CPAP mask and facial markings
July 14, 2011 11:29 AM Subscribe
Have you experienced facial discoloration from using CPAP?
Recently, I've noticed a lot of blotchy discoloration on my face. I don't know if it's been there a long time and I wasn't paying attention or is actually new, but on my left cheek in particular almost the whole cheek is spattered with dark pigmentation. It looks like what the TV commercials used to call "age spots," and I'd assume I had just been careless in the sun, except that there is a strip of non-discolored skin with fairly clear, straight edges that exactly matches where the strap of my CPAP mask crosses my cheek.
I'm trying to figure out if this is reversible or something I'm going to have to live with, and I wonder if anyone else has experienced something like this when using CPAP, and if so, what you thought caused it, and what helped?
My insurance won't cover a new mask for about another 5 months. I could get a consultation on mask adjustment, but my experience with that in the past has basically been the person telling me to adjust it so that it feels comfortable and doesn't leak, so I'm not sure how helpful that would be if I need more in-depth guidance. So I thought I'd start here, just to find out if anyone else has ever noticed a similar problem. Perhaps someone has some ideas I could take with me if I go for a consultation.
Recently, I've noticed a lot of blotchy discoloration on my face. I don't know if it's been there a long time and I wasn't paying attention or is actually new, but on my left cheek in particular almost the whole cheek is spattered with dark pigmentation. It looks like what the TV commercials used to call "age spots," and I'd assume I had just been careless in the sun, except that there is a strip of non-discolored skin with fairly clear, straight edges that exactly matches where the strap of my CPAP mask crosses my cheek.
I'm trying to figure out if this is reversible or something I'm going to have to live with, and I wonder if anyone else has experienced something like this when using CPAP, and if so, what you thought caused it, and what helped?
My insurance won't cover a new mask for about another 5 months. I could get a consultation on mask adjustment, but my experience with that in the past has basically been the person telling me to adjust it so that it feels comfortable and doesn't leak, so I'm not sure how helpful that would be if I need more in-depth guidance. So I thought I'd start here, just to find out if anyone else has ever noticed a similar problem. Perhaps someone has some ideas I could take with me if I go for a consultation.
I have not had this experience with my CPAP, though on occasion when straps are two tight have awoken with a temporary marks where the straps hit my face. Not sure what kind of mask you're using but I've only ever used what is essentially a headgear with "nose pillows" (not a full mask that covers my mouth) and I've been incredibly pleased at how noninvasive it is (in the CPAP scheme of things).
posted by donovan at 12:09 PM on July 14, 2011
posted by donovan at 12:09 PM on July 14, 2011
Best answer: Yes. There are two good solutions for you. You can buy soft cloth covers for your mask straps that attach with velcro. These should eliminate the problem unless you're cranking the mask down really tightly on your face. You could even make some if you're crafty.
Another solution is to try a different type of mask. If your insurance company won't cover it, a new mask from cpap.com is about $120 or less. I switched from a nasal mask to a nasal pillow mask and I'm much happer. Cpap.com sells the mask strap covers, too. I have no relation to the company except as a satisfied customer.
Third, try cpaptalk.com as a good forum with a LOT of experienced CPAP users who have deal with all these issues and more.
posted by dudeman at 12:34 PM on July 14, 2011
Another solution is to try a different type of mask. If your insurance company won't cover it, a new mask from cpap.com is about $120 or less. I switched from a nasal mask to a nasal pillow mask and I'm much happer. Cpap.com sells the mask strap covers, too. I have no relation to the company except as a satisfied customer.
Third, try cpaptalk.com as a good forum with a LOT of experienced CPAP users who have deal with all these issues and more.
posted by dudeman at 12:34 PM on July 14, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks, everybody. Dudeman, thank you for the leads. Very helpful! Maybe I can get some tips at cpaptalk about adjusting my mask so it's tight enough without leaking, or a good alternative to try.
posted by not that girl at 12:43 PM on July 14, 2011
posted by not that girl at 12:43 PM on July 14, 2011
Thinking along a different tangent (although the CPAP mask does sound like the most likely suspect), do you use hormonal birth control? I wound up with a melasma on one cheek from birth control pills which (eventually) faded after I'd been off the Pill for some time. The linked page discusses treatments for melasma, in case that's helpful.
posted by Lexica at 1:15 PM on July 14, 2011
posted by Lexica at 1:15 PM on July 14, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by GuyZero at 11:43 AM on July 14, 2011