Full Face Mask Leaks Due to Excessive Skin Oil

I have experienced my mask actually moving against my nose while lying perfectly still on my back. After a few seconds the mask leaked. The solution was to make sure both my face and mask cushion were free of oil. If you bathe or shower immediately before bedtime you probably won't benefit from reading this post.
My sleep doctor's nurse told me that excessive scrubbing of the skin can actually increase the production of skin oil. Since I shower after exercising in the afternoon, and not wanting to take a second shower, my scrubbing my nose with a washcloth was actually counterproductive. The respiratory therapist who fit my mask suggested using Stridex pads. She said that they may be used in the middle of the night if needed. They worked. I was too aggressive initially. Now I wipe over my nose lightly, turn the pad over and repeat.
Getting all the oil off my mask cushion was more difficult. A wash cloth and hand soap will work, but I found an easier method. I suggest trying this on a cushion you intend to replace or have replaced. Cut a new Magic Eraser pad in half widthwise and in 4 pieces lengthwise so you have eight cube shaped objects. Better yet experiment before cutting the pad. Apply hot water to the pad and put one drop of Dawn dish soap on it. Clean the cushion. You should be able to get the soap to foam nicely. Rinse the cushion with cold water. Cold water is better than hot for removing the soap.
Carefully, center the cushion on the mask. I press the cushion into the mask groove about every inch all the way around and then press firmly and pull gently to assure the cushion is properly seated on the second pass. It is difficult to troubleshoot where the leak is in the middle of the night if the cause is because you have not seated the cushion properly.
I have been using this procedure for three months. I ordered a replacement cushion before I tried the procedure. I have not opened the sealed bag for the replacement. I am hoping to get 6-12 months (maybe more) out of the original cushion.

MalabarFlash,

Have you tried using a mask liner like the ones that Padacheek makes (a reusable, washable liner for long term use) or like the ones made by Remzzz (a one night disposable liner) under the mask? It might make it easier to keep the skin oils off the mask cushion, which could make cleaning things easier in the long run.

this may help me allot, I have VERY oily skin. would isopropyl alcohol work to remove the oil? would that be hard on the soft seal?

wonder how hard isopropyl alcohol would be on your skin?

I can feel the seal move all on it's own just lying still, have to cinch the straps tight to help keep the seal in place

this could be a big help to me. thanks

I have heard that alcohol-based products contribute to degrading the slicone, which many of the cushions are madeof..

alcohol also tends to irritate the skin, triggering more oil production.
It could also irritate your eyes.

Mild soap to cleanse your skin just before mask up time.
You may still need to use a mask liner depending on how fast the oil returns but cleaning in the evening will certainly help.
Do not use any alcohol products on your mask.
Johnson's baby shampoo would work on your mask or any other very mild soap.

I also have oily skin, and wash my face before going to bed. I use a gentle soap-less (lipid free) cleanser called "Cetophil", which you can get at Costco, less expensive there. No washcloth, just lather it up on my hands, once over my face with my hands and rinse, pat dry. Removes the skin oils well, with no irritation.

As far as the mask goes, I'm using one of the dish washing detergents recommended by ResMed, "Original" Palmolive. It is gentle, as well, and scented. The scent is helpful for me, since when I can't smell it anymore is how I know that I've completely rinsed it off *smile*.

However, since I use nasal pillows, the skin oils aren't as much problem for me as they would be if I used a full face mask. So you might consider using a nasal pillow mask if you can.

Im the same way, very oily skin. The Padacheek liners are great and help a lot, and also the Citrus II wipes on cpap.com are fantastic! I have no idea whats in them, but a couple of swipes and the cushion looks brand new again.

Recently, I experienced some skin irritation. I am reasonably sure the irritation was caused by some medication I am taking. Anyway, I tried Johnson's baby shampoo. It will clean the mask cushion but requires a bit more effort than dish soap. To assure the mask and your finger is free of oil (or soap) clean both and rinse with cold water. You should be able to make the mask cushion squeak by rubbing it gently with your finger. I had to rinse more thoroughly to remove the excess shampoo than the excess dish soap.

I have always had oily skin and large pores. I started using castor oil on my face about an hour before bedtime and then cleaning my face with pampers baby wipes before going to bed. My skin looks better than it has in years. It is firmer and my pores are shrinking. This is my new beauty secret and no more oily skin.