Irritation from Mask - What Worked for You?

[roster]

This question comes up regularly. I would like to compile a comprehensive list of solutions in one post and file it in "Our Wisdom", so we can quickly point newbies to help.

So what does work for you?

I will go first. I need a full face mask. The Hybrid and Liberty are two full face masks that do not touch the nose bridge so they solve the problem. I prefer the Hybrid and it comes with three sizes of nasal pillows and mouth cushions, so fitting is easy.

Please now, you tell us what works for you!

[LinkC]

I got SOME relief using moleskin on the upper nose seal of various FFs. I also got a padacheek "flap" made just for that purpose for my ComfortGel FF. Worked better than the moleskin with far less hassle.

Eventually I, too, switched to the hybrid-style masks. The Innomed Hybrid is my curent fave, but I seem to switch off with the Liberty on a regular basis. The Liberty leaks a bit more and is less comfortable, but gives me lower AHIs. Go figgur!

[mattman]

For me, after about 2-3 weeks the bridge of my nose toughend up and it's no longer really an issue.

So yeah, my personal solution? Give it time.

[roster]

For me, after about 2-3 weeks the bridge of my nose toughend up and it's no longer really an issue.

So yeah, my personal solution? Give it time.

And maybe during that time you became more comfortable with the whole CPAP process, starting moving around in the bed less and did less "picking" at the mask? And became more confident in the mask and loosened it up a bit?

[Goofproof]

I started out with a ComfortFull, it promptly wore a hole in the bridge of my nose. I used a bandage to let it heal, after it healed the skin got tougher. Also I learned better how to adjust the top "T" Bar, and that I didn't have to keep it as tight too work. Jim

Getting the mask you use to sit flat on your face, and then adjust the straps evenly to hold it flat, "Not Too Tight Please"! I also after I get the mask on and the XPAP started, pull the mask forward on your face until the seal breaks then set it back down. Jim

[rogelah]

Mask is a Quattro. Moleskin pad saves the nose, Pad-A-Cheeks on forehead support makes it OK.

Mask leaks (IPAP = 19) solved by wetting skin and mask seal just before donning; makes it seal better (Leak = 0).

PS I fold back of headgear up in the back and twist straps to connect to mask. Pulls the bottom of the mask backwards instead of downwards.

[Jason S.]

small fabric bandage.

[sleepyred]

PapCap II. It not only has a chin strap built in - but replaces the headgear of your mask. I have no more marks or sores on the bridge of my nose.
I have always used a resmed mirage activa - but was able to try the micro nasal mask from resmed with the PapCap II which is my favorite mask now because of the small size of it. Before using the papcap II, not only did I have sores on my nose, but it leaked like crazy.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Thanks rooster for asking this question - it's good to read what others are doing for a problem which seems to get us all at one time or another.

[BlackSpinner]

I use a full face mask with a gasket made of thin knit well washed 100% cotton that I cut myself into shape.

[track]

I alternate masks every other day. UMFF one day and Soyala FFM the next.

[nomoore]

I was having a little trouble with my nose bridge using an Activa mask. Mostly just redness but occasionally it would rub enough to cut me a little. I started using moleskin and that made it great. I ran out of moleskin one day and was too lazy to go buy more so I put a piece of cloth medical tape (same stuff I tape my mouth with) and it worked too. It wasn't quite as comfortable as the moleskin but I had no redness in the morning. Fold in (dog ear) the top 2 corners of the tape to make room for your eyes and to give something to grab to take it off in the morning.

[OwlCreekObserver]

I tried a Quattro for a while and liked it, but the nose was taking a beating, and one morning I took off the mask and was halfway to the bathroom when I felt blood running down my nose. I went back to my ZZZ-Mask that night and the problem went away. I don't know what the difference is between the two masks, design-wise, but the ZZZ-Mask -- love it or hate it -- doesn't chew up the bridge of my nose.

[Wulfman]

My standard answer to this situation is that the mask is either the wrong size, too tight or just a lousy mask.

My Comfortfull 2 mask (tried it out of curiosity, a year or so after I started therapy, because it was like the one I used during my sleep study) dug into the area between my lip and chin.......but, while it was very uncomfortable, it didn't do any real harm......but, I went back to my UMFF during the third night.

None of my UMFF or Quattro masks have ever been tight enough to do any harm. On the contrary, they're very comfortable because they are the right size and I have them adjusted for (my) comfort and effectiveness.


Den

[BlackSpinner]

My standard answer to this situation is that the mask is either the wrong size, too tight or just a lousy mask.

No - some of our skin reacts to the masks. Either our skin is supper sensitive to being blocked by "plastic" or it is just an allergy. My mask fits beautifully and is very comfortable as long as it doesn't touch my skin.

[Arizona-Willie]

I use the Quattro and I put a double layer of Moleskin Plus on the bridge of my nose to alleviate redness.
It doesn't make my nose sore but does leave red marks.. the moleskin plus helps a lot.

Also, I pull the top strap down below that bulge on the back of my head and it helps to keep downward pressure on the mask to keep it from riding up and resting on the eyes.
The way the manual shows to put the strap results in an upward vector in the attaching force which aggravates any problem a person might have with the mask riding up.

The only other alternative to keep it from riding up is stapling it in place, unfortunately the staples cause apneas and leave holes in your cheeks the next day, and everybody goes " What happened to you man? ".

I'm looking forward to hearing more about the new Respironics mask which has a chin cup and strap which, hopefully, will prevent riding up.