Bridge of nose sore from full face mask.

I just completed a sleep study last night, and today I have a red sore bridge on my nose, I have to find a way to help this situation because I'm now stating to use a full face mask.
the mask is the ResMed Mirage Quattro, I have in the past been using Swift LT nasal mask.Any suggestions appreciated.
Ed

Why the study and why the switch?

Hi Ed.

Sounds like it was too tight. The full face mask needs to "float" on your face. I like most of the tension on the bottom straps and very little on the top ones. I like the forehead support adjusted all the way forward (away from the forehead) which allows for more cushion support/contact and flexibility.......and virtually no pressure on the bridge of the nose.

I'm sure you've read this before on the forum, but the "bed pillow" can become a crucial part of preventing mask leakage and being able to avoid cinching down the mask straps. Some "standard" fiberfill pillows allow the head to sink too far into the pillow and can push the mask out of alignment.

My brand of bed pillow is in my profile below.

In addition to the Quattro, you might also want to try the Ultra Mirage Full Face (my preference). Proper sizing and adjustments are very important.

Good luck old friend.


Den

.

You might also try a mask liner, like Pad a Cheek or Rem-zzz's.
Some have even made DIY liners from an old clean t shirt.

Take a look at "Taming the Mirage Quattro" in my blog below. The trick is to tighten the lower straps, but leave the upper straps as loose as possible and the mask dialed out away from the bridge of your nose (this \{ not this /{)

Is there a reason you are going from the Swift to a Quattro?

Thanks Wolfman, Den great hearing from you as usual your in the mix to help. Thank You also all the other replies, it what makes this site the greatest, I am giving the full face mask a good try being I have trouble keeping my mouth closed after falling asleep even with chin straps. I will keep posting results , Thanks again.
Ed

I've read recently that someone tried using a 'foam' surgical tape on the bridge of their nose due to soreness and it helped. When I first started cpap, I used the Quattro FFM and had some problems with the nose bridge for awhile. My forehead was usually sore since I was never able to get it to work right for me. A major problem I had with that mask was leaking, especially into my left eye. The Airfit F10 is working fairly well for me. I don't feel any leaks into my eyes since I use a cloth eye mask and no nose bridge soreness. Overall: This mask cushion has a very short life span. I need to change it out monthly. However, it is the best FFM that I've tried to date.

Having gone though pretty much the same issue, I can bet that you have the same issue that I had. When you were fitted for you mask, you probably had the same clown or his brother doing the fitting. They "gave" me a medium Mirage Quattro mask, when what I actually needed was a large. My nose got to the point that it would be bleeding when I would wake up in the morning. After downloading the sizing chart for the Quattro, I found the issue, bought the large mask, and now I do not have any issue with the excessive pressure on the nose. It is pretty much healed up now after one week of using the correct size mask. I don't know where you live. but if it is any where like Pensacola, Florida, then the Techs that do the fitting are totally incompetent as they are here. I have discovered very quickly that you have to be very proactive in your CPAP issues, if you want to continue using the therapy. I was at the point that it wasn't worth it to me. I was getting almost no sleep due to mask leaks waking me up, and waking up everyday with a bloody nose. Verify that you have the proper sized mask and that it is adjusted properly.

newjade wrote:Having gone though pretty much the same issue, I can bet that you have the same issue that I had. When you were fitted for you mask, you probably had the same clown or his brother doing the fitting. They "gave" me a medium Mirage Quattro mask, when what I actually needed was a large. My nose got to the point that it would be bleeding when I would wake up in the morning. After downloading the sizing chart for the Quattro, I found the issue, bought the large mask, and now I do not have any issue with the excessive pressure on the nose. It is pretty much healed up now after one week of using the correct size mask. I don't know where you live. but if it is any where like Pensacola, Florida, then the Techs that do the fitting are totally incompetent as they are here. I have discovered very quickly that you have to be very proactive in your CPAP issues, if you want to continue using the therapy. I was at the point that it wasn't worth it to me. I was getting almost no sleep due to mask leaks waking me up, and waking up everyday with a bloody nose. Verify that you have the proper sized mask and that it is adjusted properly.

"Hurricane" (Ed) has been a member of the forum since Oct. 2006. I believe he's going to continue to use this therapy.
But, your point is a valid one. The proper size mask and adjustments definitely make a difference.


Den

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All of the above suggestions are very good. I also used the Mirage Quattro for a while, and no matter what I did, I couldn't get it to stop hurting the bridge of my nose (although unlike yourself, I never had bleeding, but came pretty close). So I ended up trying other full face masks, and I found one that for me was totally comfortable (as much as a full face mask can be!), didn't hurt the bridge of my nose, and didn't leak. My point is that sometimes you just have to try different masks. I used our host's website reviews as a good starting place. Specifically I looked for reviews that commented on how that particular mask didn't hurt the bridge of their nose - there are some mask reviews where that is a recurring comment. Of course, for that particular mask it may not apply to you, but you've got to start somewhere. Also consider the return insurance. I realize this will cost you some money if your insurance or DME doesn't cover it, but in my opinion finding a comfortable leak-free mask is worth it. With a good mask, cpap therapy is pretty easy. Good luck.

You might want to look at the simplus. People who use it say it's easy on the nose.

Thank you all for the suggestions you offered for cpap sore nose issue. This week was my fourth sleep study at my hospital sleep study lab, in six or so days my Dr will get the results and then determine what kind of machine would be beneficial for me, my present machine is about eight years old, served me well but i felt time for new one, Dr said insurance required new study, which makes sense to me.In all the time I have been on cpap I have been one hundred percent compliant, being I'm aware of the alternative.I haven't been on the forum for awhile, but now that i'm back on, it feels good to know so many still want to share their ideas, problem solving, or keep others motivated with their progress. My cardiologist has told me if it weren't for this treatment of apnea, I probably would not be here today. Know what I do prefer living on this side of the grass, so I will keep on Cpaping
Again thanks to all you kind folks for your input, I value it, I will keep you posted as to what kind of machine i'll be needing when the study results are complete.
Ed