Intro and mask issues

[Snufkin]

Hi everyone,

New here! Diagnosed a couple of months ago, been tinkering ever since. Started with with nose pillows, couldn't tolerate the air blowing straight in. Moved to a full face mask since I'm mostly a mouth breather anyway. Next problem was swallowing air. Finally got a BPAP, which made a huge difference. "Woo-hoo!" says I, "Ready to do this for reals! Sleep, here I come!"

Not so fast. My new problem is waking up with mask issues that I didn't have when I fell asleep -- itching, tickling, leaking. I finally give up and take it off, and discover that the entire area is sweaty and oily. The thought of getting up to wash the mask and my face is more than I can bear, so I go back to sleep without the mask.

Other relevant points:

- I'm washing my face before bed, but only lightly. More serious scrubbing leads to excema on my face, which, with a face mask, is just loads of fun.

- I'm of an age to be having hot flashes, it's been pretty well controlled with hormones, but possibly seeing a return of them, which could be contributing.

- The mask I'm using is a ResMed Quattro FX.

Any advice would be appreciated!

[Pugsy]

How about a mask liner to help absorb the sweat and facial oils?
or maybe keep a box of those little wipes next to bed to do a quick cleaning off of the skin?
Personally...I would try a mask liner.

Padacheek makes some great ones. Multiple uses for months and months and washable.
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html

Remzzzs makes single use ones...gets a bit pricey unless you can make them last.
Becky will send you a trial packet free if you just ask..she will need mask information as well as mailing address
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=62662
here's what they look like
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/remzzz ... iners.html

You can also try making your own out of an old T shirt.

Welcome to the forum.

[chunkyfrog]

Many of us use unscented baby wipes on our mask and face if we wake up sweaty.
Sometimes the package dries out--don't toss them away; cut a mask liner out of a dry, soft wipe.

[Snufkin]

Thanks! Wow, it makes a big difference just knowing that other people have this problem. Are any old baby wipes okay? Tips on what to avoid?

[Sheriff Buford]

Thanks! Wow, it makes a big difference just knowing that other people have this problem. Are any old baby wipes okay? Tips on what to avoid?

Avoid the wipes with aloe or alcohol. The alcohol will deteriate the mask cushion and the aloe will leave a film. I use pampers thick wipes for sensitive skin. Most stores have a store brand which lots of folks use. I just recently realized that my wipes have what they call "aloe juice", but that's ok.

Sheriff

[old dude]

You said you are washing your face nightly but are you washing your mask seal thoroughly every morning? For me, that is easily as important as washing my face. I use Johnson's Baby Shampoo and running hot water. Also, if your'e anything like me, be sure to wait until just before bedtime to wash your face. If I do it at 6-7 pm my face will be oily again before bedtime.

Good luck and keep at it!