Cold Sore and CPAP Mask

I think I have a cold sore just under my nose (never even had one of those before, so I'm not completely sure). My mask rests right on it, so needless to say, it is very painful to take off my mask in the mornings. Has anyone else gone through this? Any ideas? Thanks!

I have had those and you're right! They are very painful. The most relief I could find, if I wasn't able to use a different mask, was to cover the sore area with a piece of tape just before putting the mask on. You will need to use a piece large enough that it will not roll up under the edge of the mask. You don't say which mask you're using or at what pressure, but if you *can* try another mask that doesn't touch the sore area. A full face comes to mind. Hoping you find relief. jim

PaulNMD wrote:I think I have a cold sore just under my nose (never even had one of those before, so I'm not completely sure). My mask rests right on it, so needless to say, it is very painful to take off my mask in the mornings. Has anyone else gone through this? Any ideas? Thanks!

man does that sound familiar! welcome Paul.does that md stands for Maryland ? i grew up in washington co. and still hunt there several times a year. i am only a newbie here. check out the yellow light bulb @ top of forum, there is a wealth of info here that will help-you are not alone in this. hang in there brother & read up!

I would encourage you to join our forum, fill out your profile so we can see what equipment you use -- there is a lot of knowledge on this site for any questions or problems you may have.

More likely a pressure sore; when you take off the mask the blood starts flowing again and it hurts! Is your mask on too tight???
I use bandaid blister strips at night on those areas. If it is not an open you can put a strip on and leave it on a few days. If it is open you have some other options. One is to use neosporin during the day and a blister strip only at night (see removal below). Use some moleskin on the mask (not on your face). Use a different mask.
If the area was open don't put a strip on and forget it-infection can occur under the strip-remove it daily. Even if there was not an open area remove the strip in the shower. To remove a blister strip. Stand in the shower with the water directed at your face, later up your hands with soap, work some soapy water gently under the edges of the strip, let the soap and water loosen it a bit. Just keep rolling the edges-let it soften-loosen more of the edge-let it soften. Let the soap & water do the work and don't rush or you can tear off freshly healed skin.
The other thing that can occur is shearing between the layer of your skin. Shearing is caused by the outer layer of skin sticking to the mask then beeing pulled again the lower more fixed layers of tissue. The effect is the same as pressure, a sore.
Your skin will toughen up; make sure your mask is not adjusted too tightly.

Thanks everyone for your your input. Actually, what I did was to conciously make an effort to put my mask on a bit lower (closer to my lip) to allow the sore to heal. Of course, it's not completely healed today, but it is much better. So, maybe it is pressure (but I don't think the mask is too tight) or a cold sore that finally has had a chance to do some healing.

Deerslayer: yes, MD does stand for Maryland, Washington County, as a matter of fact. I've lived here for four years and have bagged a deer every year. Unfortunately, it's been with my car.

Sleepycarol: I took your advice and joined the forum.

I've been using my machine for a little over two years now and this is the first hint of a problem I've had. I've heard horror stories about how much trouble some people have had adapting. Not me! My doctor said give it a fair chance, maybe a half hour the first night and gradually increase it. OK, so the first night, I feel myself toss and turn a while then fall asleep. I woke up a bit later and thought "I've given this a good shot for tonight. I'll take it off now and try again tomorrow." After I did that, I looked over at my alarm clock and saw that it was only a half-hour before I was supposed to get up! I had slept with it nearly the whole night. The second night, I did sleep the whole night through. I took to it like a fish takes to water and I doubt that I'm the only one! So, if you hear of anyone who has reservations about being able to adapt, tell them my story!

Welcome to the forum -- we are glad you joined!!!

Even if you are not having problems stop by and visit. You will be able to help those that are struggling with their treatment and know that there is a light at the end of a very long night for some of them.

Again WELCOME!!