How to Treat CPAP Pressure Sores

CPAP masks create a seal against your skin that allows pressured air to keep your upper airway open Trusted Source MSD Manuals First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source . This contact can sometimes cause skin irritation and sores on your nose and cheeks Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source . Your CPAP mask may cover your mouth and nose (full-face mask) or just your nose, but either kind can cause this side effect. 

Both the straps of the headgear and the mask itself can cause CPAP mask pressure sores from compression, friction Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source , and trapped moisture Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

Contact dermatitis (skin irritation and inflammation) Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and pressure ulcers (sores) from CPAP equipment can make it more difficult to use your CPAP every night Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , which can affect how well the therapy treats your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . 

Below, learn how to properly treat CPAP pressure sores so you can breathe well all night long.

Causes of CPAP Pressure Sores

To get enough pressure into your airway and avoid air leaks, a CPAP mask needs to be sufficiently tightened to seal Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . But if your straps are too snug Trusted Source eMedicine View Source , they can compress tiny blood vessels in your skin (capillaries), making them unable to deliver oxygen and remove waste. This can make the skin more easily irritated and may even cause skin breakdown and pressure sores Trusted Source Medscape Medscape is on online destination for healthcare professionals worldwide, offering expert perspectives, drug and disease information, and professional education. View Source . 

In addition to a tight mask, too much moisture trapped against the skin and under the plastic or fabric of the mask can speed up skin breakdown and worsen pressure sores. Excess dryness can also be a problem if it causes dermatitis and skin irritation. Your provider can help you balance the device’s humidity levels for optimal skin health and airway comfort.

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How to Treat CPAP Pressure Sores

To treat CPAP pressure sores, you need to lessen compression, treat the wound, manage pain, and prevent infection.

Reduce Pressure

With your provider’s help, you can adjust your mask straps to make sure they aren’t too tight but still tight enough to prevent air leaks. If that doesn’t work, your provider may recommend a different type of mask. Both size and style may be important changes. As a general rule, it is best to use the smallest mask that you can get away with, most people preferring a simple nasal mask (such as nasal pillows) over a full-face mask. Once the pressure against the skin eases up, it can begin to heal.

Clean the Wound

Wounds heal best when you keep them clean Trusted Source Medscape Medscape is on online destination for healthcare professionals worldwide, offering expert perspectives, drug and disease information, and professional education. View Source , and failing to address this need can lead to infection. If a CPAP pressure sore gets infected, the area around it may look red, feel warm, be more painful, and you may have a fever or notice green or yellow pus draining from the wound Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source .

To clean a pressure injury from your mask, wash the area with mild soap and water Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source at least once a day.

Manage Pain

Pressure sores can get painful, and if discomfort stops you from using your CPAP every night, let your healthcare provider know. They may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).

Ask About Moisturizers

The balance of moisture around your CPAP mask can either help mend sores or make them worse. Your provider may recommend mask-friendly moisturizer options for contact dermatitis caused by dry skin and air leaks. But if a wound already exists, excessive moisture can aggravate it, so always ask your provider before trying any new facial moisturizer with your CPAP. Petroleum-based products may dissolve the materials of the mask over time, worsening leak.

How to Prevent CPAP Pressure Sores

You can prevent CPAP pressure sores by optimizing mask size, type, and tightness Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , keeping your mask clean, and using protective devices.

Try Nasal Pillows

Nasal pillows look like two rubber cones that you place directly into each nostril. Compared to a nasal mask, which covers the entire nose, this option can prevent excessive pressure on the bridge of your nose — a common spot for CPAP pressure ulcers Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source . Be mindful that pressure against the inside of the nostril may also lead to a sore.

Use a Mask Liner

For an extra layer of protection between your mask and face, you can try using CPAP mask liners. These accessories can be placed around the mask, and plenty of options are available in comfortable materials, including cotton and foam.

Keep Your Mask Clean

Each mask will come with instructions on how to clean it, but you can typically wash them in soapy water, then hang them up to air dry. For visible grime, first wipe it clean with a soft cloth and let it soak before washing and drying.

It’s best to replace your mask about every three months Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and clean it at least once a week. Make sure to let it dry completely before using it again. If drying time becomes an issue, you can alternate between two masks.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice redness that doesn’t go away or an open sore where your CPAP mask rests, tell your doctor about it. They can advise you on how to treat it and help you adjust your mask tightness so it can heal. Tell your provider right away if you notice redness and warmth spreading out from the injury, pus coming from the wound, increasing pain, or fever.

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