FFM causing flaky, red skin

[eviltim]

So I've been getting along alright with my Quattro Air...but after a couple days of use, the skin where the mask goes over my mouth seems to become a little flaky and red. It's not irritated or anything, but it looks very, very gross. I'm fairly confident it's not an allergic reaction as it is the entire area under the mask and not just where the mask seals. I've tried washing the mask/hose/etc and I always wash my face before putting it on, doesn't seem to make a difference. I've played with my humidifier, I currently have it on 80 degrees and humidity level 4 (Resmed S9). Changing the humidity level any lower or higher seems to cause my nose to plug up though. I've added a padacheek mask liner, which I like but it hasn't fixed the skin problem.

Has anyone experienced anything like this? It's really bumming me out since I finally have the mask leak free and my AHI is pretty good as well. I suppose I'll have to alternate between this and the nasal pillows if I can't get it to work, but those leak like crazy and I don't sleep as well.

[Peter_C]

Well, I tend to drool a bit out of the corners of my mouth, and it gets sore and red. I live on 'Blistex' - basically every morning.

Could this be your case?

[zonk]

Hi eviltim
I was going to suggest a mask liner but as you,re already using one, try lowering humidity setting or set the climate control on auto mode.
You might be experiencing heat rash from temp setting a little too high, maybe the weather or/and bedroom getting warmer

[justMongo]

First guess, humidified air too hot. Suggest you lower the temp.
When my nostrils seem to get plugged during certain seasons, I apply Vasoline in the nostrils with a q-tip.

[PaulaO2]

Another thing to try is a bees wax lotion. If it is pure bees wax (or at least petroleum free), it shouldn't hurt the mask but someone will correct me if I am wrong. It should help prevent the moisture and heat from the mask from hurting your face. It is doing the lower face because that's where gravity takes it.

Another option would be diaper rash cream but not sure it would be good for the mask and it is a pain in the arse (no pun intended) to clean off.

The bees wax helps to prevent moisture issues. When I was a potter, we used a bees wax based lotion to protect our hands since they were immersed in mud all day. Loved the stuff.

[zonk]

If wanted try cloth mask so you know if its an allergic reaction to silicone also check with family doctor as there are other causes to skin irritation

[eviltim]

Well, I tend to drool a bit out of the corners of my mouth, and it gets sore and red. I live on 'Blistex' - basically every morning.

Could this be your case?

Doubtful since it's all over my face including above my lips and on my nose where the mask seals. That would be some pretty serious drool!

First guess, humidified air too hot. Suggest you lower the temp.
When my nostrils seem to get plugged during certain seasons, I apply Vasoline in the nostrils with a q-tip.

I'll give that one a shot. I am scared to mess with the humidifier settings too much since I finally got my airway happy with them.

[SilverSleeper]

So I've been getting along alright with my Quattro Air...but after a couple days of use, the skin where the mask goes over my mouth seems to become a little flaky and red. It's not irritated or anything, but it looks very, very gross. I'm fairly confident it's not an allergic reaction as it is the entire area under the mask and not just where the mask seals. I've tried washing the mask/hose/etc and I always wash my face before putting it on, doesn't seem to make a difference. I've played with my humidifier, I currently have it on 80 degrees and humidity level 4 (Resmed S9). Changing the humidity level any lower or higher seems to cause my nose to plug up though. I've added a padacheek mask liner, which I like but it hasn't fixed the skin problem.

Has anyone experienced anything like this? It's really bumming me out since I finally have the mask leak free and my AHI is pretty good as well. I suppose I'll have to alternate between this and the nasal pillows if I can't get it to work, but those leak like crazy and I don't sleep as well.

Hi eviltim, you probably suffering from Seborrhoeic dermatitis. It's a common, but not harmful, skin disease. I'm having the same problem. Symptoms are a red, dry; oily and flaking skin around the nose, behind or in the ear, hair(dandruff), or even genital region. It's easily treatable with
natural zinc, tea three or selenium creme, otherwise ketoconazole etc.
It's an allergy of natural occurring fungi on your skin. Everybody is having the fungi but your are (at a certain amount) allergic to them. It's mostly occurring when it's getting dry and colder. Turn on the heat of your humidifier, clean your skin with a lotion (to clean off your oily-greasy skin), use some zinc creme and symptoms will disappear quickly.



Otherwise, and maybe better, see a skin doctor.

Because of the pressured air (with cpap) your skin will dry out more easily and make it more vulnerable for that kind of problems.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seborrhoeic_dermatitis

[eviltim]

Ah, that makes sense. I've never had this happen before starting CPAP. Hopefully changing the humidifier settings will fix it.

[vsheline]

Hi eviltim,

Whenever I get a new mask I need to wash it with soap and water a long time (very thoroughly) before first using it.

Even after washing it a lot, I usually get an allergic reaction for about a week.

i think the cause of the problem may be the plastic which the new mask is packaged in. Packaging materials are not necessarily hypoallergenic, and I suspect some of the packaging plastic is getting absorbed into the mask.

Take care,
--- Vaughn