How to scratch with a mask on!

[Dave W]

OK just thought some might appreciate what I do. i think it might actually be my better half's idea!

Do you have to scratch once your headgear is on? If so are you pulling it off and putting your fingers underneath? Or actually just taking it off? (The is what my sleep dr recommended. Obviously he does;t wear one!)


I use a thin wooden tooth brush! It goes under my pillow in same place every time. I can reach it int he middle of the night. It gently slips under my mask (which is VERY tight) and allows me to reach anywhere under the mask in seconds. Whether I'm touching my nose, my lips, my face, may eyes, whatever voila it's the perfect scratch every time!!

---

[Geer1]

I just pop off one of the magnetic clips and leave mask partially on and scratch with a finger but I imagine it might be tougher for users that require higher pressure than I do.

[David Clark]

YES! I've only been using a machine for about a month but it seems like I'm fine until I put on the mask and then EVERYTHING on my face under the mask itches/tickles and I have to scratch.

[desaturator]

I can certainly see the virtue of a scratching stick although, being as clusmy as I am, I fear I might poke it in my eye. I just poke a finger under the mask.

BW, DS

[Dave W]

YES! I've only been using a machine for about a month  but it seems like I'm fine until I put on the mask and then EVERYTHING on my face under the mask itches/tickles and I have to scratch.

That was exactly how I felt. It was as if as soon as I donned my mask, my face would scratch! Those sensations did diminish over time but took months to go away. Now it's only once or twice per week.

---

I can certainly see the virtue of a scratching stick although, being as clusmy as I am, I fear I might poke it in my eye. I just poke a finger under the mask.

BW, DS

I have a really big nose, lol, and things are tight in there. What I have found is the tooth brush is the perfect implement. I can touch inside my nose, outside my nose, my skin, my eyebrow, just about anywhere with perfect touch.

[SarcasticDave94]

I'm not trying to derail your thread, but I'm curious why you'd put up with a "my mask (which is VERY tight)" situation? This indicates something about your mask isn't at all suited for you. I've used a Philips Amara View, ResMed F20, N30i, P30i, and F30i. All of which didn't fit well and required too tight straps. And the included pain. I switched to a Fisher and Paykel mask and it doesn't require too tight straps to work well. It doesn't matter what mask you choose, but it ought to be comfortable. And when it comes to masks, too tight ain't right.

Anyway your itch scratcher is an interesting trick.

[Dave W]

Hey thanks for the question.

 Well I did experiment and tried the F & P Simplus. The air escape was just too much. Is that what's worked for you??  I'm game for trying another!

[Crimson Nape]

The F&P uses the air pressure to create the seal. Many users will overtighten the mask, which can cause excessive leaks. This is especially true if you try to tighten the upper straps.

[Millstone50]

Briefly take off the hose (FFM) and scratch through the hole

[Dave W]

The F&P uses the air pressure to create the seal.  Many users will overtighten the mask, which can cause excessive leaks.   This is especially true if you try to tighten the upper straps.

Thank you that's EXACTLY what I did.

---

Briefly take off the hose (FFM) and scratch through the hole

I'm not sure what you mean let me look....