Face rash/redness from mask? Solutions?

Annika · Post by **Annika** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 5:11 pm

I wear a FF mask - I have an impossible time breathing just through a nose-piece, in part because my pressure on the BiPap is so high (over 20!) and also because I have a slight deviated septum (not enough to convince me to bother with surgery)... but I now have an ongoing redness on my face in the suspicious pattern of my face mask!

Is it the pressure/rubbing of the mask? Is it my skin reacting to the silicon part? Are there any solutions to this problem? Moisterizers don't really help at all... I just look like I've been "slapped" all day, or that I'm blushing or maybe that I've had a few too many drinks in the middle of the day (my nose itself isn't red, but my cheeks certainly are.)

I really hope I don't need to look for a new type of mask or materials - that sounds like an impossible endeavor... any ideas? I don't see my specialist for another 3 weeks (I'm a newbie and started in February) and the redness seems to be getting more "permanent" every day.

Thanks,

Annika

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:02 pm

Welcome, Annika!

I have the same problem with my FFM (quattro). This just started recently so I'm still puzzling over what to do. Some other members will hopefully stop by to give some suggestions.

What I plan to try is to soak that part of my mask in a 3:1 water:vinegar solution. I'm wondering if rather than the silicone it might be some residue from the Dawn dishwashing detergent I've been using. I'm currently using my nasal pillows mask but hope to try the water/vinegar rinse this weekend.

Mindy

bap40 · Post by **bap40** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 7:11 pm

I am using the comfort gel nasal mask and have a redness around my nose. It seems like it is inside the actual part where the mask sits. For now I have been using cortisone cream, but with no real results. I, too would like to know if there is something else that can be used to get rid of the redness. I do switch out from my nasal mask to my nasal pillows and that keeps it down a bit but is no real fix.

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 8:25 pm

One thing you can try, is to put a light coating of milk of magnesia on the skin where the mask sits.
What works best for me is a 'gasket' for my UMFF that Padacheek made. You can contact her through her web site at http://www.padacheek.com or Just PM her, she is a forum member.
The 'gasket' does raise my leak by a few points, but not enough to make much difference. I have NO marks from the UMFF anymore.

Brenda

Limestone · Post by **Limestone** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 3:37 pm

I'm wondering if rather than the silicone it might be some residue from the Dawn dishwashing detergent I've been using.

I use Ivory dish soap and if I don't wash my mask DAILY and rinse it VERY VERY well ,my face is red and almost raw in the a.m.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:51 pm

I realize a lot of people use dish soap to wash their masks, but I think most of the manufacturers say not to. I use Neutrogena liquid or bar soap (this is what ResMed suggests using) & I have never had a problem.

The ONLY time I ever had a problem with my face getting red or sore was one night I used an astrigent type cleanser before I went to bed. I'll never do that again!

Lyn

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 10:27 am

It was my RT who recommended original Dawn but she did say to use only about 3 drops. I'm going to try one of the suggested pure soaps.

A note about Ivory - I don't know how it's formulated now, but years ago I read that the ads touting its purity were bunk. It had just as many chemicals as others. Perhaps that's changed now?

Mindy

darthlucy · Post by **darthlucy** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:29 pm

I use Johnson's baby shampoo to clean my mask. I think it's milder than the dish soaps, and doesn't seem to irritate my sensitive rosacea skin. The only time I have redness is if I slack off on cleaning the mask.

Flash699 · Post by **Flash699** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:58 pm

I had this with a FF mask when I first started, then when I switched to the Comfort Gel nasal mask I had the same thing. Actually had blisters that after a few days turned into open soars. Thought it was rubbing the first time but we eliminated that possibility.

In both cases I discovered that by soaking it in a 1:10 vinegar and water solution once a week for about 30 min (in combination with daily soap and water washing) the problem went away immediately. Seems like something in the silicone or other residue on there was irritating my skin. The vinegar and water solution got rid of it right away.

Good luck.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 2:30 pm

I also had a bad skin reaction to a non-soaked, new Comfort Gel. I found a Respironic's recommendation to soak it in warm soapy water for 30 - 60 minutes, and that solved the burning rash problem.

And I use Johnson's baby shampoo. I never (hardly ever)touch detergent with ungloved hands because I get dermatitits from them... even the Ecover kind - so I wouldn't use on a mask either.

O.

Mask