CPAP Supply USA Community

I'm allergic to my CPap mask, bandaid tape and other latex products.

It burns & sometimes blisters my face. We have gone to our supplier and asked about an alternative mask type. They were of no assistance.

I have tried placing Hankies over my face then putting on the mask. It helps my skin somewhat, but hampers breathing defeating the purpose.

We have cut moleskin, and tried fitting to the mask where it touches face. More trouble than it's worth. Any suggestions or ideas?

Surely others have the same problem?

Thank you for contacting CPAP SUPPLY USA.COM

Most masks are now hypoallergenic and made of silicone not latex.  However some people with sensitive skin may have a reaction with any type mask.  Always wash your mask(daily) in a mild soap.  You may want to try baby shampoo.  Also if possible avoid putting facial cremes on your face at bed time.  Sometimes the lotions and cremes will react with the mask. 

If you do not need a full face mask, you can try nasal pillows as these keep almost everything off  your face with the exception of the nasal pillows.  Example the Fisher/Paykel Opus or the Resmed Swift L/T.

Another help may be to try the aloe gel especially made for CPAP users.  This is sold on our website.

I hope these suggestions will help.

Debbie Shirley,RRT

Lyle, you might want to look into RemZzzs CPAP mask liners. We've had a very high success rate with patients who have issues with allergic reaction to the silicone (or the particular mixture of compounds). Most of the people who have used RemZzzs for issues related to skin erosion and breakdown have found almost complete relief. You can read about some of these folks on our site under the "Real Stories" section. Hope this helps.

Nathan

 usually the problems with redness and irritation on the full mask is due to improper positioning and adjustment of the mask and headgear.  make sure the fits at the top right about where a pair of glasses would sit right where the nose bends to come away from your face.  the bottom of the mask should fit just below the lower lip in the valley between the lip and chin.  the headgear has an upside triangle shaped hole and that hole should fit over the crown of the head so the round of the head fits through the hole a bit.  this stabilizes the mask so it doesn't move around on the face and it allows the seal to properly inflate so it floats better on the face.   adjust eht forehead adjustment to the farthest point you can away from  the face without getting leaks on the mask.  also always adjust the mask on full pressure and then turn on your ramp if you use a ramp feature.   good luck.  i have also had a great deal of success so far with the new Respironics brand Fit Life .