My doctor had the bright idea that I should wear the mask with no CPAP attached to acclimate myself to it.  That promptly resulted in a bruised face and a rash where the mask hit the face.  The rash looked like heat/diaper rash actually.  I believe it was due to the fact that I got hot in the mask -- definitely the edge of the mask was moist when I took it off.  I wouldn't be at all surprised if you moistened that material and laid it on my skin for hours, that I wouldn't always get  a rash.

No doubt the problem was largely due to not having any air circulating through there.  But I read about people getting moisture accummulating in their mask -- particularly with humidifiers.  My question is does that seal routinely get moist?  If it does I have to find a mask that doesn't touch the skin so much (such as the nasal pillows).

Related to this, apparently not everyone gets a humidifier, and I would think it would be almost a necessity from the comfort viewpoint.  Is there anyone who doesn't get a humidifier now, and do the heated humidifiers allow you to turn the heat down to room temperature if you get too hot with heated air blowing up there?

I get my titration done on Wednesday so am full of questions I have been thinking since reading this forum.

Thanks -- Judy

I have a Resmed S8 Escape CPAP with a Humidaire 3si humidifier.  The humidifier has several settings.   When it was warm in the room during the summer, I set in on the on the third notch.  Now that the room is colder, I set it another three notches higher.

I have been very happy with this CPAP/humidifier combo.  

During my sleep study, I couldn't tolerate the humidity, so I had them turn it off.   Consequently,   I had very sore nasal passages the next day and a tightness in my chest....a typical reaction to very dry air.  I was concerned about using a humidifer after that experience, but I have had zero problems.

I love the humifier I have....

Good luck!

Hi Judy,

I hope you have found a brighter doctor!  I do not normally use a humidifier, but be sure to get one with your machine.  It is much easier to get a humidifier with a new CPAP, than to go back later and ask for one.  If you will need it, you will need it right away.  I do use my under certain conditions and mine is integrated into my CPAP, so it is always with me if I go somewhere and need it.

Your humidifier should be heated and to answer your question, yes heated humidifiers are adjustable.  The moisture is a problem only when things need a little tweaking (see posts on rainout, humidifier issues).

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Thanks, that clears up some of my questions.  I am just very concerned about this rash experience as it took a number of days to clear up and during those days I wouldn't have been able to tolerate a mask.  It seems like what you really need is several masks, yet when you start this route you might get stuck with something that doesn't work too well, or at all with you and then you are up the creek.

I definitely will go for a humidifier, just in case.

As far as getting rid of the doctor, no, I didn't.  He is such a sweet elf of a man, and the first person who has been trying to put together how to get me healthy again -- that rates very high in my book.  When I was describing what was happening he immediately saw the problem with the mask I had been given and admitted he hadn't thought of the fact with particular masks it depends on air for the cushion.  I give lots of points to people who admit they made a mistake!  OTOH, the rep who fitted me with the mask never "got it" at all, which is a little scary.  Doctor suspects that I have sensitive enough skin I should go for some minimal contact arrangement and that was what I was trying to figure out with my question, whether it really is necessary.  I'm not sure how well I will do with something stuffed up my nose!

Judy