CPAPtalk.com

Hello!

I'm two weeks into my therapy and I'm still adjusting and working through the normal challenges like falling asleep, getting into a comfortable sleeping position, adjusting the mask so it's not too tight.

My main issue is my sensitive skin. It's always been kind of sensitive to products, so I shy away from anything with fragrances etc., but it's also sensitive to anything touching/rubbing against it.

I started with a F&P Viteria full-face mask, making sure I cleaned my face and the silicone so they were free of oils. By morning, my face still felt oily and uncomfortable, tacky-like. I started using RemZzzs liners. They helped but the extra fabric is a bit annoying and somehow the liner shifts while I'm sleeping. I'm attributing this to the learning curve of how I tighten the mask. I'm wondering if a liner like Snugz would be a better solution. Any suggestions regarding alternatives to RemZzzs would be appreciated.

Next I tried the ResMed N30i...I like the streamlined fit, but I wasn't a fan of the silicone cradling the underside of my nose.

I switched to the P30i pillows, not bad but my nose is tender. I know this is to be expected but I'd like to be proactive and hopefully reduce my discomfort. Upon my research here I bought some Lansinoh, I also have some Ayr and Cpap Chap. What I'm trying to put together is a routine to "toughen" my nose and I can't figure out the best way to do this. Should I try massaging my nose and surrounding area with Lansinoh during the day or use one of the other products? Should I use a little Cpap Chap before I place my pillows? I also bought some gentle paper first aid tape, I'm wondering this can be used as a protective barrier?

I'm thinking of perhaps rotating masks. So if my nose gets too tender, which to the full face mask for a few days. Or would that impede progress in getting used to the pillows.

Sorry for the length of my first post but I wanted to give as much detail as possible.

Hi - hard for us to answer whether or not you could get used to rotating masks... it's the kind of thing I think you need to try for yourself if you think it would help. Have you talked to a dermatologist?

A down side to the RemZZZ liners is there is no way to anchor them to keep them from sliding around.

Look at this product
https://www.padacheek.com/product-page/ ... llows-only

and if you go to the full face mask liners she might have one to fit your full face mask.

But to answer your question...if you rotate masks it will prolong the adjustment of your nostril area to the nasal pillow mask.
Though if you are having anything more than very minor tenderness with the nasal pillows then there is something wrong either with fitting or sizing. Nasal pillows when properly fitted and sized should not cause anything other than very minor tenderness and that should go away within a week or so. The most common error people make with nasal pillow masks is they make it just too tight.

Julie wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 22, 2020 8:15 am

Hi - hard for us to answer whether or not you could get used to rotating masks... it's the kind of thing I think you need to try for yourself if you think it would help. Have you talked to a dermatologist?

Not yet about CPAP therapy I wanted to get some suggestions on whether there was anything I can do now or what experiences/suggestions the vets here may have. They are already aware of my itchy, sensitive skin in general and the guideline is to use the laundry list of products that contain fewer ingredients and no fragrances. If I find there is a persistent problem I will reach out to them. Thanks.

Pugsy wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 22, 2020 8:34 am

A down side to the RemZZZ liners is there is no way to anchor them to keep them from sliding around.

Look at this product
https://www.padacheek.com/product-page/ ... llows-only

and if you go to the full face mask liners she might have one to fit your full face mask.

But to answer your question...if you rotate masks it will prolong the adjustment of your nostril area to the nasal pillow mask.
Though if you are having anything more than very minor tenderness with the nasal pillows then there is something wrong either with fitting or sizing. Nasal pillows when properly fitted and sized should not cause anything other than very minor tenderness and that should go away within a week or so. The most common error people make with nasal pillow masks is they make it just too tight.

Thanks so much. I figured I should probably just stick it out with the pillows and not switch it up, see what happens allowing time for my skin to get used to them. So far it's just minor tenderness, which is good. I found a previous post by you that mentioned how the pillows should rest outside of the nose, allowing room for the silicone to expand, so last night I adjusted my headgear and pillows to the point it felt like it would come almost flying off as the pressure got higher, it just didn't feel as secure as I thought it should it stayed secure and I don't think I had major leakage. I'm not ready to advance to OSCAR to get the better details about that information just yet.

Awesome on the Padacheek link. I think I will try it out.

I'm kind of using Lansinoh on my nose throughout the day, kind of like nursing moms prepping for breastfeeding. Tonight I'll make sure my face is clean and use a little Cpap Chap before I go to bed. Unless that sounds like a bad idea (if you don't mind letting me know). I'll proceed.

I appreciate your input (and everyone else's here). I'm determined to make CPAP therapy successful.

I am not familiar with cpap chap but I have used the Lansinoh early in my cpap therapy.
I usually tell people to use Lansinoh liberally during the day and sparingly at night because one time I used a lot at night and when the body warms it up it emulsifies and I woke up in the middle of the night with the nasal pillow in my ear. I little too much sliding around. Whatever feels good to you will be fine.

Pugsy wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 22, 2020 9:12 am

I am not familiar with cpap chap but I have used the Lansinoh early in my cpap therapy.
I usually tell people to use Lansinoh liberally during the day and sparingly at night because one time I used a lot at night and when the body warms it up it emulsifies and I woke up in the middle of the night with the nasal pillow in my ear. I little too much sliding around. Whatever feels good to you will be fine.

ROTFL!!! It's a pretty rich cream, I can totally see that.

Thanks....I'll stay lurking until I need help with OSCAR in a few months. I'll do my research first. There is so much already here that I don't think I'll have too many question.

As Julie said, no one can really answer your question about your comfort level switching masks periodically - although I have been lately. I am going between Respironics Dream Wisp - a pillow over the nose like a clown nose - and Resmed AirFit N30i - under the nose pillow. Neither is perfect, when I get mad at one of them I switch Both have their pros and cons.

Since you are considering a Full Face Mask, there is one that has memory foam against your skin rather than silicone. I found it to be very comfortable. It’s called “Air Touch.” I used it for almost a year but then after expressing my frustration in general with using CPAP, and looking at my cumulative results, my sleep doc suggested trying a nasal mask. Even though I am (or thought I was) a mouth breather, I have no problem with the nasal masks.

Two more suggestions:
Milk of magnesia, applied to delicate skin and allowed to dry, before wiping off excess.
Sleepweaver CLOTH masks--several styles, including a full face mask.

Chris8243 wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 23, 2020 11:55 am

As Julie said, no one can really answer your question about your comfort level switching masks periodically - although I have been lately. I am going between Respironics Dream Wisp - a pillow over the nose like a clown nose - and Resmed AirFit N30i - under the nose pillow. Neither is perfect, when I get mad at one of them I switch Both have their pros and cons.

Since you are considering a Full Face Mask, there is one that has memory foam against your skin rather than silicone. I found it to be very comfortable. It’s called “Air Touch.” I used it for almost a year but then after expressing my frustration in general with using CPAP, and looking at my cumulative results, my sleep doc suggested trying a nasal mask. Even though I am (or thought I was) a mouth breather, I have no problem with the nasal masks.

I figured switching masks was a “your mileage may vary” kind of thing so getting an idea of if users do that regularly also what I was looking for, knowing you do this is very helpful.

Thanks so much for the product ideas too. I’m gonna try the Milk of Magnesia for sure and the Airfit mask. I think a full mask would work better should I catch a cold.