Straps Leaving Marks on face

Graybot79 · Post by **Graybot79** » Thu Dec 29, 2016 7:40 am

Hello all

A quick summary:

Began using CPAP in mid October after being diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. I am a 37 year old male and Irish. So perhaps therapy and methods may be a little different to America.

Using the Philips Dreamstation and they started off with variable pressure

Following their readings after a month of use they choose to up the pressure permanently to 18, which caused my mask to leak quite a lot.

This was the mask

https://cpapvictoria.com.au/media/catal ... 090623.jpg

About 10 days ago they changed the mask to something similar to this

http://www.thecpapshop.com/media/catalo ... nected.jpg

I much prefer it, but still getting leaks. So I'm tightening it a lot which seems to be working. But it is leaving me with strap marks which last a few hours into my day. Which can be a bit embarrassing when I go to work. I have tried using sticky tape and cotton wool on the straps, but when adjusting the straps it becomes quite awkward.

Any advice appreciated

LSAT · Post by **LSAT** » Thu Dec 29, 2016 8:27 am

Strap covers from http://www.padacheek.com

OkyDoky · Post by **OkyDoky** » Thu Dec 29, 2016 10:28 am

Sometimes even with the P10 and PadaCheek pads, I get strap marks on the side that I sleep on. If I have somewhere to go I use a warm wash cloth and then massage lotion or face cream on the marks. That seems to make them disappear quicker.

Wulfman... · Post by **Wulfman...** » Thu Dec 29, 2016 2:36 pm

Graybot79 wrote:Hello all

A quick summary:

Began using CPAP in mid October after being diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. I am a 37 year old male and Irish. So perhaps therapy and methods may be a little different to America.

Using the Philips Dreamstation and they started off with variable pressure

Following their readings after a month of use they choose to up the pressure permanently to 18, which caused my mask to leak quite a lot.

This was the mask

https://cpapvictoria.com.au/media/catal ... 090623.jpg

About 10 days ago they changed the mask to something similar to this

http://www.thecpapshop.com/media/catalo ... nected.jpg

I much prefer it, but still getting leaks. So I'm tightening it a lot which seems to be working. But it is leaving me with strap marks which last a few hours into my day. Which can be a bit embarrassing when I go to work. I have tried using sticky tape and cotton wool on the straps, but when adjusting the straps it becomes quite awkward.

Any advice appreciated

The mask they switched you to (ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face) is the one I've been using since I started therapy (May 2005).
In what position do you sleep? If you're a side-sleeper (like me), the problem may be your bed pillow if you head is sinking too deeply into it.......it can push your mask out of alignment. You may need to investigate a firmer pillow.
Proper sizing is another issue with full face masks. They need to fit. I can use either the Medium or Large, but the Large feels a bit better.
Proper adjustment is another important point. Too tight can cause leaks or too loose can do the same.
I also wear mine fairly loose. The cushion/seal needs to expand to seal the air in.
Any facial hair? That can be a problem for some.
Shortly after I started therapy, my wife made me some strap covers out of some fleece material, which helps lessen the strap marks.

Den

.

ChicagoGranny · Post by **ChicagoGranny** » Thu Dec 29, 2016 2:57 pm

Graybot79 wrote:I much prefer it, but still getting leaks. So I'm tightening it a lot which seems to be working. But it is leaving me with strap marks which last a few hours into my day.

You are probably overtightening the mask. Some basic tips:

To reduce unintentional mask leak -

- Make sure the mask is fitted properly. (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- Make sure the headgear is adjusted properly (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- If you use a low ramp pressure or a low minimum pressure, you should fit and adjust your mask at the higher pressures it is operating at for most of the night. You would temporarily change the machine pressure settings while you do the fitting and adjusting. It's best to do this well before bedtime before you are tired and ready for sleep. Don't forget to change your settings back to the ones you prefer.

- Make sure to use good hose management - the hose should not pull on the mask. Notice how your hose is positioned between machine and mask. It should be positioned to minimize any pull on the mask. Hose management is an individual practice. How it is done depends on the mask, the position of the machine, your sleeping position and other factors specific to the individual.

- If you still have problems, learn from the forum what mask liners are available.

- If your mask still has excessive leak, try other masks. Many people report trying several masks before they find one that works well for them.

Note: Links to just some of the mask manufacturers' instructional videos can be found on the forum host's website - https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks.php and https://www.youtube.com/

- CG

Straps Leaving Marks on face

Straps Leaving Marks on face

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