4 Ways To Reduce CPAP Mask Irritation
While wearing a CPAP mask can dramatically change your life for the better, it can come with some unfortunate side effects to your skin: redness, rashes, sores and chafing are unsightly or even painful problems that sometimes go with the territory.
CPAP users, particularly those new to the treatment, can fall victim to air leaks and rubbing that cause skin irritation. Even seasoned veterans will tell you it can happen from time to time, especially to those with more sensitive skin. Fortunately, there are easy ways to avoid these irritations and get on with enjoying better sleep. Read on for some helpful tips…
Key takeaways
- Most CPAP skin irritation comes from a mask that doesn’t fit right and leaks or rubs — getting the fit and size correct is the first fix.
- Wash your face (ideally an hour before bed) and go easy on bedtime moisturizer so the cushion doesn’t slide.
- Keep your mask clean — daily for the mask, weekly for headgear — using gentle methods only.
- Replace your mask or cushion every 9–12 months; most insurers cover 1–2 replacement masks a year.
Four ways to reduce irritation
1 Size matters
A mask that’s too big or too small can cause skin irritations. If your mask is too tight, it’ll leave indents on your face. If it’s too loose, it can leak air – this makes your mask shift around and rub against your skin, sometimes causing pretty painful sores. Adjusting the tightness of the straps on your CPAP mask at home can help customize your fit.
If strap adjustment isn’t enough to fix the problem, you could try a new mask with a different fit. There are masks out there with minimalist designs and reduced contact points; good ones include the AirFit P10, the Swift Fx, the Brevida, the DreamWear, the AirFit N30i and the AirFit P30i. If you need the coverage of a full face mask but your skin is sensitive, a good option is the Airtouch F20 – instead of silicone, it has an UltraSoft memory foam cushion that’s uniquely comfortable. It can be tough to tell just which mask you need when you’re new at it – but Apnée Santé will help you figure that out.
2 Don’t go to sleep with an oily face
Your face can get pretty oily in the course of a day. Be sure to wash your face with soap and water before putting on your mask, because clean skin will prevent your cushion from sliding around. A mask that moves too much while you sleep will leave red chafing marks on your cheeks. If you can, it’s ideal to do your washing an hour before bed, to avoid transferring products to your mask.
3 Avoid heavy moisturizing at bedtime
If you need to moisturize your face, Aeromate moisturizer and mask sealer helps alleviate chafing. Its non-petroleum, aloe-based formula soothes sensitive skin while providing a seal around the mask. If it’s the bridge of your nose that tends to get irritated, try putting a nasal pad under your mask. The Gecko Nasal Pad is a comfortable, soft strip that goes across the nose to reduce irritation and leaks.
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4 Keep your equipment clean
Cleaning your CPAP mask is important. It helps eliminate bacteria that can cause irritation or infection, and it’s actually easy to do – you can watch Jess’s video to learn best practices for CPAP cleaning. You should avoid scented soaps, and never use alcohol, vinegar, bleach, or over-the-counter antibacterial agents for cleaning, because they’ll dry out your mask. Remember to think of the mask as delicate, like your skin, even if you’re a pretty tough person. We recommend you clean your mask daily, and give your headgear a wash once a week.
Avoid scented soaps, and never use alcohol, vinegar, bleach, or over-the-counter antibacterial agents — they’ll dry out your mask. Treat the mask as delicate, like your skin.
We’ve put together useful cleaning kits to give your CPAP equipment the proper care:
Cleaning kits
If you want to be certain your mask is rid of bacteria, the Lumin is your answer. It uses UV light to kill 99.9% of all bacteria, viruses, and other agents that may cause skin infections. Whichever means you decide to use, remember that maintenance and cleaning are critical ways to avoid skin issues.
Time for a new mask?
If your mask used to fit perfectly, but lately not so much, there’s a good chance it’s time for a replacement. Mask materials wear with time, and just like your toothbrush, it’s important to replace them regularly.
Clear signs that it’s time for a new mask include cracking, dryness or stiffness on the mask or the cushion. Any yellow discolouration on the cushion also means it’s time to go. Generally, if you notice a lot of leaking that wasn’t there when the mask was new, you should probably look into replacement.
Did you know that most insurers cover 1–2 replacement masks a year? Apnée Santé recommends replacing your mask, or at a minimum replacing the cushion, at least once every 9–12 months. If you start to see signs of wear and tear, it’s important you get a new mask right away.
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Still battling mask irritation or leaks?
If you’re having trouble with skin irritation or mask leaks, Apnée Santé is here to help — book a free CPAP check-up and we’ll get your fit right.
Free CPAP check-upFrequently asked questions
Why does my CPAP mask irritate my skin?
Most irritation comes from a mask that doesn’t fit right. Too tight leaves indents; too loose leaks air and lets the mask shift and rub, causing sores. Oily skin, heavy bedtime moisturizer and a worn-out or dirty mask can all make it worse.
How should I clean my CPAP mask?
Clean your mask daily and wash your headgear once a week. Avoid scented soaps, and never use alcohol, vinegar, bleach or over-the-counter antibacterial agents, which dry out the mask. A Lumin UV cleaner kills 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and other agents if you want extra certainty.
How often should I replace my CPAP mask?
Apnée Santé recommends replacing your mask, or at minimum the cushion, at least once every 9–12 months — sooner if you see cracking, dryness, stiffness, yellow discolouration or new leaking. Most insurers cover 1–2 replacement masks a year.
Which CPAP masks are best for sensitive skin?
Masks with minimalist designs and reduced contact points help — good options include the AirFit P10, Swift Fx, Brevida, DreamWear, AirFit N30i and AirFit P30i. If you need a full face mask but have sensitive skin, the AirTouch F20 uses an UltraSoft memory foam cushion instead of silicone.
Apnée Santé provides this online information for education and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published here is not intended to replace a consultation with a physician regarding your medical care.
