Mask Marks! New mask needed?

Hello,

I'm relatively new to CPAP therapy and in another thread I was advised to gradually raise my pressure in an effort to eliminate snoring. In doing that, I've discovered that I get mask leaks at higher pressure (mostly chin and leaks into my eyes--I can't stand eye leaks!). Making the mask tighter gives me really ugly looking lines, nose bridge redness, cheek redness, and strap lines. I've read "Solving CPAP Mask Problems" and while those suggestions are great, I'm thinking about ordering a new full face mask in the morning. I'm thinking of the Mirage Quattro. Is it normal to get mask marks?

Scott

try http://www.padacheek.com

Pada will help with a lot of those issues. Very good person and very much a forum member (padacheek).

Dunkonu, I'll preface this by saying I'm really new to this too. I've read on these threads that if you tighten certain masks too much it can actually create leaks. I've kind of experienced that with my Quattro. But even on nights where it's not too tight, I still am waking up with marks, particularly the "Mark of the Evil Nocturnal Butterfly" as my daughter calls it. That's the one on the forehead that doesn't go away for a couple of hours or so! I ordered a nice soft "Padacheek" for the forehead piece from Karen, who cflame1 mentioned above. I used it last night and it's REALLY nice!!! It's actually pretty relaxing to have such fleece on your forehead, and I had NO butterfly mark this morning!

Good luck!!!

Thanks for the replies. Actually, the mask marks I'm getting are from the mask, not the straps. They're on either side of my nose on my cheeks. The leaks I get are primarily eye area leaks and when my mouth relaxes, I get leaks from the chin area. I've tried both the medium and large inserts. The large insert is by far more comfortable and I don't have to tighten it down nearly as much to get a good seal. Honestly, I'm pretty sure my sizing is somewhere between medium and large, so I'm pretty much out in the bushes with this.

I'm just surprised that so many people have so many problems with CPAP therapy--myself included. While on the one hand it's good to share experiences, on the other it's disturbing that this kind of therapy has been around for many years, yet there appears to be so many variables and so little knowledge/support from the medical/DME community (at least in my area). Today, I literally wrote my own prescription for a new machine and mask. While I appreciate my doctors willingness to allow me that luxury, which will hopefully allow me to be much more proactive with my treatment, I'm left wondering if there is ever going to be a solution that will allow me the luxury of simplicity. So, I'm here.

Scott