cpap question...

hi i am new here, to this forum, not the site.
my name is jill, i was diagnosed with sleep apnea about a month ago, and finally got my cpap a week ago, i am scheduled for surgery the 20th or july. my question is i know they say the cpap takes some getting used to, and i feel like my actual quality of sleep is better but im waking up a lot more in the middle of the night due to not being able to get too comfortable (i was always a stomach sleeper, cant do that with the cpap) but ive also noticed it seems to be taking a toll on my skin, where i wear the mask (i have a mouth and nose mask) i have been breaking out, getting oily skin, is this normal? will my skin ever get used to it?

thanks!

jill

Sleeping in the mask does take some getting used to.  I would wake up and mine would be "just blowing" ON THE FLOOR!!!    Yes, my skin also began to get very oily (already have oily skin) in the area around the mask.  I changed headgear.  I now have the "in the nose" type of mask.  I really like it MUCH BETTER.  I don't have the issues with my skin. 

I have been using CPAP for about 18 months now, the full face mask like what you have.  I have heard, too, that switching to just the nasal mask with the chin-strap helps, but I don't like the thought of something holding my mouth shut.  If you can find the time, you should pop that cushion/seal out of the mask daily, every other day, however often you can, and clean it, but only use Dawn dishwashing liquid.  It will get rid of any oil on it without harming the cushion.  Also, the cushion should be replaced every 6-8 weeks.  Most insurances cover periodic replacement parts.  Also, be diligent with face washing, and make sure you use something that won't dry out your skin too much.

WELL JILL I AM A LONG TIME CPAP PEARSON I HAVE HAD TO WEAR ONE FOR 16 YRS NOW AS FAR AS THE SKIN WELL ITS NOT LIKING WHATS ON IT YOU MIGHT WANT TO SEE YOU CPAP PROVIDER THE RESPITARY THERAPIST CAN MAYBEE GIVE YOU A NASLE MASK AND THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES SO CHECK THEM OUT YOUR SKIN IS PROBLY VERY SENSITIVE YOU MAY BE HAVING A ALERGICE REACTION TO THE LATEX IN THE MASK AS FOR GETTIG USE TO IT I STILL HAVE SOME BAD NIGHTS BUT I HAVE MADE PEACE WITH IT I WANT TO LIVE SO PLEASE WEAR YOUR MASK BUT SOON AS YOU CAN CALL RESPITARY THERAPIST LOL

I have used a cpap for about 3 years now. I have claustrophobia and I have to tell you that I've been fine with the nasal pillows. i learned to sleep with my mouth closed too.
good luck to you - try the pillows - you just might like them better! :D

Hi Jill
I started using  a CPAP about 3 weeks now.  I have been through 2 mask so far. first the nasal pillow I felt like my nose was stopped up all night.  Second one a full face mask and it is braking my nose out.  Did some research on the web and found on that is called a sleepweaver cloth nasal mask.  I'm going to check with the company I get my supplies from and see if I can try it.
Love the CPAPI'm sleeping so much better but can't go around with a rash on my nose. I will keep you posted.

Wendy