Sore Spot on Nose Bridge - Need solution.

Greetings from a newbie.

Machine: Respironics BiPap Auto with heated humidifier and have been using it for a week (CPAP and I could not get a long, so now have BiPap).
Setting is 14/8.

Mask: RESMED Ultra Mirage full face mask, medium standard cushion. Has nose bridge adjustment.
I cannot use just a nasal mask (mouth breather) and cannot use a full mask that goes down below the chin (have high bridge on my nose).

I have been using this for a little over a week, and am developing a sore on the bridge of my nose. I have tried moleskin, but the mask leaks. I tried cotton last night and again, ripped it off at 4am because of the leaks.

I have adjusted the nose bridge peice, but have to tighten the mask so much it is way uncomfortable and makes marks on my forehead.

Obviously, I cannot go to corporate meetings (work for Fortune 500 company) or client meetings with a huge red sore spot on my nose (that looks like it is becoming an open sore).

I would like to ask for advice/experience on what other people have used to prevent this condition and also to cure it once it happens.

Thanks in advance.

Gansmanms,

Since that's the mask that I use, my guess would be that you need a larger size and it may be being worn too tight and too low. That mask should NOT be creating sores like that if it's fitted and worn properly. Those masks get a little leaky at higher pressures, but the pressures you're using should be no problem. The "seal" needs to expand to seal the mask to the face.....and if it's TOO tight, it won't expand properly and will leak worse making all sorts of weird sounds and create sores on the wearer.

Most users of that mask report the best results by having the forehead piece in its full vertical position and the top straps quite loose....the forehead piece should just barely touch the forehead. Most of the tension being made with the lower straps.

Best wishes,

Den

Gansmanms wrote:
I would like to ask for advice/experience on what other people have used to prevent this condition and also to cure it once it happens.

Aquaphor to heal it, and Nexcare Gentle paper tape on bridge of nose to prevent it.

ok, I have had the same problem with EVERY mask I have tried
ultra mirage full face mas, fp 431 full face mask, the nasal masks, etc and I don't get an open sore as I use blister band aids, but I do get the redness, severely, dr said it is actually a bone bruise, and from all the sizes and masks I have tried, I know it is not because I need a different size so hang in there

I found something that FINALLY WORKS - and I have tried everything

the scuba mask glue - that doesn't ruin silicone

got it from 123scuba.com it's called marine sports mask seal
they look like they come in chapstick, that is the size, but it looks like stick blue, but it doesn't smell at all, which is a huge plus - it's like 4.95 so I got 2 so I wouldn't pay more for the shipping than the product and I am swearing by it - I put some on my resmed ultra mirage full face mask and for the FIRST time trying to make this mask work, it finally did - it is sticky enough to keep it from blowing air into my eyes AND I don't have to cinch the head gear so tight that I get the red bone bruise (been using concealer to cover it up at work - ugh - but if your a guy, see how that would be weird)
so I have used it with the scuba glue for 3 nights and NO redness at all - I was the mask every day and the sticky stuff is still there, so I use less of it each night and it really, really works, like I am so happy can't believe it
so I can attest that iw works well for that awful redness and pain
good luck

I forgot to give a shout out to krousseau - who let me know where she got hers

I also keep mine in the fridge but live in the northwest so melting isn't a big issue
but man it works
thanks krousseau

The UMFF mask is my favorite for the way it fits and feels, but it gives me a sore spot on my nose also. I occasionally use a F&P 431 as an alternate plus I use a small bandage over the red spot to help cushion the area. I cut off all but a small area of adhesive on both sides so it doesn't extend out of the mask and cause a leak. Have just ordered the marine mask seal and will be giving it a try. Whatever it takes!

.

I only had my CPAP for five days and I developed an open sore on my forehead. Temporarily I used moleskin with a hole cut out for the sore, then a large band aid with neosporin, then a piece of soft foam also with a hole cut in it and then a piece of stiff plastic taped over the hole. This rube goldberg device prevented the mask head pad from touching the sore. I then ordered some new masks. The Fisher Paykel HC405 has two head pads so it straddles the sore spot. I guess I did not get a sore spot on the bridge of my nose because I wear glasses with a U-shaped nose pad and my nose must have developed a tolerance.

For marks on the forehead or strap marks, pm padacheek. She will work with you to make you a pad that keeps the pressure from causing sores. She is wonderful to work with. Just tell her your problem area and she will make you a cover or pad.

Brenda