Marks from mask...

[beachgurl_1988]

Does anyone else have this problem?

I have a Fisher and Pykel Full Face Mask, a FlexiFit 431.

I have had CPAP for over a year, and in the morning I wake up with lines all over my cheeks and on my forehead from the mask. They seem to take forever to go away, and I have to go to work.

I don't sleep with it that tight, I sometimes sleep on my side or on my back.

I have found if I fold up something, like a tissue, and put it on the part that rests on my forehead that it doesn't mark my forehead.

It is from the seal, the actual mask part, not from the straps.

Anyone know of what I can do to prevent the lines or even to 'fade' them before I go to work?

[ww]

I think the padacheek.com website is owned by a forum member and sells a unique solution that seems to work for many people. You can also use 4 pieces of fleece material about 2 1/2 x 6 inch fold double and stitch the edge to make a tube approx 1 1/4 x 6 to go over each strap. Works quite well and also keeps the mask from slipping when you turn over in bed. I would never have believed what a difference in the mask marks it makes, but it does.

[beegee]

Hi Beachgurl,

To eliminate these sorts of red marks, I put strips of Elastoplast Sport Elastrowrap on my face vertically alongside the nose where the silicone part of the Activa mask cushion presses into the face. If I don't do this I get very red marks which I think is caused by the pressure combined with slight moisture and slight movement, somewhat like chafing. I do not have a problem on the forehead as the fit of this mask is so loose that the forehead rest barely touches my skin.

To make the tape easy to get off in the morning, I try to weaken the stickiness by sticking & removing it from the back & inside of my hand several times, and I put some light moisturiser on the skin under the tape. This works for me and doesn't seem to adversely affect the seal with the Activa. I don't know if it will work with your mask, but maybe worth a try. I think other tapes like micropore or paper tapes may also work.

Good luck with it,

Beegee

[beachgurl_1988]

yeah, I was thinking that the moisture and the movement etc. may be the problem. I was thinking maybe I could put like, uh, first aid tape, you know the paper kind, over the silicone part of the mask that rests on my face and maybe that would prevent the 'chafing'.

[Mr_Ed]

I have the same mask. I've noticed slight strap marks on the right side of my face in the morning. I just jump in the shower after I wake up. When my shower is over, I go to shave and the marks have always been gone by the time I'm ready to shave.

Maybe the hot water and steam from the shower are helping things get "ironed out"?

[GoCubsGo]

i was going to suggest padacheek pads too. very comfy!

[Guest]

beachgurl,

I'm not sure that I'd stick tape onto the silicone cushion itself, because if it doesn't work, the cushion might be ruined as the sticky stuff may not come off easily.

Hope you find a solution!

beegee