I’ve used a CPAP since 2007. It has made a great improvement in my life, no complaints.
Recently, as I’ve aged and my hair has become thinner, I’ve discovered that my scalp has a groove running from just above 1 ear across the top of my head to just above the other ear. This is where the forward most CPAP strap rests while in use. Do any of you also have this groove across your head? Heard anything about it, is it a potential medical problem?

Thanks

I've been a CPAP user since 1997. Regardless of the mask type I've used, when I wake up there is an indication of where the mask had been on my face and skull. Within a short time after the morning shower such usage marks fade and then disappear.
Never felt the need to ask a medical provider about it. Reminds me of using a mask when skin diving in my youth. The mask left marks but they too soon disappeared.

Since you are implying your mask use is leaving a permanent mark/groove, you might well elevate this issue to a medical practicioner.

FWIW I currently use a Respironics Dreamwear nasal cushion mask with a ResMed AirSense 10 machine. And yes I'm bald!

I only have a hair dent. I help prevent it by an under armor skull cap and keeping my hair short on top #3 on top every 3 weeks.

I've been a CPAP user for 15 years. Currently use a ResMed Air Sense 10 with a Swift nasal pillow. I sleep on my side and will sometimes have outline indents on the side of my face right when I get up, but they go away after a shower just like bald1 noted. I keep my hair very short (#0 blade at the barber's) and have not noticed any grooves on my scalp, and I tend to keep the straps loose. If you're concerned maybe ask your doc?

CPAP user since 2007. I can't see my scalp, but do wake up with CPAP strap hair. I haven't had it on in 14 hours and don't feel any lines on my melon.

Try a new mask with a different headgear system or use strap pads maybe?

There’s lots of products out there for us that can help.

I use a ResMed F30 mask but was finding the straps were digging into my neck and really irritating it, but I saw a post on a CPAP forum where someone used the headgear from a Philips Amara View (basically the almost identical Philips version of the F30) and it really worked well for them. I tried it and found that due to the wider and softer straps of the Philips, my issues went away.

What mask do you use?

My headgear has the hose on the top. I was getting a dent on the top of my head where the nose connector sits (bald) so I started putting a bandana on before I put on the cpap and go to sleep. I wake up with a faint line above my ears but it goes away pretty quickly.

My wife fashioned a cushioned a Gold Toe sock on the straps that contact the sides and top of my head ...... zero marking and very comfortable. John.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:

What mask do you use?

I use a ResMed AirFit P10 mask and AirSense 10 Respond unit. Started using these last fall. Pretty happy so far.

quote:

Originally posted by JohnDFW:

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:

What mask do you use?

I use a ResMed AirFit P10 mask and AirSense 10 Respond unit. Started using these last fall. Pretty happy so far.

Ok, I looked this one up and it does look like the straps fit pretty tightly which is where your problem lies:



I’d seriously look at the ResMed P30i which uses a top hose design and air tubes instead of a lot of straps and the back strap may not give you as much trouble.

CPAP.com will let you try it for 30 days and if you don’t like it, you can return it but I think this one may work well for you as it’s the same basic nasal pillow design:






AirFit P30i

The Respironics Dreamwear nasal mask with improved headgear with arms is of the same basic design but in my view has advantages over the RedMed P30i which is why I choose it. There are different Dreamwear nasal pillow versions.


The improved strap aka headgear with arms prevents the headgear from riding up the back of your head which was a complaint of the old Dreamwear strap design (below) and what ResMed still uses.


The Dreamwear also comes with a pair of soft flannel wraps that can be placed around the tubing that crosses your checks providing relief from pressure.




These pictures show it with the plain nasal pillow nose piece I prefer. Less intrusive that the nose pillow design (like your Airfit P10) with two nostril inserts for me.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bald1,

JohnDFW,
Did you resolve your problem?