rash from mask

I am really new to CPAP---less than a week. However, I do have a big problem. I have a rash and redness that does not go away from where the mask touches my face. I have a silicon mask---Phillips Respironic. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Welcome, Did you wash and rinse the mask thorougly before you used it? Dawn Dishwashing Liquid or baby shampoo are good products to use. Also you may be pulling the mask straps too tight. It would be helpful if you registered and listed your equipment and mask(text). Keep us updated.

Its hard to know when tight is too tight. Especially when the strap tension changes when you put your head down on the pillow.
And finding the elusive good fit for a mask may test you patience at time. Be persisitent.

I started using "PureLan 100" a natural product for nursing mothers. It came with my wife's Medela breast pump and it helps me get a better seal with less pressure and prevented much of the irritation to my skin that I had been experiencing. There are plenty of substitutes for this product that would do the same thing.

sjb46 wrote: I have a rash and redness that does not go away from where the mask touches my face. I have a silicon mask---Phillips Respironic. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I had the same problem.
Silicon has not touched my face since 3/4/10 when I got the
prototype liner to test. The rash and red marks are gone.

http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html

PS I'm still using that original liner and it is working fine
and showing no wear. It's been washed many times.
I bought a backup liner but have yet to take it out of the package.

I did not see the liners for nasal only machines. any one know? Have you used the c pap pillow, i am a totally side sleeper.
What do you put on the rash? I did not sleep in my c pap last night to give my face a rest, but the rash is really not that much
better. Thanks

I didn't get a rash, but a raised, red welt from the silicone mask. I get the same welt from the tops of thigh high stockings, so I know it's the silicone and it doesn't matter how many times I've washed them.

I made my own gasket out of an old T-Shirt (17 from a child size T-Shirt) and haven't had the raised welt since. They wash well and I can use them over and over again. I wish Pad a Cheeks would make one for the Activa, as I love her products, but I haven't seen on on her website, yet.

Bev

Got a gel mask and used it last nite. Not only were there fewer red marks, it was a better seal. Also got some liners ;in the mail today. I am going to try them. Question---how long before you start feeling perkier?

sjb46 wrote:Got a gel mask and used it last nite. Not only were there fewer red marks, it was a better seal. Also got some liners ;in the mail today. I am going to try them. Question---how long before you start feeling perkier?

That is something that none of us will be able to predict for you. Some people start to feel better from day one and some of us take more time. It's completely individual.

Good luck with the liners tonight!

Bev

Is the rash all the way around where the mask touches your face, or only on the bridge of your nose? If the latter, I would not think of it as an "allergy", but as caused by pressure. I had lots of red welts, and major pimple farms (who knew so many pimples could fit in so small a space?!) on the bridge of my nose.

Hey Bev, drop a PM to Pada and she'll make a gasket to fit whatever mask you have!

Brenda

Brenda,

Did your leak rate go up significantly with the gasket?

Had to use the silicon mask last nite and I hated it. I was getting really fustrated because it just didn't seem to fit as well as the gel mask. Woke up with nice headache which may be allergies more that mask. What a crab I am!!!! I am trying so hard to make this work. Does anyone else feel like Darth Vader when you have the mask on? I asked my daughter if I looked like Darth and when she was finished laughing she said the breathing sounded like his. Oh, well.

I use Gold Bond Intensive Healing cream. It works well for me to keep the rash from my mask under control.

If I were going to try to make a liner, is it just a matter of something between your cheek and the mask that would stay on, like if I tied it in a bow or something?

Do not ever use Dawn dish soap on your CPAP it will dry it out. That was the number one thing that they stressed to me in the cleaning segment of how to take care of my CPAP!