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Going into the Beyond... of PAP Therapy

Solutions to The Problem of Mask Marks

Published October 19, 2009 10:00 AM by Kim Curtis
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Mask interfaces are constantly changing. Some of the latest are beginning to take shapes that answer the demands of users.

But for many years, being a PAP user and a woman has not been a good combination. Questions are asked by PAP users and non-PAP users about the telltale marks that masks leave on the faces of nightly users.

Masks that use headgear that comes from the chin are not user-friendly for side to side sleepers.  Some of the covers on the market can help with this nuisance. 

I also have seen some wild solutions to this problem. One lady told me she used hair curlers to combat mask marks. I could not quite grasp how she used her curlers but it was clear after she sent me a picture. She cut the foam curlers she used for her hair and placed the foam side down to keep the mask from leaving marks on the side of her face. I found this solution comical at first and then I was convinced that this was the answer to her problem.

What is your solution? If you have any good pictures or suggestions, please let me know!

posted by Kim Curtis

6 comments
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the comments above refer to problems with facial marks from CPAP masks.  Isn't the problem really a proper fitting mask?  What do you think?

elaine sampson, sleep - registered respiratory care practitioner, kaiser hospital October 29, 2009 11:03 AM
hayward CA

Yes the headgear and the forehead parts can be an issue as well as the bruising on the bridge of the nose.

When patients can find some comfort items for these places they will sleep much more comfortably and increase their compliance.

I have even heard of people who have reactions to the very seal on the interfaces, and some have contact dermatitis on their scalp.

Hopefully the manufacturers are improving the interfaces to improve these issues. No one wants to wake up and wear the tell tale marks on their faces as they go to work.
Karen Moore, Sleep Medicine - Owner, PAD A CHEEK October 23, 2009 9:53 AM
Stanardsville VA

I have a local lady that makes knitted 6 ft tubing covers for the hose. She clames that the condesation that can build up with heated humidifer helps not to collect in the hose.

I have a cpap myself and it works!

I also have a lady that uses her used panyhose for a chin strap.

Veronica, home care - Respiratory therapist October 23, 2009 9:18 AM
Moline IL

One of my patient's gave me this tip and I have been passing it along ever since...Look in the "foot" section of your local pharmacy for a product called "toe bandages" by ProFoot.  They are 4" long cylinder foam padded tubes that can be cut and inserted onto the straps of the mask.  The cost is about $3 or $4 for 3 tubes.  Smaller sections can be cut to go onto the forehead straps or pads.  Works great every time.
Brenda Kaye, Sleep/RT - DME Specialist, Sleep Technologies, Inc October 23, 2009 12:27 AM
Milwaukie OR

on ebay you can buy felt pads with velco ends that fit over the straps.

Or make your own.  3x3 piece of flannel and attached a thin strip of velco to two opposite ends place around the straps.....no marks at all!
Ruth M. Harris, RPSGT October 22, 2009 4:49 PM
Murphy NC

If HEADGEAR is the culprit, or adjustable forehead pieces that have been loosened as much as possible without affecting the fit, I'll have them go to the local drugstore and pick up moleskin used for corn relief etc. They can custom cut it, and double it up as needed. It can be removed when it gets dirty. And it's not terribly expensive. If the moleskin is cut just a little larger than the strap, it reduces the visible lines on the skin.

Wayne Hull, Clinical Sup. - RPSGT, VA Medical Center Sleep Laboratory October 21, 2009 2:54 PM
Omaha NE

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