pink cheeks/white around the mouth?

[troubs]

So, CPAP therapy is going great. Almost a month in and my energy level is way up and my tiredness is way down. I am still having some issues with face irritation but I can live with it, it is pretty minor. My AHI has been 1-2 most nights, so for a dx of Severe Apnea I am thrilled.

However, the strangest thing is that my face, especially my cheeks are much pinker while the area around my mouth is pale. I am guessing it might have something to do with the increased oxygenation of my blood. It isn't a rash, more like how you get when you've been exercising or in the heat. It is flushing.

Anyone else have this happen? Did it go away after a while as your body adjusted to therapy?

[chunkyfrog]

mask fit?

[snuginarug]

Yes, as chunky frog asks... is your mask fitting well, making dents in your face, or do you have to tighten it a good bit to get a good seal? Also, is the pinkness present all the time, or is it more pink at certain times?

My face went from grey to pink after starting therapy. Everyone asked me where I got all that sun, they thought it was a little sunburn. And it eventually moderated a bit. I am still pink cheeked though. For me it was just getting oxygen finally. I don't know if that is true for you as well, but if it is, the whiteness around your mouth may just be a bigger contrast to the pinker color. Does the pink look like rosy apple cheeks? If it does, enjoy your fresh new look!

If it really troubles you, mention it to your sleep doc, she or he probably knows if it is a common result.