Bridge of Nose Irritation

[kaitlyn.caswell]

I'm new to this, so please bear with me. I just got a CPAP machine and I'm on my 4th night with it. When I did my sleep study, they used a gel lined mask which caused me to develop a red irritated spot right between my eyes. That red irritated spot then formed what looked like white head pimples. I was able to rub off the white spots which just left the spot between my eyes dry and red and has since healed (it's been about 2 weeks).

Like I said, this is only my 4th or 5th night on my own CPAP, and since I had a reaction to the gel lining they gave me a mask that has silicone instead. This mask is adjustable, so I can move the plastic part that runs up the middle of my face to relieve pressure on the bridge of my nose. I have it pushed all the way out so there isn't hardly any pressure there, but the bridge of my nose is red and irritated like it was with the gel mask.

I've never had a reaction to silicone before, so I'm not sure what's going on. I don't know if my skin is just adjusting to it or if I need to see my doctor. If anyone has any suggestions on what to do or has experienced this please let me know.

[Sheriff Buford]

Please post the equipment you are using in your profile.

This is very normal! My second night using a full face mask left blood all over my pillow. I left the full face mask, but went back to it last summer. There are silicone pads or strips that will cushion the mask on the bridge of your nose. They sell them on cpap.com. This didn't help me, so I would use a small round band aide on the spot, with a strip of medical tape (sometimes two strips) on top of the band aide. When the sore healed, I just used the medical strips until the area got used to me wearing the mask. I still use the fitlife total mask, but when I do use the full face, I'll place the medical strip on the nose to keep a blister from forming.

Sheriff

[Sleeprider]

If you're using a nasal mask, you might find nasal pillows to be more comfortable due to minimal contact area and light weight. Your supplier should be able to make a mask exchange within 30 days of starting. We don't know if you're on full face or nasal until you give us a clue.

[kaitlyn.caswell]

I'm on a full face

[OkyDoky]

Like Sheriff said it is common. My skin on both sides of my face developed blisters. After using bandaids until they healed, my face grew used to the silicone. I did later use liners because my nasal mask was blowing air in my severe dry eyes and irritating them more. I would recommend you try http://www.padacheek.com/ or https://www.cpap.com/productpage/remzzz ... iners.html Padacheek worked best for me due to being able to leave it on until I need to wash it.

[JimP]

I'm on a full face

Why?

Not trying to be flip but many of us start off with one mask from the study and within a few weeks find something way more comfortable.

I started with the resmed F10 and it was difficult to not have air leaks. Wound up with the P10 (nasal pillow) with the help of some good people here and now low forward to going to sleep with the CPAP.

[Pugsy]

Try using some sort of mask liner so your skin doesn't touch the silicone.
You can make your own out of an old T shirt just to see if it helps.
Padacheek makes some really nice ones that can be washed and used for months and months.
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html

[kaitlyn.caswell]

I'm on a full face

Why?

Not trying to be flip but many of us start off with one mask from the study and within a few weeks find something way more comfortable.

I started with the resmed F10 and it was difficult to not have air leaks. Wound up with the P10 (nasal pillow) with the help of some good people here and now low forward to going to sleep with the CPAP.

I had just a nose mask during the study but after I almost suffocated because I was breathing through my mouth, they switched me to a full face mask.

[Sleepy Pete]

I had exactly that same problem while I was getting used to my full face mask.

A temporary solution that worked was to cut up a small piece of synthetic chamois and put it over the spot where the irritation was. I'd tried plasters before that but they caused leaks at the nose and sometimes damaged my skin while I was taking them off.

Long term, I don't need it any more because gradually getting used to adjusting the mask correctly meant that the irritation stopped. For me that took about 3 months. It's kind of a slow process but definitely worth it in the end. I hope it goes quicker for you.

Good luck!

[Guest]

I just started with CPAP 2 weeks ago (full face, Resmed Quatro air) and started to get a blister & bloody bridge to my nose this week. Resp Therapist is suggesting "Gecko" pads. I'll try them as well as the other suggestions listed. I'm hoping that with time my nose woll toughen up and it won't be an issue.

All-in-all, the CPAP process has been great from day 1. I've had no issues with getting used to it.

[squid13]

Take a band aid and cut the sticky part to fit the side of your nose then put the padded part over the sore area an stick down. Works great for me when I get that problem.

[Dogjudge]

I use a nose mask and am still new at this, so take everything with a grain of salt.

#1 - First mask that I got simply wasn't the right size/shape for me. Had to get a different type.
#2 - Recently I discovered that I was over tightening the straps to keep leaks from happening. As someone said, it was supposed to feel/look like a hovercraft. i.e. cushions more.
#3 - Used small (circle type) band aids for sensitive skin.