Skin Irritation

[btb923]

I rarely use my CPAP machine because each time I do, I get a rash on either side of my nose. Sometimes even acne. I bought Moisture Therapy cream from a CPAP website and haven't used it yet. I have a speaking engagement coming up and don't want to take the chance of the cream not working.

It lists as its benefits: "breaks dry skin cycle", "hydrates skin" and "locks in moisture". I don't know that I really need to lock in moisture, etc; I just need for it not to irritate my sensitive skin. My skin never actually gets dry after I use the machine.

Does anyone else have these problems and has anyone used this cream? I will be using it soon. Thank you.

[Wulfman]

I rarely use my CPAP machine because each time I do, I get a rash on either side of my nose. Sometimes even acne. I bought Moisture Therapy cream from a CPAP website and haven't used it yet. I have a speaking engagement coming up and don't want to take the chance of the cream not working.

It lists as its benefits: "breaks dry skin cycle", "hydrates skin" and "locks in moisture". I don't know that I really need to lock in moisture, etc; I just need for it not to irritate my sensitive skin. My skin never actually gets dry after I use the machine.

Does anyone else have these problems and has anyone used this cream? I will be using it soon. Thank you.

You didn't say what specific mask you were using......or whether it was new......or whether you had washed it before using it......or anything else. It could also be the wrong size or you have it too tight.
I would be tempted to use something like Campho-Phenique.......and get a different mask (or wash it or loosen it up or get a different size).


Den

[btb923]

Sorry Wulfman. This was my first post of any kind -- ever...I guess I was a little nervous and left a few things out. My intentions were good.

It's a full-faced mask. It is relatively new. I always wash it in hopes that will help. I've had the straps at varying degrees of tightness. I guess I've tried a few things. I was just hoping someone had experience with the cream I bought or had other cream suggestions. Thank you for your suggestion.

[echo]

just a thought, what are you using to wash the mask with? maybe you're allergic to the soap.

[Wulfman]

Sorry Wulfman. This was my first post of any kind -- ever...I guess I was a little nervous and left a few things out. My intentions were good.

It's a full-faced mask. It is relatively new. I always wash it in hopes that will help. I've had the straps at varying degrees of tightness. I guess I've tried a few things. I was just hoping someone had experience with the cream I bought or had other cream suggestions. Thank you for your suggestion.

Welcome to the forum. We all had our "first posts" at some point. You'll be fine.

What is the specific manufacturer and model name of your mask? (no time like the present to learn all this stuff)
What do you use to wash it?

Some of us have found that frequent washing can actually cause more irritation and more leakage.


Den

[btb923]

In answer to your questions...I believe, most times in the past, I've used a very small amount of dish soap in a sink full of warm water (the same soap that was suggested I use to clean out my water receptacle -- in a very diluted ratio of course.) I realize as I write this that that type of soap could be the issue...but...I've used it enough without washing it at all, and I've still gotten a rash. So I guess I've gotten rashes by washing and not washing. Maybe I'll try some bath soap in the sink full of water next time.

The mask is a ResMed Ultra Mirage Full-faced. Thank you both.

By the way, there were no instructions with the cream I bought. I would assume I'd put it on my skin before I put my mask on (as opposed to applying it after I get the rash,) wouldn't you think?

[Wulfman]

In answer to your questions...I believe, most times in the past, I've used a very small amount of dish soap in a sink full of warm water (the same soap that was suggested I use to clean out my water receptacle -- in a very diluted ratio of course.) I realize as I write this that that type of soap could be the issue...but...I've used it enough without washing it at all, and I've still gotten a rash. So I guess I've gotten rashes by washing and not washing. Maybe I'll try some bath soap in the sink full of water next time.

The mask is a ResMed Ultra Mirage Full-faced. Thank you both.

By the way, there were no instructions with the cream I bought. I would assume I'd put it on my skin before I put my mask on (as opposed to applying it after I get the rash,) wouldn't you think?

That's the same mask that I use.....and I've never had that type of issue with it.
I wash mine in Dawn dishwashing liquid......when I wash it.


Den

[echo]

I'm very allergic to normal soap (as in the soap bars) so I would never use that for my mask, but each person's different of course. I've found that Dr Bronner's liquid soap works the best for me. It doesn't leave any residue and it's very mild so it doesn't harm the mask. Others here use it too. But you can use whatever works for you of course.

Oh, and watch out for the sink too... if your sink is anything like my sink i would NOT want to wash my mask in that. I just get my hands really sudsy and rub the mask down, no need to fill up the whole sink. (I wash the silicon part every day otherwise it loses its seal). You know you can take the silicon part off of the rest of the mask too, right?

You can also try to use moleskin, or lanolin, as a buffer between your skin and the mask. I've never used any of those or creams, but it couldn't hurt to try. (Do a search in the forum, you will find many people use various tricks for skin problems).

And welcome!

[headbored]

Iknow where you are coming from,when I first started cpap my first mask was a mirage nasal and I had all kinds of face indentations and red marks for hours after. Now I use a Nasal Aire II nasal prong and no red marks as nothing is touching your face.

[Muse-Inc]

OK, really touchy skin here: 1 hr soak of new mask in sudsy water using 7th Generation dishwashing liquid, the one without scent or dye, to remove all traces of mfg residues. Daily wash with same soap. I spray white vinegar on everything and let it sit for 2-3 mins to remove all the soap residues. Then, final rinse, very very well, and air dry. I get blisters from soap residues. Like Wulfman, I occasionally use Dawn when the mask is disgusting or I've got some upper respiratory/sinus thing going on...then, I have to spray with vinegar and then wash with 7th Gen to get rid of the Dawn.

Good luck with Dr Bonner's...several swear by it. Didn't clean thoroughly enough for me.

[fiberfan]

I rarely use my CPAP machine because each time I do, I get a rash on either side of my nose. Sometimes even acne.

I second the recommendation to try a different soap to wash your mask. Another thing that might help is a mask liner. http://www.remzzzs.com/ is a manufactured liner, I have read here of people making them from old t-shirts or similar material.

[bailachel]

baby shampoo is another option for washing.

[Brobbi]

I have the comfort gel nasal mask and after the 1st week of wearing it I broke out around my nose where the mask sits. It cleared up quickly & I haven't had an issue since. Two of my friends that are on cpap had the same thing happen. I know its annoying but work through it, its worth it!

[btb923]

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions so far!!! I can't wait to get started again.

[SleepingUgly]

With full face masks, I get a red mark on the bridge of my nose. Some of the time this has turned into what someone called a "pimple farm" where literally about a dozen pimples will form in the small red area across the bridge of my nose. Not pretty! My dermatologist told me to use Neutrogena Acne Wash and she gave me an Rx for hydrocortisone, I believe.

Obviously you will still want to make sure that it's not being caused by the soap that you are using to wash the mask. Is it happening all the way around, or just where there is more pressure on your skin, such as the bridge of your nose? If the former, maybe it's more likely to be the soap. If the latter, I suspect it's the phenomena that I described. You may want to try a barrier, such as moleskin, and see if that helps.

If the pimple farm hits in time for a public appearance, you could try concealer. I know, I know, but what it will at least not be visible from a distance.