Crevice Face

[richrobertson]

I first used my cpap full mask at the sleep clinic and have used it ever since, It has been 3 years now and I have noticed, not red marks, but deep crevices on my face starting at the left and right side on my nostrils continuing down to either edge of my mouth. I started using mositurizer and it has helped marginally but I still have the crevices. I have even notice that the area (the crevices) seem to be not as thick as the rest of my face. I am thinking the skin has been compressed for a long time it may not come back at this point, Not using the mask is not an option. Has anyone else experienced this problem and are there any solutions? Thank You

[Tatooed Lady]

Do you use anything like pad a cheek fleece covers? I found that they tend to spread pressure, no red marks, channels, etc. only been on PAP 9 months...this could change.

[richrobertson]

I haven't tried any of the padding solutions yet. I am looking into the options and there are a few. I was hoping someone might suggest a good one that worked for them for this problem. Thanks

[Tatooed Lady]

I use these-
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/pad-a- ... cover.html

[Pugsy]

Mask liner maybe if the marks are from the mask sealing area?
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html

[englandsf]

Have you tried nasal pillows?

[Minky]

I just wanted to add my two cents about Pad A Cheek. I was having problems with my FFM with leaks and skin irritation. I bought a Pad A Cheek mask liner and it made a huge difference. The liner is made of very nice and comfortable fabric and fits the mask very well. Also, it arrived two days after I ordered it.

[chunkyfrog]

When I only had masks that were not ideal, I would switch back and forth
between different mask shapes to allow my nose/face a chance to heal.
Perhaps a different type of mask would allow Rich's crevices to normalize;
however, after three years, the facial re-sculpturing may be permanent.
I would also ask if the headgear is three years old and all stretched out.
A new, stretchy headgear may have more "give" to allow skin to plump up.

[richrobertson]

Goodness, maybe permanent? Maybe it's time to see a dermatologist?

[chunkyfrog]

I should not have said "permanent", but maybe somewhat stubborn, sorry for that.
It depends on your age, and how long the grooves have been there.
Unless you are quite old, the skin should rebound, maybe fully.
My nose still looks normal, and I can't tell you what it's been through (or vice-versa)

[Tatooed Lady]

When I only had masks that were not ideal, I would switch back and forth
between different mask shapes to allow my nose/face a chance to heal.
Perhaps a different type of mask would allow Rich's crevices to normalize;
however, after three years, the facial re-sculpturing may be permanent.
I would also ask if the headgear is three years old and all stretched out.
A new, stretchy headgear may have more "give" to allow skin to plump up.

Ahhh...good thought. Especially when you recall that older headgear with less give seems to be worn tighter than the more resilient, newer stuff, in an effort to reduce leakages. Smart frog we have here!! Squish the face in other areas. Who'da thunk?

[richrobertson]

I get new head gear as soon as insurance allows so the current ones is less than 4 months old. Think I'll try "pad a mask" and see if that helps. Thanks for all the advise.

[chunkyfrog]

http://www.padacheek.com/
(I love this feature!)