I know you are instantly going to say it's too tight. Perhaps this is the case. I'm not sure. It doesn't hurt when I first put it on. I've read the sticky that explains how to adjust masks. I put it on and slightly pull it off my face, let the air blow so the outer silicone seal can blow and seal, lay on my side that I normally sleep on and and wriggle it just a bit to make sure it's comfortable.

My skin is INCREDIBLY sensitive. Not related to the mask (but to give you an idea how sensitive my skin is), I have to go to a dermatologist specifically for the skin above my mouth/below my nose for turning bright red for unknown reasons (like I drank kool aid). Nothing helps it except prescription cream. Back to mask talk....Throughout the night I feel the pain on my face and when I wake up my face is a red mess.  Right under my nose I'm breaking out (I can feel moisture (possibly sweat??? humidity???) around the seal. The bridge of my nose hurts the most right now which is odd because no hard plastic touches it. Gray foam (or whatever it is) rests on it. The foam isn't hard, but it really hurts and irritates my skin. I'm getting a permanent red mark (literally!) on the bridge of my nose. I think a few more nights it may break open, but I'm not sure.

Do you have any suggestions?

Fisher & Paykel Zest Nasal Mask

It sounds to me like you may have an allergy or sensitivity to your mask, especially since you already know your skin is super sensitive. Maybe you should consider a full face mask because of the breaking out. You definitely need to get rid of the pressure on the bridge of your nose. You are probably right that it's going to break open. You do not want to allow that to happen! Have you talked to your DME? How long have you been wearing this mask? If it's less than 30 days you should be able to return it and try something else.
Grandma


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ResMed Quattro Full Face Mask
ResMed S8 Escape with heated humidifier
Pressure set at 11

I am also having trouble finding a mask that does not cause sore red marks around my nose and the bridge of my nose has a permanent red mark on it and I have only had my CPAP for just over one month.  I am on my 4th mask and about to ask for a refitting appt.  My skin does mark very easily but I am trying to avoid the pain (I have a chronic pain condition) and very overt red marks that take hours to go away, if they go away at  all.  I know I won't be able to get rid of them completely but some would be nice.

I am going to ask about a few specific masks when I call for the refitting and I will let you if there is any progress at all.

I've been wearing the mask for just over a week.

The issue lies in this: My doctor is my supplier. I switched my last mask (nasal pillow) almost immediately because I just knew it just wasn't for me (when you know, you know). I like the Zest much better except for this issue obviously. I'm finally getting to where I sleep okay. My doctor's office isn't the most understanding I'm noticing. They gave me a bare bones CPAP so when I discovered that I requested a new one, they very reluctantly wrote a script for a new one from a new supplier. She pretty much told me she wouldn't be able to give me a new mask.

Maybe you can get help from the Fisher and Paykel company. I would ask the doctor again and if she refuses to help you, contact the manufacturer. Is your doctor's office accredited by the Joint Commission? If so, you might want to mention that you are considering filing a complaint with them. That may get you some quick help. Seems to me that if your doctor sees what is happening to your face, she might be more willing to help you. Or you could try the dermatologist. Are there any other DMEs in your area that your insurance company will accept? You do NOT have to use your doctor's office. I had a similar problem with the DME at my clinic being very obnoxious. I found a different DME, informed my doctor, and he had no problem with it. He didn't even act surprised. You don't have to be nasty, just firm.
Good luck.
Grandma


_________________
ResMed Quattro Full Face Mask
ResMed S8 Escape with heated humidifier
Pressure set at 11