Mask straps - digging in

[kelly74]

Hello,

I have tried looking in the other threads for an answer for this, but cannot seem to find one.
Basically, my husband is having a few issues with the mask straps digging into his face and leaving big red marks in the morning. He is getting rather self conscious about it now and i wondered if there was anything he can put on the straps to help?
OR - is it possible to put a type of cream/vaseline on? I was not sure about this as i thought it may make them slip?
If anyone has done anything and found a solution i would be really happy to hear...so i can pass it on.
(He sleeps on his back)

Thank you

[Grumpy]

straps too tight?

Try putting the mask on with the straps just tight enough to hold the mask in place. Then turn on the pressure and tighten the straps just enough to stop any leaks.

Make sure you degrease the mask and your face before you start as this helps to prevent the mask from moving about and causing leaks. Tesco Sensitive facial wipes are the cheapest option; don't use ones that contain alcohol as this can attack the silicon.

[Caterpillar]

I had exactly the same problem as your husband when I first started,I was also a back sleeper, and it was all due to over tightening the straps, do as Grumpy has said and you will find it works, or it did for me. I just wash my face with soap and water before going to bed and that also works.
Don't try creams otherwise the mask will be flying of as if its on a ski slope.

[acebass]

If he sleeps on his back, the mask is less likely to move, so the straps could be made looser and the marks will be a lot less apparent

[Sparticus]

Ouch!

It sounds like the straps are far too tight. I dont think it matters what you use to stop them digging in, you could try putting cotton wool on the insides of the straps with some double sided tape but I think you will still have probs. Try lying in your bed in the daytime and spend some time adjusting the straps till they are comfortable, also if its his head rather than his face you could try a night cap(Hat) to stop them rubbing or digging in. Its all trial and error really if you manage to solve the problem then please share for others, hope you solve it.

[symmit]

The marks fade for me after a quick massage with the electric shaver, half an hour after getting up they are gone. The sleepweaver leaves few marks due to its lightness, but if you sleep on your side then it'll leave a big groove on the cheek!

[Barely Awake]

There was a particular mask headgear that no matter how I adjusted it marks were inevitable and became worse. In my case the answer was 'strap cushion covers' which are fleece and come in various lengths and fluffiness. They wrap around the strap and attach to itself with velcro, I found the light ones satisfactory and not as hot as the heavier versions, but each to their own.

[Sparticus]

try one of these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STRAPGUARD-LITES-NO-RED-MARKS-CPAP-BIPAP-SLEEP-APNEA-/370569452622?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5647a91c4e

This is on sale on ebay. Hope this helps

Spart.

[Mentalfog]

These marks can be annoying LOL. I tend to get the dents in my forehead and extra laughlines that stay for at least an hour or two! The strap marks fade quite quickly for me

[jackyk]

never had a problem with strap marks, but just put a new seal on my mask n got an allergic rash on one side of my face arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[swindonstu]

I had the same issue with my first mask, and was told by the hospital staff that if it leaves marks, then it is too tight. If it needs to be that tight to stop leaks, it is the wrong mask. I would suggest your husband goes back to his sleep study nurse and asks for a different one?