Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRight Mask TypeOptimal FitPadding and LinersSleep Changes
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Right Mask Type
Optimal Fit
Padding and Liners
Sleep Changes
Loosening the straps of your mask to avoid face marks or lines when using your CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine isn’t always a good idea. A CPAP mask should fit comfortably, but be tight enough that air doesn’t leak out. Pressure marks on the face are often a consequence of that.
Selecting the right mask style, making you have a proper fit, and using mask pads and liners are just a few things you can try to reduce face marks your CPAP leaves behind while still getting effective treatment.
This article covers strategies you can use to help avoid getting CPAP marks on your face.
Brandon Peters, M.D.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Use the Right Type of Mask
The amount of contact between your face and the mask will determine how likely it is to leave marks.Mask type and size both factor into this.
Mask options generally include:
A smaller mask may be better for you if your current one is leaving face marks or lines.
Speak to your healthcare provider about what options are best for you and if it’s worth switching.
4 Steps to Choosing the Right CPAP Mask for Sleep Apnea
Optimize the Fit
Once you have selected the best size, be sure to check that the mask fits snugly without shifting or gaps.
Ensuring your mask fits properly can help reduce face marks and minimizes air leakage, which may improve the overall quality of the CPAP therapy.
Keep in mind that higher pressures often require a tighter mask, which puts you more at risk of developing CPAP marks and lines on your face.
Speak with yoursleep specialistor healthcare provider if you aren’t sure if your mask fits properly.
If you are prone tobruisingor bleeding easily, or develop sores,ulcers, scarring, roughness, or discoloration where your CPAP mask touches your skin, be sure to speak with your sleep specialist about other CPAP mask options.
How to Avoid CPAP Marks and Lines on Your Face
Use CPAP Mask Padding and Liners
Many masks have padding or covers for the straps. These should be used if you notice marks on your face in the morning.
If you need a little extra padding between the mask and your face, you may have a few additional options, including disposable or washable products, and in some cases, pads or liners that are tailored to fit your particular mask.
Examples include:
Sleep Changes for Avoiding CPAP Marks and Lines
Sleeping on your back may help with CPAP lines or marks, as it reduces the pressure against the mask. To keep your position, you may need to bolster yourself with cushions to prevent rolling.
If you find it difficult to sleep on your back, ask your healthcare provider about a CPAP pillow, which has a special cutout to reduce direct pressure on the mask.
Solve Your CPAP Problems With These Tips
Summary
To help avoid CPAP marks and lines on your face, there are a few things you can do, including selecting the proper mask for your needs, ensuring that it fits properly, and using mask pads and liners.
Making certain sleep adjustments, such as sleeping on your back, or using a CPAP pillow to reduce pressure on the mask may also help.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Alqahtani JS, AlAhmari MD.Evidence based synthesis for prevention of noninvasive ventilation related facial pressure ulcers.Saudi Med J. 2018;39(5):443–452. doi:10.15537/smj.2018.5.22058American Association of Sleep Technologists.Which CPAP mask is best for your patient? Pros and cons of various mask types.Rowland S, Aiyappan V, Hennessy C, et al.Comparing the efficacy, mask leak, patient adherence, and patient preference of three different CPAP interfaces to treat moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea.J Clin Sleep Med. 2018;14(1):101–108. doi:10.5664/jcsm.6892
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Alqahtani JS, AlAhmari MD.Evidence based synthesis for prevention of noninvasive ventilation related facial pressure ulcers.Saudi Med J. 2018;39(5):443–452. doi:10.15537/smj.2018.5.22058American Association of Sleep Technologists.Which CPAP mask is best for your patient? Pros and cons of various mask types.Rowland S, Aiyappan V, Hennessy C, et al.Comparing the efficacy, mask leak, patient adherence, and patient preference of three different CPAP interfaces to treat moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea.J Clin Sleep Med. 2018;14(1):101–108. doi:10.5664/jcsm.6892
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Alqahtani JS, AlAhmari MD.Evidence based synthesis for prevention of noninvasive ventilation related facial pressure ulcers.Saudi Med J. 2018;39(5):443–452. doi:10.15537/smj.2018.5.22058American Association of Sleep Technologists.Which CPAP mask is best for your patient? Pros and cons of various mask types.Rowland S, Aiyappan V, Hennessy C, et al.Comparing the efficacy, mask leak, patient adherence, and patient preference of three different CPAP interfaces to treat moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea.J Clin Sleep Med. 2018;14(1):101–108. doi:10.5664/jcsm.6892
Alqahtani JS, AlAhmari MD.Evidence based synthesis for prevention of noninvasive ventilation related facial pressure ulcers.Saudi Med J. 2018;39(5):443–452. doi:10.15537/smj.2018.5.22058
American Association of Sleep Technologists.Which CPAP mask is best for your patient? Pros and cons of various mask types.
Rowland S, Aiyappan V, Hennessy C, et al.Comparing the efficacy, mask leak, patient adherence, and patient preference of three different CPAP interfaces to treat moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea.J Clin Sleep Med. 2018;14(1):101–108. doi:10.5664/jcsm.6892
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