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Sleep Apnea and adjusting to a CPAP machine: Tips?
Sleep Health | Last Active: Aug 16 1:39pm | Replies (180)Comment receiving replies
I have used a cpap machine 10years. I have had mask problems like everyone. My main problem was that I am allergic to silicone mask. I discovered the Resmed Airtouch F20 full mask a few years ago. The F20 has foam seal, therefore the silicone doesn't touch my skin. However, during the last 3 months, the bridge of my nose is highly sensitive due to the use of the mask. Apparently, I have moved during sleep and the silicone area of the mask touched my nose. Another thing that happened last month, I received a mask that leaked excessively. I adjusted the strap and the mask made an indentation on the bridge of my nose. I visited a Technitian at my pulmonary doctor and she tested the mask and decided that the mask was defective. Today, I am going back to my pulmonary doctor's office to try to obtain a different mask that don't cover my face because my nose has not heal. But, as I mentioned I am allergic to silicone. Does any one is allergic to silicone and use silicone mask? I remember reading a post of someone that has similar problems with silicone. That person used some type of cream to help with silicone touching the skin. I'll appreciate any information about this issue.
Replies to "I have used a cpap machine 10years. I have had mask problems like everyone. My main..."
The F20 has a foam seal so the silicone shouldn’t touch your skin but during sleep you move and the silicone area of the mask touches your nose. This results in a sore spot on the bridge of your nose.
@moesilverio, questions about the seal of the CPAP mask, irritation or sore spots on the nose from the mask and silicone allergies are common issues that CPAP wearers ask at the Mayo Clinic Store - Sleep Apnea, where they fit people with masks. Here's information they provided to your concerns:
"A tender spot on the bridge of the nose is usually exacerbated by loosening the mask because it allows for more movement in the mask. If the mask is loose it will cause excessive vibration/rubbing. When this happens your device then sends a signal from the machine 3 times a second to determine what you are doing.
Silicone allergy is not an unheard of issue. Different manufacturers use different chemical makeup for their masks. You may wish to start with a different manufacturer. There are even cloth masks available. At the Flower of Hope, we commonly suggest a different mask with a more supportive cushion and a cloth barrier.
Regarding creams, it’s advised not to use a cream unless prescribed by a dermatologist. Most creams under the pressure of the mask can actually embed under the skin in the vascular bed and cause a bacterial infection making the situation much worse.
Moe, have you looked into a cloth mask? What did you learn from your pulmonary doctor?
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@moesilverio, I tried the Airtouch F20 to replace an AirFit F20 but eventually switched back to the AirFit F20 because the sleep medicine technician told m the foam seal on the Airtouch breaks down easily and only lasts for about 1 month. I don't have a silicone allergy but I do get the CPAP nose which bothered me a lot. I discussed it with my Mayo Sleep medicine tech on my annual follow up appointment and she told me about a CPAP Comfort Cover and gave me their website. I ordered a couple of them and have been using them for the past couple of years. They come 2 to a pack and I wash them in a small laundry bag which makes it easy for cleaning. They make them for a variety of different masks - here's one for the AirFit and AirTouch F20 if you want to see what they look like - https://cpapcomfortcover.com/fits-airfit-and-airtouch-f20-full-face-mask/
For a CPAP skin/nose moisturizer I really like the Roezit brand with the Aloe Vera and Emu oil base. I first found it at my local medical supply store but they don't always have it. The sleep therapist told me the brand really doesn't matter as long as it doesn't contain petroleum based oils. Here's the product details - https://cornermedical.com/product/roezit-dermal-care/ I'm sure any similar cream or moisturizer will work for you.