Breaking out

Not sure if its coincidental or not, but around the same time I started using cpap, I have had more than usual amount of pimples on my face. I would occasionally get one, once in a while, but now I am getting 2-3 on my face at a time and more often. At first when it happened, it happened around the corners of my nose, so I blamed the ultra mirage II mask's nasal interface. Moisture and silicone combined for 6-7 hours a night, but I have been using the CL2 with nasal pillows for almost a month now and I can't see where that would cause it. It has increased too. The pillows touch my nose, but nothing else on the mask comes in contact with my face. I seem to get them on the right side of my face, on the cheek and still happening in the crease of my nose/cheek. The only thing that is different is that I am using Noxema and neutorgena salcylic acid acne wash, more frequently than I used to. I started using these products more frequently since I started cpap, to keep my face free of oils. Maybe its one of the two. I will start using Dove soap on my face like I use in the shower, but not sure if that's ok, b/c Dove is a moisurizing soap. I'm guessing it shouldn't matter, b/c there is nothing with my mask that touches my face, so I should be able to use it, right. Anyone else have ideas, that maybe something to do with cpap therapy is causing these breakouts? Could it be the increased moisture from the humidifier? I just don't see how with nasal pillows, the mask, I can maybe understand.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier, mirage, CPAP, Nasal Pillows

Sounds typical of the kind of thing my (non-cpap) wife goes through with her skin from allergies. Sometimes just slightly shifting the frequency of application will affect her. Other times she'll have a reaction to something that she's used for years without a problem.

Personally, I use good old Irish Spring (no oils) to wash off the base of my nose just before bedtime and am very careful not to apply anything else in that area until morning. So far it's working.

OCO

it may be an allergic reaction, if so masks made from different plastic are available
sexual lubricant on the mask may help this is preferred as it doesnt hurt the silicone rubber, make sure you get the plain ordinary lubricant

it may be an allergic reaction

The pillows touch my nose, but nothing else on the mask comes in contact with my face.

I would buy that theory, except no part of my mask comes in contact with my face. Thanks anyways.[/quote]

As a CL 2 user myself, I agree with you that the interface should not be causing problems such as skin eruptions. If they were only on your forehead, under the 'plate,' maybe the headgear could be blamed--but that is not the case.

My guess is that, as a relatively new user, you may be propping your head differently--maybe on a hand? ...which is usually responsible for those outbreaks?

I seriously doubt if your Dove or any other soap is going to have any significant effect on your mask/interface. Many contributors to this forum have said they have used all kinds of scented, moisturizing, antibacterial, and detergent soaps to clean their masks/interfaces with no adverse effects.

If none of the above seems to be the cause, my dermatologist gave me a scrip for a lovely topical that works like a dream and does not seem to have any adverse effects. PM me if you would like more info.

Best wishes to you.

My guess is that, as a relatively new user, you may be propping your head differently--maybe on a hand? ...which is usually responsible for those outbreaks?

THAT's IT!!! I sleep on my right side and sometimes to make my headgear/mask stay in place I'm pretty sure I'm propping my face with my hand. As a matter of fact I know I am, just didn't realize how long my hand was staying there. No wonder its only on one side of my face. Yet another "mistake" I have to train myself not to do while on cpap. Thank you!!

Tell them, what birdshell's won, Johnny!!!

birdshell wrote:My guess is that, as a relatively new user, you may be propping your head differently--maybe on a hand? ...which is usually responsible for those outbreaks?

birdshell wrote:THAT's IT!!! I sleep on my right side and sometimes to make my headgear/mask stay in place I'm pretty sure I'm propping my face with my hand. As a matter of fact I know I am, just didn't realize how long my hand was staying there. No wonder its only on one side of my face.

Wow, birdshell! What a super good call!! I'd never a'thunk of something like that. How cool.

Ok, I cut my right hand off last night, so I could clear up my face....

Seriously, I am hoping that it stayed off my face and that it will. We'll see if it makes a difference, I'm sure that's what was causing it. Instead I put my hand under my pillow to raise my head up.

yes I actually was thinking of doing the ol' michael jackson glove thing, wow great minds think alike.

Or even a cotton sock......(preferrably a clean one).

Den