Hello all.  My fiance was just diagnosed with sleep apnea and when he was on the CPAP for his sleep study he woke up in the morning with a mark along his nose that wouldn't go away for a few days.  Any suggestions as I know he doesn't want to have it permanently.  Thanks!

MintShakes wrote:

Hello all.  My fiance was just diagnosed with sleep apnea and when he was on the CPAP for his sleep study he woke up in the morning with a mark along his nose that wouldn't go away for a few days.  Any suggestions as I know he doesn't want to have it permanently.  Thanks!

Welcome!  

Sounds like the mask was a bit too tight.  There are a number of masks that do not put much pressure on the bridge of the nose.  Another option are the nasal pillow type that only touch the nares (the holes of the nose).  Talk to your equipment provider and explain the situation.  Trying out a few masks before going home with one is ALWAYS a great idea.


Regards,

Mint,

Try a nasal pillow interface like the AEIOmed aura. It's very gentle on the face.

mintshakes,

In addition to the Aura by Aeiomed that redaw mentioned, here are some other masks that a lot of people like, and which should not cause the kind of problem your fiance experienced:

Puritan Bennett Breeze with nasal pillows
ResMed Swift with nasal pillows

In the traditional "nasal mask" (triangular shaped mask that covers the nose) category, many people find the ResMed Activa more comfortable and more leakproof than most others.

You can adjust your mask to fit but not too tight. When I first started using mine I thought it had to be very tight. In the morning I woke up looking like my head had been in a vise. I now wear it just tight enough that it doesn't leak.


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John 3:16

Remember that the sleep center CANNOT have the mask leak because they must be accurate with their results. Hence, they make it as tight as possible. Your mask does not need to be that tight when you get to adjust your own.

Sounds like the sleep tech was much to exuburant about sealing the mask.....


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Richard D.
My motorcycle forum signs with the kind of motorcycles they have...
Remstar Plus w/ C-flex
Passover Humidifier (I am not even Jewish)
Comfort Gel Mask

After only three nights on CPAP with a nasal mask, I am finding it very uncomfortable.  It has taken me a good 3 hours to fall asleep each night with constant pulling and adjusting on the mask to make it comfortable.  Of course, the first night was my own fault.  I kept thinking the mask was leaking and by the time I figured out that it was just the air coming out of the front vents that I was feeling, I had tighten the mask to the point where my eyes were bulging!!!    But even after loosening it as much as I can, I am still waking up to big red marks.  I am using the ComfortGel mask.  The other problem is that I can't read at night because I can't seem to balance my glasses on the end of my mask! (just kidding - I didn't really try that - has anyone else?)

I think I am going to talk to my Equipment Tech about the nasal pillows.  It seems like it might be a good alternative.  

In the meantime, I am still exhausted and now I am red-faced too.

I have the mirage swift nasal pillow and never have marks.
My friend puts a piece of cloth tape on bridge of his nose, it helps alittle.

MisterLaFinTurtle,

Love your avatar.  I feel like that's me hitting my head against my computer as well, out of constant frustration!!  

Great mask suggestions, by the way!


Linda

Just wanted to know if anyone tried the Activa nasal mask.  my sleep tech informed me
the design greatly reduces leaks, even while turning in your sleep.  I going to try it this week.  Do you really have to purchase a new mask and hose every 3 months.

Thanks,
Lawrence

Lawrencefd...I use the Activa nasal mask and have had great luck with it. I tried a few before that one and they all leaked. This one is pretty good.


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*** Linda ***

Hi Lawrence,

Most people who try an Activa really love it.  It's one of my favorites.  

Everyone's mileage varies....my masks, including nasal pillows interfaces,  last far longer than 3 months.  The hose I'm using is almost a year old and still fine.

If your insurance pays fully for replacement parts, heck, get them as often as you can.  It's always good to have extras on hand.   If you have to do co-pays for each "replacement" item, that's another matter.

rested gal or any of you other smart people...do you have any idea how long a Activa nasal mask lasts before you should get a new one and how will I know when it is time...what should I look for?


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*** Linda ***

I use Activa, like it very much. Much more comfortable than the several other types I've used.