I have only used my cpap machine for 6 days now and have developed an irritation at the bridge of my nose.  This does not seem to be a reaction to the materials but rather from rubbing.  On one side of my nose, just where eyeglasses would sit, the skin is pretty raw and at the middle of the bridge it is just red.

Suggestions?  Would using a band-aid, moleskin, some sort of tape (etc.) over the bridge of my nose and over toward the sides be helpful?

Please let me know your thoughts on this as I really benefit from the machine and obviously need to find some remedy for this problem.

Dear ZZZZ,

Some people use moleskin and similar products to protect the bridge of the nose, but it only treats the symptom.  You really need to get at the root of the problem.  Chances are your mask isn't fitting well.  It could be the adjustments of the mask itself, or it could be an ill-fitting mask (hope for the first one!).

Check how you're sleeping.  Are you smashing your mask into the pillow in a way that'll rub against your nose?  Sometimes changing your pillow to something more forgiving or to the PAPillow (search for threads here on it) can help.  Sometimes changing the angle of your head slightly will also help.

Next, check the straps on your headgear - while you're in your usual sleeping positions.  Are they too tight?  Are they too loose?  Are they adjusted in a way to put extra pressure on the bridge of your nose?  Also, check other adjustments in your mask (eg the angle between the nasal interface and the forehead cushion).  Your DME supplier or a partner might be able to help you with that.

Finally, you need to look at whether the design of your particular mask interfaces well with your face.  If this is the case, you need to contact your DME supplier and tell him/her the mask is rubbing your nose raw.  You might need another mask entirely.

In any case, this is not normal and you should not have to put up with your nose being raw. Stand your ground and make sure you can use CPAP without this irritation.

Good luck,
Ridge Runner

ZZZZ,

I just started CPAP recently (2 weeks), but I have had the same problem you're having with the top of the mask digging into the bridge of my nose.  My mask is the Respironics ComfortFull FFM.  I know you said yours is a nasal mask, but it may work anyway.  Take your own suggestion of putting a bandage over the bridge of your nose.  I did it for a few days and my sore dissapeared.  On me, it didn't actually break the skin, so if this is the case for you, it may take significantly longer to heal.  My mask did seal fine over the bandage.  PM me and let me know if yours does.

Thanks,
Sleepy Scott

   Much appreciated