Skin issues.

JTBark · Post by **JTBark** » Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:12 pm

I was diagnosed about 5 years ago and have been using a full face F20 mask throughout. The skin next to my nose started getting a few years ago. I asked a dermatologist I as seeing for a different issue what I should do and he advised CeraVe, which I think is a standard reply to everything from warts to bullet wounds. It has recently gotten worse to the point that the skin is red and flaking just below my eyes. I wash my mask daily with Johnson's Baby Shampoo and have been trying to follow up with mask wipes. I've tried various skin creams ans Vaseline. Very little progress.
I'm wondering what others are experiencing in this area. Latex reaction?

I should point out that I am a terrible "patient". I have a hard time with home treatments. I'm surprised I've used my CPAP as religiously as I do. I'm planning a return to my dermo but have a different issue (surgery) coming up and find it hard to multi-focus (just made that word up).

I'm very happy to find this forum and I thank you for letting me join.

LSAT · Post by **LSAT** » Sun Mar 26, 2023 1:16 pm

Try a mask liner/cushion. Some are available on Amazon. Better ones at padacheek.com

robysue1 · Post by **robysue1** » Sun Mar 26, 2023 4:51 pm

JTBark wrote: ↑
Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:12 pm
I asked a dermatologist I as seeing for a different issue what I should do and he advised CeraVe, which I think is a standard reply to everything from warts to bullet wounds.

Have you tried the CeraVe? If so, what happened? If not, why not?

It has recently gotten worse to the point that the skin is red and flaking just below my eyes. I wash my mask daily with Johnson's Baby Shampoo and have been trying to follow up with mask wipes.

Any chance you are allergic to the Johnson's Baby Shampoo? Any chance you are allergic to something in the mask wipes?

I've tried various skin creams ans Vaseline. Very little progress.

Which skin creams?

I'm wondering what others are experiencing in this area.

Facial skin irritation is not uncommon with CPAP. Most people can alleviate the situation with some combination of mask liners, skin care routine (including doing less washing of the face and/or mask), and judicious use of an appropriate skin care cream. Lanisoh, which is a lanolin cream sold to breastfeeding mothers to soothe sore, dried out nipples, is frequently recommended for CPAP-related skin problems. If you haven't tried that, it might be worth a go.

Latex reaction?

Most likely NOT. There is no latex in most modern masks and silicone allergies are exceptionally rare.

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Sun Mar 26, 2023 10:40 pm

I only use water on my face--and I never wash my nasal pillows.
I have no faith in "stuff".
Too much is engineered to keep us coming back for more.
Sneaky, they are.

Conrad · Post by **Conrad** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 5:52 am

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑
Sun Mar 26, 2023 10:40 pm
I only use water on my face--and I never wash my nasal pillows.
I have no faith in "stuff".
Too much is engineered to keep us coming back for more.
Sneaky, they are.

Washing your nasal pillows would keep you coming back for more? More what? Soap?

Conrad · Post by **Conrad** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 5:54 am

JTBark wrote: ↑
Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:12 pm
I was diagnosed about 5 years ago and have been using a full face F20 mask throughout. The skin next to my nose started getting a few years ago. I asked a dermatologist I as seeing for a different issue what I should do and he advised CeraVe, which I think is a standard reply to everything from warts to bullet wounds. It has recently gotten worse to the point that the skin is red and flaking just below my eyes. I wash my mask daily with Johnson's Baby Shampoo and have been trying to follow up with mask wipes. I've tried various skin creams ans Vaseline. Very little progress.
I'm wondering what others are experiencing in this area. Latex reaction?

I should point out that I am a terrible "patient". I have a hard time with home treatments. I'm surprised I've used my CPAP as religiously as I do. I'm planning a return to my dermo but have a different issue (surgery) coming up and find it hard to multi-focus (just made that word up).

I'm very happy to find this forum and I thank you for letting me join.

Any chance that the cpap wipes are causing your issue? I also use wipes daily but after wiping, I rinse off the residue.

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 10:10 am

@Conrad:
Washing stuff that doesn't need it WEARS IT OUT FASTER;
And cleaning products almost always leave unknown crud after use.
That crud can irritate, clog pores, and cause allergic reactions.
It is DESIGNED to do that.

lazarus · Post by **lazarus** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 11:33 am

For the parts of the mask that touch my face, I choose only to use what I would use directly on my face and would not mind leaving on my face all night.

For example, I do not use shampoo or mask wipes to clean my face and would not want them against my skin for eight hours, so I choose not to use them on the parts of my mask that are against my face all night either.

Hey, just me.

Mask tightness can also be an issue. Most modern masks are designed to sit very gently and loosely on the face so that they can inflate with pressure to create a seal.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 7:29 pm

lazarus wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 27, 2023 11:33 am
For the parts of the mask that touch my face, I choose only to use what I would use directly on my face and would not mind leaving on my face all night.

Good thinking.
Never thought of formulating it like that, but that's probably why I've been happily using baby wipes for many years. For sensitive skin, non-prefumed - and even use them to wipe the area of my face that the mask touches.

JTBark · Post by **JTBark** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 8:04 pm

Well thanks to you all for the replies. To be honest I'm a bit confused. You all don't agree with each other and I'm left wondering where to turn. I think I will replace the mask and add some liners.

Appreciate all the input.

lazarus · Post by **lazarus** » Tue Mar 28, 2023 5:51 am

Some of us have very sensitive skin and allergic issues, some of us don't. So it isn't always a matter of simple consensus. Hopefully the variety of experiences gives ideas for approaches to try on your way to your personal success for your skin type. I have no doubt you'll be successful!

Personally, I consider today's microfiber technology to be an absolute game-changer for modern cleaning, especially in the hospital-room setting, since, for example, it allows for effective removal of most bacteria without the overuse of chemicals.--https://www.explainthatstuff.com/microfibercloths.html

Conrad · Post by **Conrad** » Tue Mar 28, 2023 7:01 am

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 27, 2023 10:10 am
@Conrad:
Washing stuff that doesn't need it WEARS IT OUT FASTER;
And cleaning products almost always leave unknown crud after use.
That crud can irritate, clog pores, and cause allergic reactions.
It is DESIGNED to do that.

So, I'm going to wear out my nasal pillows by cleaning it? What exactly will wear out? How many years will it take me to wear out a nasal pillow by cleaning it? Your logic escapes me...

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Tue Mar 28, 2023 10:34 am

When starting CPAP, I washed my silicone parts every day,
and they quickly became floppy, and would not hold their shape.
On vacation, I used baby wipes, and my cushions stayed in shape twice as long.
It stands to reason the washing directions were INTENDED to shorten life.
But you go ahead and do what you are told.

SummerTime · Post by **SummerTime** » Tue Mar 28, 2023 11:55 am

.

I have two cushions that I rotate. Wear one, while the other is drying from washing the day before. Next night I use the fresh one and wash the other. I have been rotating the two for 18 months and my ahi is seldom over 1.1. and no skin issues.

Conrad · Post by **Conrad** » Wed Mar 29, 2023 6:29 am

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 28, 2023 10:34 am
When starting CPAP, I washed my silicone parts every day,
and they quickly became floppy, and would not hold their shape.
On vacation, I used baby wipes, and my cushions stayed in shape twice as long.
It stands to reason the washing directions were INTENDED to shorten life.
But you go ahead and do what you are told.

I have a bit of common sense, maybe more than most, in my humble opinion. No one is telling me how to clean my equipment. I've read/listened to suggestions and recommendations; I then take this into consideration and make my own decisions.

Cleaning my nasal pillows with a mild cpap wipe and clear water is going to wear it out? Please tell me what EXACTLY is going to wear out. It's a freakin cpap wipe not a piece of 60 grit sandpaper.

"It stands to reason the washing directions were INTENDED to shorten life."

No, it does not stand to reason that cleaning your equipment is intended to shorten its life and force you to buy more. Cleaning your equipment is intended to clean your equipment and help to keep you healthy.

I've been doing things the same way for over 12 years, and I have yet to wear anything out.

I like to live dangerously, and I even soak my hoses and the tank once a week in a white vinegar solution. Can you imagine?

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