New user looking for help

[DAV]

Been a hose head for two weeks, everything is going well except for the mask. My pressure is set @ 18. I started with the Quattro mask but within three days the bridge of my nose was very sore. I talked to my provider of equipment and tried everything they said but my nose was still raw. The mask has a adjustment nob which I can push the mask away from the bridge of my nose, when I back it off I couldn't get a good seal. They gave me a Mirage Liberty to try, it worked great no leaks but now my nostrils are sore. I have the top straps as loose as they can be with out leaks and I'm on the second night using the Lansinoh cream. Do I just have to wait till my nose gets tougher. Last night I had to take my mask off due to the sore nose. Should I try another mask? Thank you.

[LSAT]

Try the padacheek.com mask liners and nose pads.

[cflame1]

how tight do you have your Liberty? If it's tight enough that it's pushing your nose up (and that's where the pain is) then yes, try another mask.

If the pain is just where the pillow part meets your nares... then it'll probably toughen up.

[jamiswolf]

DAV,
Many CPAP users here have gone through similar struggles and tried many masks. I have used 5 different masks (in 4 months) and have two new ones on order.

Truthfully, I currently am most happy with the Quattro. Never had any bridge of the nose issues and even with a full beard I have minimal leaks. But my face is different then yours.

Don't over-tighten. Adjust the forehead pad by juggling with the screw adjustment and the top straps till no leaks at the top (and not too much pressure)...and then lastly snug up the bottom straps till bottom leaks stop. Or that's how I do it. Once you have it adjusted, you shouldn't have to mess with it for awhile. Just unhook using the lower quick releases.

I use a gasket made from an old T shirt. Helps a lot. Not familiar with the Liberty so can't comment on that. Oh, one more issue. Some of us like to rotate masks to ease off on contact issues. Might be an option. I go from ComfortGel FF to ComfortGel nasal to Quatro. A few days of each.
Good luck,
Jamis

[kempo]

Dav, here is the mask liners that help a lot of people with their mask leaks. http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html

[Madalot]

When I started xpap two years ago, I had the exact same problem. Here's what finally worked for me...

I loosened the mask for a few nights, not worrying about my leaking. This gave me therapy, but did not continue to damage the area. I used neosporin during the day to help the area heal. Then I used plastic bandaids to cover the area to protect it. I used the plastic bandaids for several weeks.

For me, the area healed and toughened and now, I can use the mask (same one) at appropriate tightness (not too tight, but tight enough) without it scraping or cutting the bridge.