Face Pain! from mask

my mask is causing pain. in the forehead and bridge of nose. If I put it looser it then starts to leak. I am day 12 into cpap therapy. still hanging in there. I did use the machine with this sinus infection and it helped alot. I turned up the humidity and put vicks on a cotton ball by the air intake (thanks for that tip) it really helped opening me up. I even slept all afternoon yesterday. Any suggestions? Do I need to try another type of mask?

What kind of pain? If it is skin related, find an old t-shirt (or cotton knit "big girl" panties) and make a liner to protect your skin. This often helps with leaks too and sometimes you can loosen the straps a bit. If it is the quatro with the forehead rest you can put some padding under it. Makeup pads work well and so do panty liners.

BlackSpinner wrote:What kind of pain? If it is skin related, find an old t-shirt (or cotton knit "big girl" panties) and make a liner to protect your skin. This often helps with leaks too and sometimes you can loosen the straps a bit. If it is the quatro with the forehead rest you can put some padding under it. Makeup pads work well and so do panty liners.

My nose actually feels bruised. there is a maroon mark under where the mask rests.
my cheeks are tender. but no rash or anything like that.
under my lower lip is tender too.
it is almost like the mask fits well when I go to sleep but tightens through the night. I dont know if it is swelling or the mask shifting or what. I am a side sleeper.

OHH and here are my numbers. what do u think?
leak 12
ahi .7
total ahi .4
central .1

yoyoyomonica wrote:my mask is causing pain. in the forehead and bridge of nose. If I put it looser it then starts to leak. I am day 12 into cpap therapy. still hanging in there. I did use the machine with this sinus infection and it helped alot. I turned up the humidity and put vicks on a cotton ball by the air intake (thanks for that tip) it really helped opening me up. I even slept all afternoon yesterday. Any suggestions? Do I need to try another type of mask?

Maybe they gave you the wrong size. The full face masks are supposed to "float" on your face. You shouldn't have to cinch them down tight.
I have my top straps VERY loose and the only tension is on my lower straps. The forehead support is adjusted all the way forward (away from my forehead) and doesn't even touch my forehead......it's that loose.
Maybe you need to look into a different type of bed pillow, too. "Standard" fiberfill pillows allow the head to sink too far into them and can dislodge the mask........and exacerbate the leaking.

Den

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I was getting the same thing with one of my FF masks, I found that a layer of cloth (I cut it out of the little storage bag that came with a nasal pillow mask I had) helped to reduce the irritation from the mask and cut down on annoying leaks, but i needed extra padding to keep from getting an indent from the "soft" mask skirt.

So I just started using a piece of silicone scar healing strips by 'Scar Away'. I cut the strip into the shape I wanted to cover my nose, and then just stuck it to my nose. bingo no more sore spot! I used the fabric i had cut out over it to reduce leaks into eyes... The scar strips are washable and self adhesive.

I got a ResMed Gecko pad from my DME yesterday, It was way too thick, and not sticky enough for my face, but stuck to the mask and everything ells... I have oily skin no mater how well I wash it...

Ok I will look for those 2 items today. there is a dent in my nose now. and it feels bruised.

yoyoyomonica wrote:OHH and here are my numbers. what do u think?
leak 12
ahi .7
total ahi .4
central .1

yoyo: your numbers are great! I'm really glad you've come so far! Keep goin'... no lookin' back now!! Keep working on the leak rates, though. There were some good suggestions here. They make little silicone pads for the nose bridge. You can get them at cpap.com or certain Walgreens sell them. They have to be a location that sells medical supplies, though. 9 out of 10 don't sell them. You have to find one on-line.

Sheriff

I could NOT get the Mirage Quattro mask to work for me--one of the most painful things I've ever worn.
I had to choose between bad leaks at the top or the bottom, once I got the nose sealed, it opened up over my chin when asleep.
I found a Respironics Comfortgel full face mask gave me much better fit and comfort, even though it is a heavy mask.

ok husband is going to help me tonight so he can describe to his guy (he is a dme) what is going on. I really think the mask is to small for me. But I would like to try other masks. Comfort is a must if this is going to last. my skin is starting to break down on the nose. I will try the fabric tonight too. But I thought that you would loose the sealing benefits of the gel. But it is worth a shot. from the pictures I see the mask sits to low on my nose. and I am putting it on exactly like the video suggested. Maybe it is to small.

You guys are so awesome helping me out all these days. I really really appreciate this site.

The mask liners seem illogical; but the fabric absorbs moisture,
a dry mask seals better and quieter. It works.

yoyoyomonica wrote: I will try the fabric tonight too. But I thought that you would loose the sealing benefits of the gel.

You get different benefits. The fabric doesn't move as much as the gel on a sweaty or oily face and it fills the small gaps. For some people their skin doesn't like to get sealed in by the silicone or their skin reacts to their sweat.

ok this mask isnt working for me. But I am going to wear it because I want to be compliant. we printed off the mask measure for this particular mask and I am a medium not a small. So I will call the DME on monday. I want this to work. But it is so painful. I am trying. Just slightly discouraged. So far this isnt a very good adventure so far. But u guys are helping me alot. what are mask suggestions? FF. I cant do the nasal.

yoyoyomonica wrote:ok this mask isnt working for me. But I am going to wear it because I want to be compliant. we printed off the mask measure for this particular mask and I am a medium not a small. So I will call the DME on monday. I want this to work. But it is so painful. I am trying. Just slightly discouraged. So far this isnt a very good adventure so far. But u guys are helping me alot. what are mask suggestions? FF. I cant do the nasal.

Although I've tried a few others over the years, I always came back to the one I started with eight years ago.....the ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face (UMFF). In my opinion, it is superior to the Quattro (which I have also tried). I always felt that they came up with the Quattro as a cheaper version (fewer parts) to make more money. As with any mask, some work well for some people and some don't.

Den

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I am having the same issue with the same mask. If I do not have it super tight it leaks and the rubbing has actually cut my face, it takes a good 4/5 hours for the redness to go. If I remember tomorrow I will post a picture, it actually looks like I have a large scar down the side of my face like I have been fighting.