Bipap

Specialties Home Health

Published

Does anyone have an idea for preventing facial bruising from a Bipap mask?? It's not too tight but client bruises easily. Is there anything to do and not change the effectiveness of the delivery??:rolleyes:

Specializes in Home Health.

That is a tough one. I can only think of a few things, maybe trying a bit of lambs wool along the edges of the mask. Other than that, all I can suggest is to call the DME co and ask the RT for some input. Maybe a different mask, one with an air cuff around the edge, so perhaps the amoutn of air in the cuff could be decreased slightly? As long as no air leaks.

Please let us know if you find a resolution, so we can put it in our "bag o' tricks."

Thanks, those were some of the ideas that i had. I didn't know if using something under the edges was a good idea, i'm still working on it.

Hi!

Something is causing the brusing and it is not the mask. You need to check meds and dx to find the problem. Is he on blood thinners like Coumadin? I would be concerned and call the MD to report it.

Anne

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Nix the lambswool as fibers could be accidentally aspirated. Is is bruising or redness of the face from the mask seal???

Check out these websites that list various masks, nasal pillows and headgear for an idea of types of products on the market:

Understanding CPAP:

http://www.sleep-breathing.bc.ca/treatme6.htm

Pictures of some mask devices:

http://www.cpapman.com/masks.html

Mask FAQ re problem solving:

http://www.cpap-pro.net/maskfaq.shtml

Hi nursemicke, Thanks for your response. This is a peds case and he's certainly not on coumadin or other meds that would cause bruising. The bruise spots are directly related to the areas of the face where the mask touches. I just hate to see that, it looks like he's been beat up. Of course he was discharged from the hospital with them.On the bridge of his nose is more than a bruise, it's an open area that has to be cleaned and dressed.I've never seen this from bipap/cpap mask. Maybe the answer is that the mask was too tight in the hospital

NRSKaren, you are a wealth of information, thanks for the websites.I've been scarce on the internet lately. Working my little nursy fingers to the bone.It is not a good season for my little ones. RSV,COLLAPSED LUNGS, PNEUMONIA etc. etc. etc. Thanks again

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