Pimples and blocked poors

Hi,

I'm currently on a CPAP trial with a Resmed S9 Autoset with two masks to try: Phillips Respirionics Nasal, and a Resmed Mirage Quattro full-face mask.

After using the nasal mask for a week, I switched over to the full-face mask because the nasal mask had mouth leakage. Overall I've managed to get my AHIs down from 106 to 1.7 after 2 weeks.

The problem is I need a lot of pressure (median 12cmH20, maxing out to 15+), so I have to have the mask on tight, which results in me getting blocked pores and pimples on the bridge of my nose and on my forehead (happened with both masks). I otherwise have good skin that is well looked after.

Is this a problem with the mask design or because I need so much pressure?

Probably more due to the mask materials and skin oils. Some people get them, some people don't.

There are mask liners that might help. Some people even make their own. PadaCheeks has some that will give you an idea what I am talking about.

http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html

I've found the following combination of things helpful:

1. Follow mask care guidelines regarding washing the mask regularly.
2. Slightly loosen the straps at the top of my mask so the mask rests comfortably and evenly on the bridge of my nose.
3. Place a very warm compress on the bridge of my nose several times a day to help unclog blocked pores.

Still, I am ordering a pad from pad-a-cheek as someone else noted, to see if this helps reduce the problem even more.

After my first two nights, the bridge of my nose hurt so bad I was concerned about the future of Cpap and Me. Then I realized it was a giant zit forming there, felt like I was back in highschool!

I had some Clinque for Men face wash (came in a gift set from my wife) and I started using it every night at bedtime. I also wash my cushions every morning and let them air dry all day. It all cleared up quickly and I have had no issues since then.

If your humidifier is cranked up, it could be making your face "sweat" giving you more opportunity for blocked pores as well.

OMG, the "pimple farm"... I'd almost forgotten about that... About a dozen tiny pimples across my nose bridge. I used Neutrogena Acne wash or something like that and zit cream to get rid of them, but that mask just didn't work for me as it caused me nose bridge problems whatever I did.