How to get rid of CPAP marks on my face

One of the more prevalent challenges when it comes to therapy is the mark it leaves on your face. Not only are the marks embarrassing, but they can also be a sign that your mask isn’t fitting properly or the headgear straps have been overtightened.

The easiest place to start is rechecking both your mask fit and your headgear tension. The mask should be secure, but not uncomfortably tight, against your face. After you’ve confirmed the mask fits comfortably, it’s time to check the headgear straps, which are typically the most common problem as they are often overtightened. Adjusting and readjusting the headgear tension can take a little while but should resolve the problem. However, if the headgear tension feels right, you can try placing a heavy flannel material between the side straps and your face to help minimize strap marks.

Another option is to try a different type of mask. If you are using either a full face or nasal mask, you may want to try a nasal pillow, which fits just under the nose and doesn’t rest on the face in the same way the other two masks do. If you haven’t tried a nasal pillow before, it’s definitely worth speaking with your doctor or medical supplier to see if this is a viable option. But, if you are a mouth breather, the nasal pillow may not be an option since it may decrease the effectiveness of your therapy.

It may take a little time and effort to get everything fitting just right, but it will be worth it when you wake without any marks!

This blog post contains general information about medical conditions and potential treatments. It is not medical advice. If you have any medical questions, please consult your doctor.