Mirage Quattro leaving red marks on neck

[Jaylee]

I have the Mirage Quattro FFM. It leaves a deep red mark on the back of my neck. It is very painful. I have the padacheek cover for that part of the mask and have been using it for a long time now. It went away at first but now the red mark is back and I can't figure out what else to do to prevent it. I can't bangage it because it is very close to my hairline and the bandages and tape wont stick. Any other suggestions? I think that it will heal up in a few days if I can manage to keep the mask from digging in to it. I have tried to loosen the straps as well. Help!

[harry33]

all masks, hoses and headgear should be often soaked and washed in warm water and mild detergent suck water into hose then rinsed and dried, apply facecream to skin, the straps should only be just tight enough to prevent leaks

[gasp]

I have the Mirage Quattro FFM. It leaves a deep red mark on the back of my neck. It is very painful. I have the padacheek cover for that part of the mask and have been using it for a long time now. It went away at first but now the red mark is back and I can't figure out what else to do to prevent it. I can't bangage it because it is very close to my hairline and the bandages and tape wont stick. Any other suggestions? I think that it will heal up in a few days if I can manage to keep the mask from digging in to it. I have tried to loosen the straps as well. Help!

Can you describe the red mark? Since you said 'heal' I envision it to be an open sore.

Questions:
Is it like a rash? A rash that is infected with white or yellow showing on the bumps?
Is it an indentation from straps being too tight previously (since you said you tried loosening) did the problem come from the straps being too tight for a long time?

Depending on your answer it could be heat rash, contact dermatitis, and more. But no matter what, you shouldn't have discomfort from the straps and it looks like you're working on helping that with the padacheek etc.

Pillowcase, hair, and scalp should be kept very clean especially during this time of irritation. The straps should also be washed often if there is irritation. I only wash my headgear straps once a month but wash hair frequently. However, if I had irritation I'd wash both daily with gentle soap such as Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash.

[Jaylee]

One long red line on the back of my neck. Not a rash. I can't figure out how to upload a picture here.

[islandboy5150]

Jaylee, do you have a papcap you can switch to for a while? It might give that area a little break. Or, Maybe try a knit or stocking cap on your head and put your mask straps over it? Maybe even a hand or light weight kitchen towel over your head and down the back of your neck before you put on the headgear? I dunno, just trying to think of ideas to try....

[debo415]

I have the very same problem and it is very painful. A couple of places develop little "whitehead" looking bumps that are painful as well. I believe it is an irritation from the strap and since I have to put it back on every night, it has difficulty healing. I have recently started putting a folded up tissue between my neck and the strap each night, sometimes with a bit of Neosporin on the extremely irritated parts. I have already noticed an improvement...I suggest you give this a try and see what happens. Good luck...let us know how it works.

[Jaylee]

I have the Mirage Quattro FFM. It leaves a deep red mark on the back of my neck. It is very painful. I have the padacheek cover for that part of the mask and have been using it for a long time now. It went away at first but now the red mark is back and I can't figure out what else to do to prevent it. I can't bangage it because it is very close to my hairline and the bandages and tape wont stick. Any other suggestions? I think that it will heal up in a few days if I can manage to keep the mask from digging in to it. I have tried to loosen the straps as well. Help!

Can you describe the red mark? Since you said 'heal' I envision it to be an open sore.

Questions:
Is it like a rash? A rash that is infected with white or yellow showing on the bumps?
Is it an indentation from straps being too tight previously (since you said you tried loosening) did the problem come from the straps being too tight for a long time?

Depending on your answer it could be heat rash, contact dermatitis, and more. But no matter what, you shouldn't have discomfort from the straps and it looks like you're working on helping that with the padacheek etc.

Pillowcase, hair, and scalp should be kept very clean especially during this time of irritation. The straps should also be washed often if there is irritation. I only wash my headgear straps once a month but wash hair frequently. However, if I had irritation I'd wash both daily with gentle soap such as Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash.

I think my main problem was that I had pneumonia and was sleeping so much more than just a typical 8 hours a day.

[gasp]

I have the very same problem and it is very painful. A couple of places develop little "whitehead" looking bumps that are painful as well. I believe it is an irritation from the strap and since I have to put it back on every night, it has difficulty healing. I have recently started putting a folded up tissue between my neck and the strap each night, sometimes with a bit of Neosporin on the extremely irritated parts. I have already noticed an improvement...I suggest you give this a try and see what happens. Good luck...let us know how it works.

I am glad you are treating the bacteria which contributes to the 'whitehead' infection. Neosporin would do that, but be careful about using it long term as it can eventually do more harm than good. Also, be very careful to not get any near the eye so as not to get any in the eye, or fingers in the eye after applying by rubbing the eye etc.

[Jaylee]

Just updating. I have been wrapping a sock around the back of my mask. Not the most attractive method, for sure. Not that it matters, I only share a bed with the teddy bear. It is working, the marks have gone away finally and I am good to go.

[Knightmare]

I also had acne like bumps when I first started using my Mirage Quattro way back last year. Happened to be at the Dermatologist for something else and pointed it out. My Dermatologist recognized it right away and simply just prescribed me a topical solution: Clindamycin Phosphate which is an mild antibiotic typically used for acne. Haven't had problems since, and honsetly after I used it a few times the bumps never came back. If this is bothering you, consider seeing your dermatologist.

[Nodak62]

remember cushions typically are allowed to be replaced each month, so if the headgear is tight to prevent a leaking on the cushion. Probably a time to replace it. The headgear is typically every 6 months, per Medicare guidelines.