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4 Ways To Reduce CPAP Mask Irritation

By : Nick Zacharias | Last modified: August 24, 2020 | Everything CPAPHow to's
feat image mask irritation
reduce cpap irritation en

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…

sizing

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 Apnea Health will help you figure that out.

FREE CPAP Check up
washing face

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.

  • MaskSealer EN2
  • aero mate
  • gecko nose

Another tip is to 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.

Shop CPAP comfort products
Eliminate mask marks eng

3. 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.

We’ve put together useful cleaning kits to give your CPAP equipment the proper care:

cleaning kit grapefruit

Grapefruit Cleaning Kit

$34.99 $39.99

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cleaning kit mint

Mint and Green Tea Cleaning Kit

$34.99 $39.99

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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.

Need more detailed info on cleaning your CPAP?

read clean blog en

Whichever means you decide to use, remember that maintenance and cleaning are critical ways to avoid skin issues.

homme qui dort avec son nouveau masque nasal de Resmed

4. 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.

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Did you know that most insurers cover 1-2 replacement masks a year?

let us help you with insurance claims

Apnea Health 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.

P10 nasal pillow mask from side view

AirFit P10

$95.00$ / $175.00

SHOP NOW
The Brevida Nasal Pillows Mask from Fisher & Paykel

Brevida

$135.00 / $175.00

SHOP NOW
Nasal CPAP Mask

AirFit N20

$125.00$ / $175.00

SHOP NOW
Airfit F20 for him and her

AirFit F20

$195.00 / $275.00$

SHOP NOW

If you’re having trouble with skin irritation or mask leaks, Apnea Health is here to help!  

now two ways en
Tags: Everything CPAP, How to's
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