Sore cheeks from my nasal mask

I just started CPAP 2 nights ago and my cheeks are getting very sore. Could it be that may mask is not the right size? I have the N20 and am using the smallest mask in the kit that came with my machine.

My skin is not irritated the soreness is in the tissue/bone.

Ddnorton, congratulations on starting treatment for your apnea! I don’t use your kind of mask so can’t speak from experience, but there’s some sizing information in this video:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3SM_HuhqeCk

Of course, try adjusting the straps, both tightening and loosening.

If in the end you feel you need to try a different mask, you will join quite a crowd. Many people find that it can take several tries before they find the one that’s just right for them.

If the time comes when you want to try something else, keep the ResMed Airfit P10 in mind. It’s a nasal pillow mask and very minimalist. If you ever think of getting one, let us know so we can give you a few tips.

If you need to tighten so much it hurts then you're defeating the therapy - the silicone needs to inflate. Either adjust the straps, try another size, or another mask. Once you have it looser though, also try Padacheek.com liners - they help with leaks and strap marks (which you may still get even when looser).

Ddnorton wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 29, 2019 5:17 pm

I just started CPAP 2 nights ago and my cheeks are getting very sore. Could it be that may mask is not the right size? I have the N20 and am using the smallest mask in the kit that came with my machine.

My skin is not irritated the soreness is in the tissue/bone.

Hi,

I use the N-20. Make sure you can get your fingers under the straps so that it is loose enough to inflate. Sometimes I pull it away from my nose a little bit while its running then let it settle down. That way it is inflated correctly. Another thing I noticed is my face gets oily where the mask sits and then it starts to slide around a little bit. I wipe my face with a stridex pad and let it dry before heading to bed to remove any face oils and improve the seal.

Ddnorton wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 29, 2019 5:17 pm

I just started CPAP 2 nights ago and my cheeks are getting very sore. Could it be that may mask is not the right size? I have the N20 and am using the smallest mask in the kit that came with my machine.

My skin is not irritated the soreness is in the tissue/bone.

It can happen for the first little while and to some extent, can depend on your sleep position. Some people get padding or mask liners (one supplier popular here is pad-a-cheek). Or you can play with the straps to get a different fit so the mask lands on a different place.

I shortened the top (over the head) strap with a foldback clip to get the bottom of the mask off my teeth. So a couple of options for you. PS I use the P10 also and it makes the bottom of my nose sore for the first few days.

Thank you for the great insights.

I loosened the straps more and it does seem improved, but still a little sore this morning. I will check in with my provider on Monday and see if a different mask is warranted.