Hybrid mask - nasal and lip abrasions

[concerned mom]

The hybrid full face mask has caused extreme abrasions on the area between the nostrils and the upper lip. It opens and bleeds often. We have tried using cushions from pad -a -cheek that seemed to help for awhile, but eventually caused problems with my daughter's lips. It seems that we trade one problem for another. Has anyone else experienced problems like this? Her dr. says she probably just has overly sensitive skin. We use various creams during the day to help, but after removing the mask each morning, the area is very sore and red. Thanks.

[BlackSpinner]

It might be on too tight.
Many of us use a extra strap made from lycra to keep the pillows in place so we don't need to crank that top strap too tight.

I also cut pieces of soft knit fabric to wedge on my upper lip and under my chin.

Lanosol cream (used for breast feeding) can be used on the nose to protect it from the mask. It is safe for that use.

[Muse-Inc]

Someone who asked the same question a yr or so ago had the connector between the 2 pillows on the face side pressing against the skin -- that connector is supposed to be on the outside. Like BlackSpinner, it sounds like the mask is way too tight.

[slaaplekker]

Sorry to hear about the problem, it is always distressing when you have a child in pain.

I just posted about some Anti-bacterial wipes that I dry out and use for my mask liners - just cut to fit, they may help. Since they are basically disaposable $1.50 or so from Walmart, their store brand you can dispose of them daily which can help cut down on skin bacterial that may be aggrevating the problem. They are woven so hold up well and can be cut to any shape when dry that you need. A bit of tape and you should have a nice cushion.

I've also used some tape between my skin and any silcone/plastic when I need to, I happen to work for a tape company so won't mention any specific brand/type but they make some good hypoallegenic tapes that could put a barrier between your daughter's skin and plastic/silcone, but the Anti-bacterial wipes are softer. Sometimes when my Rosacea flares up I need something more absorbent and will cut facial tissue to fit over top of the wipes.

Until you can get the skin healed I wouldn't use anything but sterile material. There are plenty of options there too. Has the pediatrician looked at the sore - it might be infected - bacterial or even fungal? If that is the case you need to get the appropriate treatment to get the sore healed.


Good luck hope the problem clears up soon.

[brazospearl]

Sorry to hear your girl's having this problem. I use the Hybrid, and I have hideously sensitive skin, although I haven't experienced what's happening to her. A few thoughts come to mind, though. First, it's important to soak the mask in very hot (but not boiling) water with a drop of mild soap in it for 30 minutes or so before the first use. This helps get the icky allergy causing stuff off the parts that touch skin. If you didn't do this when she first got the mask, don't fret; you can do this anytime! Second, I'd be REAL cautious about putting anything sold as a cleansing wipe on sensitive skin all night. I have to wash my hands after using those for their intended purpose so my hands don't react. Can't imagine they'd feel very comfy on broken facial skin. Third, pay attention to the cleaning regimen. Some people get best results by washing/wiping their masks every day; others find that going several (or many!) days without cleaning works best. I'm firmly in the not-very-often camp, and I also don't wash my face before masking up at night. I have to use medicated moisturizer, so the squeaky-clean routine doesn't work for me. I'm just sayin' you should be open to the possibilities of changing what's been happening so far. Also, pay attention to her diet and random environmental factors. My skin reacts if I eat tomatoes or corn, and sometimes to pistachios...especially if the grass has just been cut or the mosquito spray truck has been my in the last couple of days. It might be handy to have an alternate mask available, too, as pressure on her sore skin doesn't sound very helpful. Many people rotate masks periodically to avoid issues such as this. You might also get in touch with the Pad-a-cheek folks; they've been helpful about creating solutions to pressure problems, who knows what great ideas they might have for you!

Thank you for taking good care of your child. She's fortunate to have you for your mom!

[Muse-Inc]

Like Brazospearl, I too have touchy skin. My pillows and oral cushion get a soak in soapy water for at least 20 mins & usually several hrs to rid it of 'stuff.' New mask parts also get a several hr soak to get rid of mfg residues. If my mask parts seem slippery, I spray with plain old white vinegar and let sit for 2-3 mins then rinse very very well. If that doesn't seem to get remove it, I boil the silicon pillows and oral cushion in distilled water for 30 mins or so. I went thru a lot of soaps until I found one that would work. For some inexplicable reason, my skin has been less touchy the past few months and I can use the original formula Dawn as long as I rinse very well.

Creams -- I react to most. I have the best results using DermaE's alphalipoderm facial repair...I use it on all irritated skin & bruising regardless of location or cause -- it really does help. It goes on after I wash my face in the morning. At night, I use their vitamin C serum (gel, no oil formula) -- so far no ill effects on my mask -- I let my skin dry at least 15 mins before mask on. I was getting blisters from mask movement when I first started wearing the Hybrid -- these two solutions helped my skin.

Good luck on finding resolution.