severe dry skin

I'm 3 weeks+ into APAP - or would be if my skin could hold up to mouth taping - right now I've had to go 2 nights in a row with NO APAP, as forehead is SO sore from headpiece on 2 masks, bridge of nose got slightly infected from pushing wearing a mask too far - and skin all around mouth up to nose and to middle of chin and both sides of mouth is literally falling off from taping.

I do all I can to heal these areas during daytime - spot above lip/under nose was even infected yesterday from Activa nasal mask cutting into skin under nose. When I have these areas completely healed, I will go back to
nasal mask.

Have not been able to APAP for 2 nights as skin is in too bad of shape to mouth tape and cannot do nasal pillows without mask taping. Again, I do everything I can during day to heal these areas and from years of exceedingly dry skin, probably am doing all that can be done in daytime.

Is there anything I can different with mouth taping - I can't think of anything??????????? HELP

I have already ordered the kit to do impressions of upper and lower to have the Heavy Snorer Tongue Stay in Place thing made, but that will take at least 2 weeks I am sure.

I'll take any advice I can.

For those who are skeptical about Vaseline there is Unpetroleum Jelly, available on line or at health food store. I am allergic to petroleum products so don't touch Vaseline - I am going to try the jelly tonight with nasal pillows and see if I can get a better seal through the night than usual.

Again, any other ways to keep lips sealed during sleep????

Frustrated in Wyoming

Also, I remove the tape very carefully with water so as to not get "tape burn", but still skin is falling off - I plaster the best moisturizing (not oily but moisturizing) ingredients on during the day but it's just not enough - Emu oil does not absorb well into my skin, but virgin coconut oil is good...

I have a Mirage II ff mask, but it is what started the bruising on forehead and sore across bridge of nose. Also, I could not get the ffmask to quit leaking without getting it so tight it hurts - then where the mask fits between chin and lower lip pushed my chin back (see NightHawk's remark on this same issue), which I believe made the apnea worse.

I now have 4 different masks and not enough $$ to try others yet

Since mouth breathing is SUCH AN ISSUE FOR SO MANY PEOPLE ON CPAP, anything anyone is doing that works - I am interested in. I see why companies cannot make something like a rubber dam (earlier today I took 4 sheet of laminate and made a piece shaped like an "orange wedge peel", but once I relax and my tongue moves from the mouth sealing position, the pressure from my throat blew it out enough it wouldn't work - plus 4 pieces of laminate sheets (clear plastic) is pretty rough on mouth.

HELP!!!

Mole skin can tame the FF Mask, it's your best bet. the F & P 431 is a fair FF Mask, It beats the ConfortFull FF mask. Jim

Ellen--

I also have severely dry skin and did not dare to wash my face at night for fear of washing off the teensy, eensy bit of natural emollient or moisturizer left from daytime. Several nites ago after feeling the pain of taut skin, i gave that up. Here's what i figured out: those directions are not meant for us. I started washing my face at nite with olive oil soap (Kiss My Face, but there are others) and i put on moisturizer at nite. but here's the key: i wait 20 minutes or so to let it soak in and then i put on the mask. result? skin like a normal person, none on the mask, and the mask seals better. the directions not to use moisturizer are meant for people whose skin is normal, so the stuff sits on top of it. my skin drinks it.

on the mask--your top straps are too tight. now, try playing with the positioning of the 4-notch gizmo inbetween the forehead and nose pieces.
all the way forward will give you a tighter seal both at the top and the bottom, so those top straps may not have to be so tight. or maybe you want to straighten up one notch. all the way straight gives you the loosest seal, and for people with big, long faces, it's the only option. i have a short face so i can use any notch-i prefer one less than the most forward or "bent." but the tighter your straps, the more you can leak, believe it or not.

good luck!

caroline

ellen--

one more thing. on mouth-breathing, you have to know why you're mouth-breathing. mouth-breathing because you can't/don't close your mouth is one thing, but stuffed up nose is different. remedies are also different.

caroline

These are things I would try if you haven't already:
1) Where do you get your masks?? If it is from a local DME provider take them all back and have their respiratory therapist work with you on getting at least one to fit well. If it is over the internet pay a resp therapist for a consultation to get one working. Get an RT with CPAP experience. Take the masks with you to MD appts. Not that the doc will be able to fit them but there may be someone in the office/sleep center who can.
2) Try Nexcare cream. If there is infection in the skin get an antibiotic cream or ointment (ointments are usually petrolatum based.)
3) if your skin is in tatters but not infected you could try the gel type blister bandaids-DO NOT REMOVE DAILY-and you skin will heal under the blister bandaid
4) Try a sturdy chin strap that gives a vertical force (and the only use for the strap to the back of the head is to keep the chinstrap in place). You want to keep your mouth closed without pulling your lower jaw back. Some people use the leg of panty hose.

I now use a "Gentle Paper" tape by 3M. a NEXCARE product., you cannot reuse it very much but it 's pain free peel off, I found 2inch width in Fla., but cannot find it at home. I usually put a small , narrow piece of reg. paper tape where my lips sit. it is of course breathable, so sometimes I stick a different type of tape over the mouth section. sometimes I use a headband, with added elastic back strap to stop it slipping forward. Sorry to hear of your mask trouble and pain, I have 5 masks in less than a year, 2 of which are ok- both nasal, nothing else seems to fit! Good luck .
I would like to know what type of tape others use, think I'll start a new thread, if it hasn't been covered before.

Thank you all for such helpful advice. Caroline, you and I have the same type skin so you really know what I mean when I say "my skin is falling off".

I have found I am not a mouth breather by nature (unless I have a cold and am congested), but once I fall asleep and lower jaw relaxes, the pressure coming down my throat "blows" my lips open. I have found a tape that is 3M Absolute Waterproof tape - it is 1" and a flexible foam - this is working better than other tapes I've tried so far.

Also, thanks to who suggested the gel type bandages for infected areas. That is a GREAT idea for the bridge of my nose and the sore I got above upper lip.

Have used moleskin on "forehead piece" but how do I use it elsewhere - if I have to put the adhesive side to my skin then I will have "adhesive burn"
all over face -

Again, thank you for all the advice - will put it to good use.

Ellen