Contact Pressure Sores: 3 Reasons Why You Get Them and What You Can Do

Contact pressure sores are usually associated with those who are bed-ridden, but this painful condition can also happen after using a CPAP mask. Not only is it highly uncomfortable, it can also interfere with your sleep apnea treatment. Today, Advanced Sleep Medicine Services is going to offer three common reasons why contact pressure sores happen—and what you can do to address them:

• Wrong CPAP Headgear Tension.

More often than not, a tight CPAP mask is the cause of pressure sores. When the straps are pulled too taught, it causes your CPAP mask to dig into your skin for seven to eight hours a night. The opposite can also be true, however—straps that aren’t tight enough will cause the CPAP mask to shift throughout the night. It then causes irritation as it rubs against your skin. If you’re having trouble finding the right tension, ask the experts at Advanced Sleep Medicine to help you out.

• The CPAP Mask is Dirty

As you sleep, dirt and oils from your skin build up on the surface of your CPAP mask. If it isn’t washed away, it can eventually cause the skin to become irritated and break down. To remedy this, get into the habit of wiping down the surface of the mask once a day using a damp towel and mild dish detergent, or by using CPAP mask wipes. You should also give the mask a full bath once a week, submerging it soapy water and giving it a good scrub. If all this is too time-consuming, ask us about the SoClean Sanitizing Unit!

• The CPAP Mask is Old

Over time, the cushions on your CPAP mask break down, causing contact between your skin and the edges of the mask. Some models allow you to swap out the old cushions, letting you get more mileage out of your CPAP mask. If it’s time for you to update your CPAP mask, check out the large selection available at Advanced Sleep Medicine.

If you’re still having issues after making these adjustments, reach out to the experts at Advanced Sleep Medicine. We can help you find the best solution to ensure that you get the good night’s sleep you deserve.