Face washing and moisturizer

[editrix]

I'm a newbie and have only used my CPAP machine for four nights. I'm grateful to have found this board because it is a difficult adjustment. (I have to check the exact names of my equipment before I complete my profile. I have one of the REMstar M Series with C-Flex and the integrated heated humidifier, but I'm at the office now and don't know offhand whether it's Basic, Plus, Pro or whatever. I'm using the ComfortGel nasal mask.)

So. I've been reading the posts about proper cleaning of the masks, hoses, and so on -- and about how important it is to use soap with no residue to optimize the seal. (I'm already struggling with little leaks some of the time, especially when I'm sleeping on one side.) What I haven't yet seen addressed is anything about using a moisturizer after washing. I just cannot go without a moisturizer on my skin. Is the "residue" of the moisturizer going to compromise the seal of the mask? Any suggestions?

Thank you for all the great information on this board!

[Maryb]

yes I think the moisturizer on your skin will interfere with the mask seal.

Before bed, I wash my face and then put moisturizer on my neck and my forehead and at the corners of my eyes. I skip the areas where the mask seal will be. Then I put the mask on.
In the morning I lavish moisturizer on those areas that didn't get any at night.

If anyone else knows of a way around this, I sure would like to know. But I really think that the area of your face that comes in contact with the seal needs to be clean and not greasy. The grease that your own face manufactures during the night also makes the seal less sticky which is why you have to carefully wash the seal every morning. That's my experience anyway.


Maryb

[bdp522]

I have noticed that the areas of my face that covered by the mask don't seem to need the moisturizer any more. I use moisturizer under makeup during the day and on spots that are not near the mask at night. The first couple of days my face was very dry where the mask covered it. Now 2 months later those areas are just fine!

Brenda

[Maryb]

Now that you mention it, I've noticed that too. Maybe it's because the unmoisturized area is covered by the mask and is getting nice warm humidified air blown on it all night (?).

Maryb

[bdp522]

Makes you want to consider the total face mask!

Brenda

[snoregirl]

On the full face mask comment, I was going to suggest the opposite.

If you must use moisturizer why not try a pillow system? I doubt you would put moisturizer on your nares?

So it would get in the way of a seal.

[editrix]

I have noticed that the areas of my face that covered by the mask don't seem to need the moisturizer any more. I use moisturizer under makeup during the day and on spots that are not near the mask at night. The first couple of days my face was very dry where the mask covered it. Now 2 months later those areas are just fine!

Brenda

Thanks, Brenda. That's good to know! I'll try that and perhaps it will make a difference.

Mary

[editrix]

Now that you mention it, I've noticed that too. Maybe it's because the unmoisturized area is covered by the mask and is getting nice warm humidified air blown on it all night (?).

Maryb

Good point. Still, maybe I will want to find out whether I can switch to one of the nasal pillow-type masks down the road. There are so many things that never occurred to me before about using a CPAP. It gets complicated!

Mary

[sleeplesscoot]

I use Eulerian cream, which it a fairly thick skin cream and have had no problem with a seal. In fact I think I get a better seal with it. It has also help with the breaking out of my skin. I also found if I get the nasal mask too tight it will leak just as well as when it is too loose. The adjustment seems to change as my face swells.