Sore and dry skin.

[chelseauk]

As a Member of the hoseheads for a while now (14 months or so) - i've from time to time really suffered from some skin issues.. - not all the time just sometimes.

1) Around the forehead cushion - i get what almost looks like scaling on the skin.

2) Round the mask seal - itchy and tender.

3) Round the nose, dry sore cracking skin (almost looks like a cold).

I've tried various lotions and potions - but heres what seems to work for me :-

Really make sure the mask is grease free - i use simple wipes for the mask (14months and the mask still works at 14.5 pressure - so it can't be to damaging.

http://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/Simple-Facial-Cleansing-Wipes/15821011?parentContainer=SEARCHsimple

Around the nose i'm using bio oil - been using it for about 1 week and wow it's helped.

http://www.boots.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10052&productId=19765&callingViewName=&langId=-1&catalogId=11051

And as a general barrier when the skin is sore (fore head etc) i use bepanthen nappy rash cream (doesn't seem to effect the mask seal to much).

http://www.bepanthen.co.uk/

(all available at places like boots).

[Andysee]

I can second the use of Bepanthen. I use it every night to stop my nostrils getting sore from the nasal pillows.

Andy

[Jaytee]

If you are getting major problems on the bridge of your nose I can recommend a product called "Granuflex". Cut a small piece to lie along the ridge of your nose, then place the mask over the top. It was recommende to me by the technician at my sleep clinic and I found it to be a fantastic solution.

Maybe James can get some through his numerous contacts

[James @ Intus]

You can get it here for now:

http://www.youreableshop.co.uk/product/granuflex-wound-dressing-pack-of-5-6cm-x-6cm-SU2000/004646.html

If a couple of you (not that I don't believe you Jaytee) like it, we can have a look at stocking it. It's always great to hear of these peripheral type products and it makes perfect sense for us to source them, like the heated hoses etc. Nothing beats real user experiences and recommendations!

[jillybean]

Superdrug sell Vitamin E oil which is fantastic and soothing and yes its oil but it soaks in really fast andyou cant see or feel it.

[James @ Intus]

How's that oil affecting your mask, if at all?

[Tigers Fan]

Google it!

Google gives interesting hits for "hydrocolloid dressing", which is what Granuflex turns out to be.

For info see http://www3.3m.com/catalog/uk/en002/...er/output_html

and for better prices see (for instance) http://www.mobilisdirect.com/p-2340-...5cm-x-5cm.aspx

Or is it, Jaytee, that Granuflex works well because it is thicker?

We are , are we not, talking about those squidgy sticking plasters that are applied to grazes and that go totally yeuky after a few days but promote fast healing without scars? and kids love to press so the yeuk squirts out?

Tigers Fan

[jillybean]

I went to clinic today and my mask was checked ect told Him about using the oil as I have sensitive skin and he said it seemed ok did not seem to have affected the mask seal. Was just told to allow it to soak in before putting on mask. Mask was checked as apparently us Ladies trash the masks by using creams ect LOL

[Jaytee]

Or is it, Jaytee, that Granuflex works well because it is thicker?

It is thicker and sticks well without being difficult to take off. I normally find that the small piece I cut off can be used for two nights running if you stick back on to its original backing between uses.

I've looked at other types of dressings, but it is the padding coupled with the way it sticks that makes things just that bit more comfortable.

[Feather]

i've had dry red patches on either side of my nose for ages because of the mask, i was at the sleep clinic today for my annual check up and the nurse recommended i use vaseline as a barrier and it should heal quickly? anyone else had success this way? i tried sudocrem as a barrier but the nurse said that's probably too dry, i also started using e45 cream but that doesn't help very much either

[badgerno1]

Sore nose and forehead

Try padacheek.com, i had problems with sore nose and forehead whilst using the mirage quatro FF mask, got a nose and forehead protector from Bev at padacheek.com and hey presto no more sores, could not sleep without it now.

Hope this helps

[Kipper]

I found this problem (red sore on forehead) a few weeks ago, after doing some work in the garden. Thought it was just insect bite or sunburn. Glad to see it is really a CPAP mask problem!!! Have been CPAPing for over two years now, and this is the first time my forehead has reacted (my nose did some time ago). As I did not connect it to the mask, I treated it with Germoline - worked a treat with not using the CPAP for a couple of days. As I now know it may come back, will try some of the above remedies/barriers.

[James @ Intus]

Perhaps it only now happened as you caught some sunrays, which may have made the skin sensitive?