Greetings, all,

I have been using my equipment now for about a week and a half. The first week, I noticed a swollen spot on the bridge of my nose. A few days ago, I noticed that the spot is no longer swollen in the morning, but it is still a little irritated. This morning I noticed a small raw spot near some eczema (I regularly have eczema on my eyelids and high on the bridge of my nose).

Is this relatively normal for full face mask wearers? I am hesitant to change the mask fit since I am at a point where it doesn't bother me or cause any problems at night, and I am not having any problems with leaks. I suspect this is just the skin of my nose getting used to having something there.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for the insights!
Chris


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ResMed VPAP Auto
ResMed HumidAire 3i
ResMed Mirage Quattro (Small)
Pressures: 15/11

The excema on the eyelids may be an indication that the mask is blowing its vent air in the direction of your eye.  It was in my case.  A doctor or ophthalmologist can prescribe a medicine (cream) that is basically cortisone/opto steroid.  Cleared my problem right up in about 2 weeks, but not at home to remember the name of the stuff.  I also changed my mask and now the air is blowing away from my face.

Ross,

Thanks for the information. I should have been more clear - I've always had eczema on my eyelids to one degree or another. This particular bout started before I started using the mask. I am treating it as usual. My concern is more the raw spot right on the bridge of my nose. Like I said, I assume it is just my overly sensitive skin getting used to having something there for 8 hours every night, but I wanted to be sure.

Once again, thanks for the input!
Chris


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ResMed VPAP Auto
ResMed HumidAire 3i
ResMed Mirage Quattro (Small)
Pressures: 15/11

A sore nose is a common complaint at the beginning of treatment.  Some say that the nose becomes irritated because of some chemicals that are on the silicone pad that will eventually wash away.  I had the same trouble at first.  The bridge of my nose felt bruised and it broke out in a red, irritated, pimply mess.  My forehead did the same.  For a while, I use a medically tape along with cotton athletic wrap to protect the area.  After about a month and 1/2 or so, I no longer need this treatment.  I'm able to wear the mask without it now.  Either your nose gets used to the pressure or the chemicals wear away, but my mask doesn't irritate any longer.

Try the tape and athletic wrap to protect your nose or wash the silicone pad often and see if this helps.  Good luck,  I know its frustrating but you will find relief.


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Forneyfrau
From Forney, TX
Resmed Adapt SV with Resmed Quattro FF Mask
AHI 93
Primary Central Apnea
Diagnosed 4/8/2008

also try wearing the mask higher up on your face and if it has a top adjustment, use it to move the mask closer or further away from your face


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resmed S6 lightweight, respironics comfort gell mask using CPAP since 1995, no humidifier
during my many years of severe fatigue, no doctor ever asked me if I snored

I had the same thing happen to me and I put a bit of zinc and castor oil cream on my nose before I put my mask on and it cleared the soreness up in a couple of days and prevented the irritation. I only used it for 3 or 4 days and then I no longer needed anything.

I have only been on for about 4 weeks now, and I had the same problem.  I wear the little round bandaide on that spot at night.  It is small enough for no leaks to happen.  Trouble is that I also wear glasses during the day, which doesn't allow it to heal that well.

I was wondering if anyone has had a problem with the machine drying out your nasal passages and making the inside of your nose sore.  I have a humidifer on mine but it still dries me out.  I have a fan going in my face to try and help with the problem but it doesn't help.  I am told that my sleep apena is getting worse and that I should use my machine regularly but I can't without more problems.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  The mask that I have just fits at the nasal openings and then over the head.

What do you have your dial set on for the humidifier?  It is extremely humid where I live, so right now, I only have it set at 1.  In the winter, I will turn it up.  I sleep with a ceiling fan on, but perhaps your fan is drying out the humidity too much for you to get the desired effect?

i have the air conditioning on full blast.  i have a fan blowing in my face and then i have the humidifer on the highest setting.

A sore on the bridge of the nose is a common complaint of new users.  The mask needs to be adjusted to change the tilt - that is, a little less tight on top and a little tighter on the bottom.  Make your adjustments a very little at a time which means that it may take several nights to get it right.

Moleskin makes a good pad.  If the skin is broken, look after it carefully and watch out for infection.

Yes, my husband had this problem when he started.  He has a Resperonics mask and found that an adjustment could be made at the forehead connector.

the places where my sores are right on the inside of the nose.  not on the outside.  i don't have a problem with the outside of the nose only right inside.

Perhaps the mask that goes into your nose is not the right mask for you then.  I would ask your doc what other options are available.  Good luck.

THANKS SO MUCH.  HAS ANYONE HAD A PROBLEM OF PULLING YOUR MASK OFF DURING THE NIGHT AND NOT KNOWING IT.  THAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT TO ME AND I FEEL SO TIRED TODAY.

I do it all the time!!!  I have found that when the air (in the room) is humid, I pull it off.  When it is not humid, I am usually good for the whole night.