Problems with fit of CPAP mask

[Diana]

I wake up in the morning with a red mark on the bridge of my nose. I tried cotton which only gives me huge air leaks. I usually have a reaction to the adhesive in bandages so I would have red marks left from that, has anyone had this problem and maybe have a solution?

[Karen Moore]

Hello,
I have been using CPAP since 2004. I had marks on my face the first day I woke up with the mask. I now have many products I have designed and I manufacture for Sleep Apnea people. All the items on my website started as a suggestion from a person with CPAP. I would be happy to help you sleep more comfortably with your CPAP mask.
www.padacheek.com
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or needs related to CPAP masks.
Karen

[Diana]

Thank you so much for the information. I put your site in my favorites and will send it along when I hear of a need. Ironically just a couple days ago I got my sewing machine out and some very soft cushioned material and made the identical strap. This came after my husband wanting to go out to breakfast shortly after I got up and I was wishing I could hide my cheeks, it bothered me so much I decided I had to do SOMETHING!!!
Thanks again
Diana

[David R Woodward]

I just started using CPAP. I was told that I was getting red marks, that the mask was to tight on my face. Do you know for sure you have the proper fit? That could possibly be the cause of those red marks too? Also it could be some kind of irritation from the mask. Hope this helps.

[Diana]

Since I got Remzzzs at www.remzzzs.com I don't get marks anymore. I have sensitive skin so that was probably the problem. I bought a months supply months ago, I wash them with my mask, lay it flat to dry and only have to change it once or twice a week. thanks for the info.

[Becky]

I thought I would let you know that I just saw a You Tube video talking about Remzzzs & how the idea was born. It even shows the inventor's picture as his voice tells the story...pretty cool. This product has been so helpful to me, I wanted to let others know too. Here is the link to see the video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Du4D2CcXM4Y

[Bob Loblaw]

We have a lot of success with the Resmed "Activa" nasal mask in our patients who have difficulty with mask sealing and facial pressure sores. This mask has a thin membrane that covers the mask cushion, and uses the air pressure inside the mask to seal the membrane against the face, similar to how a hovercraft floats on a cushion of air. The company calls it "active seal" technology and it works very well and resists leaks when you move around during the night. The key is to using it is to keep the headgear as loose as possible and let the mask float on your face. If you pull the headgear too tight, the cushion will become deformed and leak, so again the critical point is to leave the headgear as loose as possible without having any leaks. If you turn on the flow generator, and hold the mask against the back of your hand, you will see how it almost jumps out and seals itself against the surface it is held near to. Its pretty cool and has worked miracles for many of my patients, Good Luck!

[Susan]

Thank you Bob . I'll check into the "ACTIVA."

[Nancy Dwyer]

I had that problem too originally with CPAP, but that was solved along with the even greater problem -- the leaks and squeeks and beeps. I made a gasket for myself.

I tried several masks and started wondering what kind of mis-shapen face must I have. Then I went to Home Depot and bought a kitchen sponge. It was about the dimensions of the typicsl computer mouse pad. I traced an outline of the mask, leaving a good margin all around, then cut a hole in the middle for my nose and mouth.

Problem solved -- from, 82% leaks to 0 leaks. and to 0 apnea episodes.

But then, to get an even more comfortable fit, I went to a craft store and bought some polyester (non-allergenic) quilt batting material, the kind used to make quilts for babies' cribs. I incorporated a few customized improvements over the original sponge gasket. Ahhhhh!

Nancy

[Diana]

A sponge, hadn't thought of that. I have bought a few different materials to try but the quilt batting, that is a good idea. Thanks for the info, I will be trying them all!! What mask do you use, mine is Comfort Gel.
Diana

[Michaela Van Deusen]

Hi. I was recently diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. I hated the idea of a biPAP and everything associated with it. The "mask face," the mask leaking, the mask "farting," etc., etc. I just wanted to spread the word about a product I found a month or so ago. It's called RemZzzs. It is a very simple solution for a great many of the problems associated with wearing a CPAP or biPAP mask. It's a liner that fits between your face and the mask, and it makes a huge difference.

I know I must sound like an info-mercial, but this product really helps. It certainly doesn't alleviate all of the problems with my full mask--I still have the HUGE bags that have appeared under my eyes, due to the biPAP's pressure that I require in order to sleep without (or very few) breathing stoppages. But as far as the other problems I have experienced, I'd have to say they've been reduced drastically.

The company has an extremely reasonably priced sample pack that you can order. Here's their web site: http://www.remzzzs.com/

I urge you to try it out.

Sleep well, and sweet dreams!