a skin "rash" side issue

[NMchop]

I'm having one of those side issues.

I've been having a rash but not along the outline of the mask but more between the nose and lip and along side the lower nose.

I've been using an F&P Full Face mask for five months. I feel like therapy is going pretty well except for the skin issue. But it's seemingly something I need to figure out as this rash is unpleasant and not fun to look at.

I mentioned it to the doctor (my primary care doctor, not the sleep doctor). He did see my rash and said to use hydrocortisone but not too often as it thins the skins...but I've been needing the cream every day it seems.

So I'm hoping a change in mask might help. It's kind of a desperate measure I guess. I had been cutting up old tshirts to create a barrier but the rash occurs where there is no barrier (and no mask contact).

I picked up an Air Fit 10 FFM today to test to see if that helps or not.

I'm even considering trying a nasal mask with chin strap if this doesn't offer relief (i'm told i'm a mouth breather). I was leery of changing to a nasal mask knowing that at my titration, they switched to a full face mask for improved therapy and it seemed to work.

anyway, chime up if you have any thoughts on dealing with this rash issue. I'm also going to try to get in to see a dermatologist, especially if the rash persists with the new mask.

[Wulfman...]

Not many ideas, but it might help if you'd indicate in your profile whether you're male or female.


Den

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[LSAT]

The areas you mentioned are only slightly touched by a full face mask. Nothing on the FF mask would touch between the nose and upper lip or the lower nose. The cushion of the FF mask touches on the chin below the lower lip. If you switch to a nasal mask, the cushion WILL rest between the lower nose and upper lip.

[ChicagoGranny]

I've been having a rash but not along the outline of the mask but more between the nose and lip and along side the lower nose.

Are you washing your face with a non-comedogenic soap immediately before going to bed? This is one good one - http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cetaphil-Dail ... z/10317218

Here is another - http://www.walmart.com/ip/CeraVe-Hydrat ... z/45653182

Be careful to get the exact ones listed because the manufacturers have more than one type.

said to use hydrocortisone but not too often as it thins the skins...but I've been needing the cream every day it seems.

Use one of the soaps and apply the cortisone cream just before you go out in the morning. Try to skip the night application and see what happens.

OTC cortisone cream is weak (1% maximum) and used three times per day would take months to permanently thin the skin. If you can't get the rash to clear up in four weeks, you should see a dermatologist.

[NMchop]

Thank you, I'll go look for those soaps. I haven't heard of this soap or regime. I will try it.

[chunkyfrog]

Two suggestions:
---a cloth mask
---Lansinoh
Either one might help. Both together--not as good.

[NMchop]

I tried the cloth mask but had trouble getting a seal at the pressure I use (14).

I told the DME respiratory therapist about my rash (which she could see). She fit me with a medium Fit F10. I like some features on the mask (the vent doesn't blow in my eyes for one). The rash did alleviate with the new mask (maybe would've had a I got a new Simplus too?).

But now i'm suffering some leak issues according to sleepyhead and today I'm noticing daytime fatigue for the first time in a long time (I started therapy in January).

I can't decide whether to go back to the Simplus or get a bigger F10. I have had the F10 for about 2-3 weeks now. The RT says the current mask fits, but it feels small to me. Maybe it's just different.

I only get one "return" on the mask so I'll have to live with this decision for a few months.

Thanks for the advice, I need to find the soaps recommended and purchase them.

[Sleeprider]

There are so many causes for skin rashes ranging from simple irritation, to bacterial or yeast infection that any advise is just a shotgun approach to what you should do. There is no harm in treating this with good hygiene, moisturizers, or even steroid creams, but steroids are food for yeast. A dermatologist can quickly determine the underlying causes for rash and make a better recommendation, otherwise, you might get lucky and solve the problem, or maybe not.

[chunkyfrog]

Have you changed a product in your shaving routine? Do you shave in the evening before bed?
Be sure to rinse all shaving or aftershave products off and get your skin dry before masking up.
Or shave in the morning. If you let it all grow, disregard everything I said.

[Midnight Strangler]

A dermatologist can quickly determine the underlying causes for rash

According to my excellent dermatologist, this is not true. He told me his experience out of medical school caused him to become very humble about practicing dermatology. He misdiagnosed many rashes and skin lesions. A "rash" is not an easy thing to diagnose unless the patient tells you of something obvious.

The OP probably has contact dermatitis, I say uncertainly.

[NMchop]

Well, I've stuck with the F10 for a little while longer.

I had some daytime fatigue yesterday so I took a nap. 2 hours. AHI of 27! Ouch. OSA's were the culprit.

I also have been suffering leaks galore with the Fit F10.

The rash I had been suffering has let up BUT, now i'm getting a rash where the F10 mask runs along my nose on both sides (at least this rash is where the mask touches me).

So last night, i went back to my old Simplus. AHI of 2 but 5 significant leak periods.

So I'm still trying to sort it all out. Thanks for your replies.

[chunkyfrog]

Sometimes the only solution is to switch between two masks that are OK
until you can get your hands on THE mask.

[NMchop]

I'm still searching for the holy grail of masks.

The Simplus works great but for the strange rash.

I used it last night and my AHI was 1.48 with one 5-minute leak.

So it is outperforming the Fit F10 for me, but for the strange rash.

[curems]

I'm one of those people who can come up with some weird issues so this may be totally out of left field! My skin is absurdly sensitive so I can relate. Unrelated to CPAP, I was on oxygen in the hospital once with the old fashioned full face mask. I had to keep taking the mask on and off because I got a rash from the humidity. Is there any chance the humidifier is causing the problem for you? Just a random thought.

[NMchop]

Wow, that's a great point and new-to-me concept.

Should I try turning it up or down, I wonder? I think I've had it set at "4" for a week or two after five months at "2". We are in the desert with 10% humidity most of the time. So I've used the humidifier and had no "rain out" issues at all.