Traction Alopecia & Mask Straps

[Mayoko]

Hi, I've been a CPAP user for a little over 6 years now, I got my replacement machine recently...

About a year ago I decided it would be cost effective to keep my hair very short, unfortunately I didn't think that it would turn my hair into sandpaper that catches everything.

Around the same time I switched to a new mask from the Quatro FX to the Airfit f10. The areas of hair loss are exactly where the straps are and it's becoming quite noticeable.

I keep my mask tight because I can't stand hair leaks in my eyes, I know this is largely part of the problem, second to having the hair so short making it very coarse.

I am a 22 year old male and there is no history of alopecia in my family.

I'm looking for an alternative strap system for my Airfit f10, I have worn the straps out on one side of my mask anyway. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I don't think my DME is going to be of much help. They will claim it's not possible. Well, you can get it from head bands and anything too tight that causes a lot of friction on hair follicles. I wish I had known sooner why my scalp hurt to the touch and identified it sooner.

[cate1898]

Hi Mayoko have you tried looking thru the suppliers lists at the top of the forum and glancing thru their masks to see what other options are available? Might find something that is better for you.

[trish6hundred]

Hi Mayoko,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I’m sorry to hear that your mask is causing you such problems.
Hang in there for ideas.
Much success to you with your CPAP therapy and finding a mask that will work for you.

[DeepBreathing]

Have a look at Pad-a-Cheek. They make mask liners and also strap liners which may reduce the pressure on your scalp and the wear and tear on the straps.

[vsheline]

... I switched to a new mask from the Quatro FX to the Airfit f10. The areas of hair loss are exactly where the straps are and it's becoming quite noticeable.

I keep my mask tight because I can't stand air leaks in my eyes, I know this is largely part of the problem...

Hi Mayoko, welcome to Apnea Board.

I use the Airfit F10, and my treatment pressures are 14 or 15 for EPAP and 20 to 25 for IPAP. Controlling leaks is a constant challenge.

I absolutely cannot stand leaks on my eyes. I use a mask liner (RemZzzs), without which leaks would bother me terribly. With the liner, there is never any mask burping/trumpeting, and leaks are either gone or are much softer and not bothersome.

Liners require effort to get used to. Specifically, I put the liner on while laying on my back in bed, with mouth partly open, so that the liner covers my lower lip and the bridge of my nose, and then I put on the mask, being very carful to keep the left and right upper straps the same length, and the left and right lower straps the same length. Then I very gently pull or fold the liner slightly toward my nose bridge in order to get the liner to not touch my eye lashes. After a while we get used to the liner touching the eye lashes a little.

The instructions which come with the liners say to use a new liner every night. I ignore the instructions and am careful to not stretch or pull on the liner, and liners last me about a week or two. One day I may make liners myself, but out of better material which does not stretch out so easily and which is easier to wash and re-use.

When I wash them I zip them in a small laundry mesh bag so they won't get loose and clog the washing machine drain lines. And they need to be steam ironed to become flat again.

Take care,
--- Vaughn

ADDED:
Also, check out this thread (and its links) on masks and controlling leaks.
http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...#pid143999

[jrolli1509]

Unexpected iatrogenic side effect to have hair loss, and while it is little consolation, you are not alone.  3months ago a new sleep medicine MD directed me to pull straps tight to prevent occasional air leaks with ResMed Amara View FF, and now I am discovering crown hair loss with sensitivity and redness.   Dermatoligist stated that it is probably not hair sheering, but follicle irritation which includes demise.  I've worn the Amara View over 10+ years, and conclude it is the recent torque effect.  Bummer.  So less tension, little padding over the head gear, switching to new Evora Full Face, topical homeopathy rosemary essential oil, as all the vitamins are already covered.
I don't like it either, but cognitive fog was worse...so doing the best I can.  Take care.