Husband's nose pain

unityco · Post by **unityco** » Mon May 03, 2010 2:13 pm

Could I get some advice to help my husband with his nose pain? He's using (well, he's stopped using ) the Mirage Activa LT mask, and it's causing him irritation on the bridge of his nose. He's not that into CPAP, so his solution is just not to use it. I've tried to help him adjust his mask, but even dialed all the way out, it still causes enough pressure on the bridge of his nose to make it white. I tried loosening the top straps, but if they're any looser than we have them now, the forehead pads don't make contact with his head. I had him use moleskin, but he doesn't want to have to do that every night (and he's not keen on having adhesive on his skin every night either.) I looked at the 'Sleep Comfort Care Pad', but its reviews seem questionable.

Any ideas for us? Thanks.

park_ridge_dave · Post by **park_ridge_dave** » Mon May 03, 2010 2:19 pm

For temporary "padding" I use the 2" square cotton "swabs" from the pharmacy. I use them for forehead pads on my F&P HC431. If you have some in your manicure "kit" grab a couple and put them in there.

Then if it gives relief, look at padacheek in their ads for a "permanent" solution. You may also need to try a different mask

Good Luck

Dave

Mary Z · Post by **Mary Z** » Mon May 03, 2010 3:29 pm

That nose problem needs attention. I had the bridge of my nose break down- I still have a scar- that needed 19 days off the machine to allow it to heal. Now I use the FitLife Total Face Mask which does not touch the bridge of my nose. I needed someone to put their foot down about stopping treatment until my nose healed and then I had to be determined myself to find an alternative. I was real glad when the FitLife Total Face Mask came out. Sure would have saved me a lot of grief had I found it sooner. It's real good he has you to help him problem solve. I sure needed help.

Uncle_Bob · Post by **Uncle_Bob** » Mon May 03, 2010 3:41 pm

unityco wrote: Any ideas for us? Thanks.

Sure

There is a possibility he may have been fitted with the wrong size mask.

You might want to try printing and using the Resmed mask fitting templates here

http://www.resmed.com/us/assets/html/ma ... lates.html

Janknitz · Post by **Janknitz** » Mon May 03, 2010 4:29 pm

My first thought is that maybe your husband does not have the Activa adjusted properly if it is putting pressure on his nose. The "Active cell" technology means that it can handle a very loose fit. Assuming he has the correct size, make sure that it is fit properly--that fold of cushion near the frame needs to be fully extended. For best results, adjust the straps only during the inhalation (breathing in) phase with the machine ON and that cushion is fully inflated.

Maybe he would do better with a different mask altogether, like nasal pillows that don't touch the bridge of the nose at all. Take a look at Mirage Swift products, and the Breeze nasal pillows.

Nord · Post by **Nord** » Mon May 03, 2010 4:45 pm

unityco wrote:Could I get some advice to help my husband with his nose pain? He's using (well, he's stopped using ) the Mirage Activa mask, and it's causing him irritation on the bridge of his nose. He's not that into CPAP, so his solution is just not to use it. I've tried to help him adjust his mask, but even dialed all the way out, it still causes enough pressure on the bridge of his nose to make it white. I tried loosening the top straps, but if they're any looser than we have them now, the forehead pads don't make contact with his head. I had him use moleskin, but he doesn't want to have to do that every night (and he's not keen on having adhesive on his skin every night either.) I looked at the 'Sleep Comfort Care Pad', but its reviews seem questionable.

Any ideas for us? Thanks.

I don't understand... is the problem area the bridge where the upper nose makes contact or the forehead pads ??? On the Activa LT, my forehead pads barely contact my forehead... the Gel nose pads hold the mask in place.

Nord

Uncle_Bob · Post by **Uncle_Bob** » Mon May 03, 2010 5:27 pm

Another idea would be to watch the mask fitting DVD that may have come with the mask.

If i get a mask with a DVD fitting guide i watch it about 5 times to make sure i can remember the steps.

unityco · Post by **unityco** » Mon May 03, 2010 5:38 pm

Thanks for the tips, everyone!

Based on ResMed's fitting templates, it does appear he has the wrong size. His mask is a medium, and he should be in at least a large (even that's a tight fit.) So once we can get that sorted, it should help. Thanks for the link, Uncle Bob, as well as the DVD idea - I'm pretty sure his mask did come with one.

I suggested a pillow mask too, Janknitz, but he's vehemently opposed to anything 'up his nose.' (I, however, love my Swift )

Sorry I was unclear, Nord. The problem is on the bridge of his nose - I only mentioned the forehead pads to describe how loosely we were trying to set the straps. There is no pain on his forehead.

He was relatively happy with the fit of the mask until he went for his titration study. The sleep tech cranked it down, and he's been unable to get it right since.

Also, his mask is actually an Activa LT, if that makes a difference to your suggestions (sorry I got that wrong in the initial post.)

Nord · Post by **Nord** » Mon May 03, 2010 6:27 pm

Hi unity...

Have you got help from a good DME.
If he was fitted with the wrong mask... you should be talking with them about rectifying the situation...

There are some "good DME's" in the GTA... Masks are hard to do by internet unless you know exactly what you want and what works.
If you need some help... PM me.

Nord

echo · Post by **echo** » Mon May 03, 2010 6:54 pm

i hope you get the right size. by the way the forehead pads do not need to make contact with the forehead at all (mine also barely touch my forehead), so loosen it up as much as you need to without causing leaks.

slibhart · Post by **slibhart** » Tue May 04, 2010 7:53 am

I ended my nose bridge challenge by purchasing a product from Pad A Cheek. No more problems now and I am sleeping well with no nose pain in the morning

pdean44 · Post by **pdean44** » Tue May 04, 2010 4:31 pm

I have that mask and from what your are describing I would immediately think he has the wrong size if it is creating that much discomfort. It would appear that you have found that out from what you
posted.

Each mask is different because of face structure so what works for one may be a night mare for another. I find the mask i have to be pretty comfortable. I adapted to it fairly quickly. Since your husband is a reluctant patient it is going to be much harder to get to the bottom of a working solution. For his own health I hope you find a way.

iphonehome · Post by **iphonehome** » Thu May 13, 2010 5:58 pm

Mary Z wrote:That nose problem needs attention. I had the bridge of my nose break down- I still have a scar- that needed 19 days off the machine to allow it to heal. Now I use the FitLife Total Face Mask which does not touch the bridge of my nose. I needed someone to put their foot down about stopping treatment until my nose healed and then I had to be determined myself to find an alternative. I was real glad when the FitLife Total Face Mask came out. Sure would have saved me a lot of grief had I found it sooner. It's real good he has you to help him problem solve. I sure needed help.

How did you get the FitLife mask to fit?

Husband's nose pain

Husband's nose pain

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Re: Husband's nose pain

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