indentations left on face

I am bothered by indentations left on my face by my mask that do not go away. I have tried loosening the straps but that lets the air escape, so that didn't work. Does anyone have a suggestion about how to keep the mask from leaving these marks?

You need to go to user control and post your machine and mask so we can help you better. That said there is a gal that makes wonderful padded sleaves for different face masks at http://www.padacheek.com , that might help you.

If your mask leaks unless the straps are cinched down that tight, you have the wrong mask. You should be able to feel the mask "float" as the cushion inflates. You are looking for a "sweet spot" where the mask inflates and doesn't leak. If there isn't one, then it doesn't fit your facial contour and you should try another.

Pad-a-cheek strap covers are great for comfort, but they won't make an unsuitable mask fit.

lars4life wrote:My solution was to switch to nasal pillows.

Yep! You initially had the wrong mask. It often takes trying a few to find a match.

I too run into this problem. An overly tight mask can cause it, as others have noted, but sometimes that tightness is necessary to keep a seal going. Try a mask liner -- search the threads for ones you can buy, or ways to make one at home from an old t-shirt. For me, the forehead area is the worst on my mask. I simply use an eyeglass rag and place it over the forehead support pad, and I have no more marks.

I am very interested by what you have said Lars4life!! I had been under the impression that nasal pillows were for those with quite low pressures and I was afraid that with a 6-18 range and a 14,5 90% pressure, they would be blown out of my nose
I think that when it's time to change my Zest nasal mask (that works fine with me, no complaints!), I will ask to try the nasal pillows!

Bluecat wrote:I had been under the impression that nasal pillows were for those with quite low pressures and I was afraid that with a 6-18 range and a 14,5 90% pressure, they would be blown out of my nose

Not at all. People on straight cpap at much higher pressures can do well with the nasal pillow mask system.
I use APAP 10 to 20 range and I do see it come close to that 20 sometimes but it never bothers me, never know it till I see the report. They don't get displaced from the pressure at all.

yes, I have some marks no matter what I do . I'm just glad I don't have to go to work early in the morning.