sores on bridge of nose

Swan · Post by **Swan** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 5:32 pm

I have had my cpap since February and have actually found the joy of sleeping again. I have a problem though. The bridge of my nose is always red and swollen in the morning and painful to the touch. I have developed sores that do not heal the first one left a scar. I have commented that I am trying to grow a blow hole. I have lined the mask with mole skin and use gauze for padding and the first one healed leaving the aforementioned scar that looks like a chicken pox scar. I have now developed a second sore. I have tried the liners with not result. I have the full mask with the balances on the forehead. I do not have the product info handy. I also know that I have a mild allergy to latex. Has anyone had the same problem and if so, what did you do that worked to correct it. Allin all I would rather sleep than look pretty, but if I can avoid this I would like to.

Swan

riverdreamer · Post by **riverdreamer** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 6:03 pm

Hi Swan,

I think this is a serious issue, and you shouldn't feel bad about expecting this should work better!

First, if you are registered, you might want to go to the User Panel and fill out your equipment profile. Using the text option is the easiest for people to quickly see what mask and machine you use. It is possble there are issues with your mask that are common.

The first thing I would ask if whether you clean your mask thoroughly every day. In particular, anytime you get a new mask or seal it helps to soak it n warm water and mild soap, to remove any residue left from manufacturing. Some people react to that. I like to use some white vinegar in my soak every now and then, as I find it neutralizes many things, and also sanitizes the mask.

I don't think there are many masks that contain latex, but there may be a component of silicone that you are reacting to. Maybe you need a thicker liner than gauze. Gauze tends to let air and liquids seep through, so you mild want to try T-shirt material, and I think some people use even thicker fabric.

Have you tried more than one mask? It is possible that the mask you are using is the wrong size, or is the wrong shape altogether for you. There are many different types, shapes, and sizes of masks. Hitting your nose in a different place may change how irritated you get from it. There are nasal pillows that don't even touch the bridge of your nose at all.

Maybe all you need is to change how tight you wear your mask. There are lots of options, and you should be able to find something that works for you if you persist. If you go to the top of the page, there is a Yellow Lightbulb that is the icon to link to Our Wisdom. You will find lots of good info on masks in there.

Good luck, and keep trying! Nobody should have to be scarred from wearing a mask.

ww · Post by ww » Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:52 pm

IF it is a typical mask ResMed UMFF or Quattro, the proper adjustment of the mask is for the headrest to be adjusted until the cushion just clears the nose and only the inflatable part of the cushion touches the nose. Moleskin on the mask will not help you. If your forehead is immediately above your nose bridge (like mine), then there is not an adjustment that will accommodate that. In that case you can cut a piece of moleskin approx 2 cm high x 3 cm wide with the top corners cut off on the 3 cm side can be applied directly to your nose and it stops the problem. If your nose is too sore to allow this, you will have to get well first. Proper adjustment of the mask is the first line of defense so the mask does not touch the nose bridge. Adjustment of the bottom strap tighter and the top strap looser also works for some people.

computerguy2202 · Post by **computerguy2202** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 9:20 pm

I have the same problem. I was at the sleep doctor yesterday with my equipment guy, and he was very concerned about the red mark on my nose that will not heal. Because there is not a mask out there that will work on me at a pressure of 17, he reduced my pressure and told me to loosen my top straps so this heals. It becomes a cell problem that can spread into the deep tissues of the nose and cause huge problems. You may also want to try to reduce your pressure and loosen your straps.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 9:29 pm

I have problems with red marks on my forehead....I use Ayr gel to put on the plastic pieces that touch my forehead and I've tried to losten the straps, too....

Hope this helps!!!!

L

Tcamillemars · Post by **Tcamillemars** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:14 pm

I had that problem and Karen at Padacheek had something that worked really well. Her customer service is outstanding and I never got another sore from my mask. I would guess you need to let it heal. Have you tried nasal pillows or are you a mouth breather?

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:30 am

I agree, go to padacheek.com and see all the items Karen makes for us to be more comfortable. If there is something you want or need that isn't there, contact Karen and she'll make it for you(working WITH you).

Brenda

Komodo · Post by **Komodo** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:40 am

You might want to try a different brand mask.
I switched over to a comfortgel nasal, and that might be perfect for you. The gel cushion is cutout at the bridge of the nose reducing the preasure while still maintaining a good seal.

Sleepy Taz · Post by **Sleepy Taz** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:53 am

Re: sores on bridge of nose
by computerguy2202 on Tue Jun 16, 2009 9:20 pm

I have the same problem. I was at the sleep doctor yesterday with my equipment guy, and he was very concerned about the red mark on my nose that will not heal. Because there is not a mask out there that will work on me at a pressure of 17, he reduced my pressure and told me to loosen my top straps so this heals. It becomes a cell problem that can spread into the deep tissues of the nose and cause huge problems. You may also want to try to reduce your pressure and loosen your straps.

Computerguy2202,

I also have a pressure setting of 17 and have lived with leaks and red spots on my face for years. Last year I changed to the Optilife Opus nasal pillows and have no leaks to speak of between the pillows and my nose. My AHI averages around 1.7 and most nights 0 apneas. Last night was 0.3 apneas. I also have slept real good since I made the switch and maybe you can find the same results if you give it a try.

Billy6 · Post by **Billy6** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:49 am

Go over the DVD that came with your mask, as you are likely fitting it wrong. When it happens to me, I can usually just rub it out in the morning and then I immediately loosten the
straps or adjust the forehead anchor

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:59 am

NO MASK SHOULD CAUSE "INJURY" TO YOUR FACE!!!

If it does, it's either the wrong size, not properly adjusted (too tight) or just the wrong mask (some of them are just plain "lousy" for some people).

Den

roster · Post by **roster** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 9:17 am

Swan wrote: ....... I have the full mask with the balances on the forehead. I do not have the product info handy. .........
Swan

Swan,

You received a good bit of advice. But I am not sure how good any of it is because no one (including yourself) knows which brand/model of mask you are using. If you post which mask you are using, you may get excellent responses from other people who have used that mask and dealt with the same problem.

So, which mask is it?

jdm2857 · Post by **jdm2857** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 4:45 pm

Remember that anything you put between the mask and your face is going to tend to put MORE pressure in that spot.

So unless the added material spreads the force out over more of your skin area, it may well make the problem worse.

Swan · Post by **Swan** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:25 pm

Swan,

You received a good bit of advice. But I am not sure how good any of it is because no one (including yourself) knows which brand/model of mask you are using. If you post which mask you are using, you may get excellent responses from other people who have used that mask and dealt with the same problem.

So, which mask is it?[/quote]

It is a ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face mask the machine is set at 12

I tried readjusting the mask last night and it seems that there does not seem to be a place where it does not cause the marks and sores but keeps it's seal. Once I fall asleep my mouth will open and the seal changes allowing air to leak generally I will awaken esp. if the leak blows on my eyes.

I am kind of between a rock and a hard place, as I am low income and have no insurance. I was lucky in that my Dr. at the free clinic has sleep apnea and knew from my complaints that I was suffering and nearing critical because of it. He got me into the sleep study for free and I received my machine and mask free as well. I was at the stage of having heart palpitations, charley horses in my throat up to 10 times a day, and my memory was almost non-existent. I cannot recall meeting with the woman who gave me the machine and told me about it, other than I remember being there. I had been suffering with this for at least 10 years perhaps more before this. Any way, I am not at liberty to just go get a new mask. When I went through the process, I had my first sleep study in September, and finally got the machine in February. Do not get me wrong, I am thankful that I was able to at all. I now sleep and that is a very good thing. Before I got the machine it had been two years since I had been able to sleep with my husband. That was very hard for us.

I appreciate all of your input. I will try the things that I can.

Swan

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:47 pm

I also use the Ultra Mirage Full Face (UMFF) at a pressure of 12.
Here's the way I adjust mine.
I adjust the forehead support so that it's in the most forward position (full, upright.....away from my forehead). That way, it allows the upper part of the seal to get closer to my face. I also leave the top straps VERY loose. In fact, the forehead support doesn't even touch my forehead. Any tension is on the bottom straps. I position the bottom of the seal as close to my bottom lip as possible. This allows more seal area around the bridge of my nose.

Are you a back or side sleeper?

Bed pillows can make a huge difference. "Standard" pillows may allow your head to sink into the pillow and push your mask out of alignment, particularly if you're a side sleeper. If you're a back sleeper, too much pillow height can put a "crimp" in your neck and cause more apneas and hypopneas.

Too much humidity can cause your nasal passages to close up.
If you have congestion problems, do nightly nasal rinses or cleansing so that your nasal passages are clear before bedtime.
Learn to keep your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth when you sleep.....which should limit your mouth-breathing.

Den

Mask

Additional Comments: Pressure 17cm

Mask