Newbie Question - Nose Bridge Soreness

[bigfoot]

I am four days into my treatment and doing fine…. except I am starting to get soreness on the bridge of my nose. Is this a “wrong mask” (I use the Quattro FX FFM) problem that means that I have the wrong mask or are there any “tricks” that might help me get by this speed bump. Thank you in advance.

[Janknitz]

It's really hard to understand that the air cushion on your mask that seals it around your nose must be fully inflated, and the tendency is to crank down on the straps when leaks occur. That prevents the cushion from fulling inflating and forming a good seal, AND it puts pressure on the bridge of your nose. It doesn't seem to make sense, but the straps, especially at the top, must be loose in order for that cushion to fully inflate and hug your nose.

Take a look at my blogpost called "Taming the Mirage Quattro" in my signature below. It's for a different mask (Quattro, not Quattro FX) but the principles are the same and I actually got some of my ideas from watching the ResMed video about the new Quattro FX.

If you still can't get a decent seal without tearing up your nose, take the mask back to your DME and ask to try another one. Don't wait too long to do this. Resmed has a program that they will credit the DME for a mask returned within 30 days so you can find another one that works, but DME's don't like to do the paperwork involved so sometimes you have to be pushy. Keep bugging them until you find a mask you can wear comfortably all night, every night.

[Alshain]

Also make sure you don't put the mask on too high. Unlike the Quattro, the FX should be almost half way down the nose. This mask is actually a lot easier than the Quattro, which had too many variables for it's own good. You might also consider the Mask liners at Padacheek.com. I'm still waiting on my first order to come in, but others swear by them.

[bigfoot]

Thanks Janknitz and Alshain for the quick responses. I will try all of your hints. For the record, my DME said that he would be happy to supply a new mask if this one does not work out, but I was shocked when he answered my next question "And what happens if the second one does not work out (still within the 30 days)? His answer was "that next trip and any others will cost you $50..... Thanks again for the help.....

[Alshain]

It shouldn't cost any extra, unless that's a delivery charge by the DME. Would it be the same if you picked it up yourself? ResMed and several others offer the 30 day money back guarantee, but some DME's try to skirt the paperwork. You need to find one that is most comfortable for you. Also, one other thing to note that I didn't know at first. Your mask does not have to form a perfect seal. If you loosen the straps to get it more comfortable, but it starts to leak a little, that leak can still be with in tolerance for getting a good therapy pressure (remember, your mask vents anyway, so small leaks are just a little more venting). The only real problem is if the moving air irritates your skin or eyes. Sometimes you can work around this with eye shield, but others it can be difficult. You can also try padacheek.com to find a mask liner, this will help with the soreness too.

[purple]

What works wonders for me is to use mole skin across the bridge of the nose.

I suspect the poster who said the issue for a newcomer is that they have actually tightened the mask down too much is correct. FYI: The mask has an air channel that will be the same pressure as the air under the mask which helps to create the seal. If one tightens the mask too much, then the seal area is twisted and will leak no matter how much more (and it does get painful in a few hours) that the straps are pulled down.

[bigfoot]

"Thank you" everyone for the help. I had no mask problems last night and my nose soreness/redness issues are virtually gone. BTW, I have a Padacheek mask cover on order. You folks are awesome....