mask irritation

So I've been on CPAP for about 2 months now and am pretty much used to everything and feeling great. But a weird thing happened starting a few weeks ago where the mask (I have a full face one) leaves really irritating red marks beside my nose. It started when I have a cold and now we're into allergy season, so I'm wondering if it somehow has something to do with my sinuses. I've ordered a cover from padacheek which has helped with leaks and is overall more comfortable but hasn't helped with these red marks. I even put medical tape down and it doesn't help. Has anyone else experienced this? The fact that it didn't happen for the first month or more makes me feel like it's not necessarily the mask I have. It takes almost all day for them to fade and makeup doesn't really work to cover it up. This is the only thing really irritating me at this point so I thought I'd see if anyone else has dealt with and found solutions for something similar.

My pressures are high and I keep my mask fit pretty tight to prevent leaks. This does cause some irritation, especially if I end up in a position that causes the mask to pinch some of the skin on my face. I usually take a dap of A & D ointment and put it on my face where the mask seals to it. Seems to reduce the redness. I believe it has zinc oxide. Most folks here will tell you avoid petroleum-based products as they can cause the seal material to break down. This stuff is basically diaper rash cream.

kelly82 wrote:So I've been on CPAP for about 2 months now and am pretty much used to everything and feeling great. But a weird thing happened starting a few weeks ago where the mask (I have a full face one) leaves really irritating red marks beside my nose. It started when I have a cold and now we're into allergy season, so I'm wondering if it somehow has something to do with my sinuses. I've ordered a cover from padacheek which has helped with leaks and is overall more comfortable but hasn't helped with these red marks. I even put medical tape down and it doesn't help. Has anyone else experienced this? The fact that it didn't happen for the first month or more makes me feel like it's not necessarily the mask I have. It takes almost all day for them to fade and makeup doesn't really work to cover it up. This is the only thing really irritating me at this point so I thought I'd see if anyone else has dealt with and found solutions for something similar.

A few patches of this stuff should do the trick; it's very thin tape and won't produce leaks:

http://www.nexcare.com/wps/portal/3M/en ... 563&rt=rud

Avoid bandaids because they just produce leaks. For the tape I recommended up above, if you feel you need some padding over the sore, take a small piece of two-ply bathroom tissue and separate one thin layer... next. put that on the tape where your sore will line up. That should provide a little buffer from the tape adhesive. You could even put some Neosporin on that tissue piece.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I have tried them both with mixed results. I think the tape helps when it's in place but it often gets shoved aside. The main problem is how tight my mask has to be to prevent leaks...I'm getting my tonsils out in June so hopefully that will help lower my pressure some. I'm wondering if I should just get a mask fitting to make sure I have the right size as now I'm getting major strap lines on my face. Arghhhh the therapy is working but sick of it messing my face up so badly. Thanks again!