Skin Irritations with Nasal Mask

[dixieprincess]

Hi, I am a newbie, just got my CPAP machine on December 23rd, after having been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. My doctor said my AHI is 113 (I have no clue what that means!)

I am using a nasal mask and have found that since I've started using it, I have an awful skin irritation below my nostrils. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem? I have the petite comfort gel nasal mask, they told me my nose is quite small. Could this be the problem?

[sister]

Hi, welcome to the forum. Did you wash the mask before using? Do you have allergies?
I have allergies and I cannot use anything that touches the face.
GOOD LUCK!

[jromano]

Hi dixieprincess,

Welcome! First, your AHI is your Apnea Hypopnea Index. This is the average number of apneas (total airway obstructions) and hypopneas (partial airway obstructions) that occur per hour of sleep time. Over 30 is generally considered severe. Good thing you went in for a sleep study!

A couple of things about skin irritation... Most importantly, your therapy should not be painful. You do have options.
sister pointed out allergies and mask care. Check with the manufacturer (Respironics in this case) for a complete listing of the mask materials.
If you already wipe down your mask, do you wash your face before every use as well?
Do you have a good seal? If the mask is moving around excessively it may cause irritation.
Rest assured that there is a mask out there for every face type, extra small noses included. Most people find that it takes time, patience, sometimes quite a few masks, and a good sense of humor to find a mask that's a good fit. Have you tried other masks?

Keep reading and asking questions, and best of luck!

Cheers,
Jess

[dixieprincess]

Thanks so much for the quick responses and helpful advice. Wow, that was quick!

I wash my face every night before use, and I was told by the DME to wash the mask/machine/tubing/humidifier tray once a week with Ivory soap, which I do every Thursday before bed. Do I need to be washing everything every day? This is the first mask other than the diagnostic sleep study that I have had. In the study, they used nasal pillows, which didn't fit well with my nose. The mask does slide around a lot throughout the night though. My insurance only covers replacement every six months, so I am hesitant to ask for another within the first couple weeks. I don't want to whine about it too much because I know this stuff is expensive. I have no allergies that I know of. I'm wondering if I should ask for a full mask instead, but the Sleep Center said that I was fortunate enough to be getting top of the line stuff.

[jromano]

It sounds like you've got the cleaning under control. That's great - one less thing to worry about!

Many DME's have a program that entitles you to try out different masks within the first 30 days with no penalty, so please DO whine about it (a LOT!) in the first couple weeks especially. Check with your DME, and if this option is available, then by all means take advantage of it! They are there to help you.

Two more things:
1) There are different kinds of masks that I'm sure you're becoming familiar with (nasal, full face, nasal pillow, hybrids, etc.). They all have their benefits and their downsides and everyone has their personal biases as well.
2) There are also many different mask manufacturers. If you decide that you would like to stay with a nasal mask, there are many on the market. They come in all shapes, sizes, materials, and even sometime colors. Always, ALWAYS be your own advocate and do your own research. It will likely take more than a few tries to find a great fit... don't give up!

Keep us updated!
Cheers,
Jess

[harry33]

I have the same mask
try wearing mask slightly lower on face, it may be rubbing against bottom of nose

[cyretired]

I've used a cpap from when it was first used over a decade ago. I've tried pretty much every type of mask and head gear made. The ADAM Circuit was my first and I always came back to it. I had the same problem as you, my noise would get raw with the plastic vinyl/ latex nasal pillows type. I believe their also made of silicone. I worked in a lab at a chemical plant which produce vinyl, some people have a bad reaction to it. We also stopped using the vinyl/ latex gloves because of this. I favor the more rubber based product. I've found "for me" the ADAM Circuit Nasal Interface System works better. Not sure but it may be made of rubber and it was the original CPAP therapy outside of the full mask years ago.
I suggest you use this System . In the mean time coat your nose with chapstick or vaseline. Talk to your Doctor you may be allergic to those nice soft comfy plastic vinyl/ latex nasal pillows .

[GumbyCT]

My insurance only covers replacement every six months, so I am hesitant to ask for another within the first couple weeks. I don't want to whine about it too much because I know this stuff is expensive.

Finding the right mask for you is the most critical part of this therapy.

As Jess pointed out, most DME's honor a program from the manufacturer to replace the mask (at no charge to you) within 30 days, if you are having troubles with it. It sounds like you are, so do NOT miss this window.

fwiw - they often will let you keep the old mask since they can't sell a used mask. So whine & holler but do let them know you are having troubles with the mask.

[Sheriff Buford]

I use Afta aftershave on the lines on my face caused by the mask. I put a little on after waking and by the time I leave the house, the redness is almost gone.

Sheriff