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CPAP silicone allergy: Anyone know of other options? Solutions?
Sleep Health | Last Active: Apr 3 2:14pm | Replies (168)Comment receiving replies
Hi. I am new to using a CPAP machine and I came across this site when googling how to tell if you have a skin allergy to your CPAP mask. I just started using a ResMed Air Fit F20 mask about a month ago. I have noticed that I wake up with strap marks each morning. That is annoying, but not as bad as the other problem I've started noticing. I keep waking up with tiny bumps in the general vicinity of the air mask. I thought they were pimples, but this morning I have a bump on my right cheek that itches like the Dickens and appears to be fluid filled, but not a pimple. I don't think it is a matter of keeping the mask clean as I have been pretty diligent in cleaning it. I do have extremely sensitive skin. What can I do?
Replies to "Hi. I am new to using a CPAP machine and I came across this site when..."
My wife somewhat continuously had perioral dermatitis (literally inflammation of skin around the mouth) until she changed her mask to a cloth mask. This appeared as raised bumps. Hers wasn't itchy, but any allergic response certainly could be.
Hello @larkspur725, With all of my previous masks I had the CPAP nose - big sore spot on the bridge. It wasn't an allergy which I know some people have. I recently switched to the ResMed AirTouch F20 mask which has memory foam edges and is quite comfortable and took care of my sore nose. When I switched the medical store gave me a sample AirFit F20 mask because they use the same frame and headgear and I wasn't sure about the memory foam mask because I've read they only last about a month. The lady at the store said she wipes hers every day with a CPAP wipe since you cannot wash the memory foam mask with soap and water as it destroys the foam. So I faithfully wiped mine with a non alcohol CPAP wipe each morning and put it in the SoClean machine to sanitize it. That was a little over a month ago. The AirTouch mask was pretty awesome for about 3 weeks and I noticed my AHI number getting a little higher so I decided to test my AirFit F20. I had purchased a CPAP full face mask comfort cover which keeps the silicon off of my face and nose and it has been as good if not better than the AirTouch F20 mask. It has been a week wearing it so I washed it in cold water this morning and dried it off and will use the backup comfort cover this evening and for the next week and keep rotating it that way. They sell 2 to a package for $35 - spendy but not bad if they last for 6 months or so by hand washing. They are made of a soft knitted material in the USA. Here's a link to the company that sells them:
-- https://cpapcomfortcover.com/
So I would try a mask cover to see if it helps. The memory foam is also a good choice but I was just not sure about how long they last.
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Hello, @larkspur725. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. May I suggest that if you click on VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the whole discussion and can join in, meet, and participate with other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.
Sounds like the tiny bumps and their itching are challenging.
Hoping that members like @mamacita @macjane @tinybeads2004 @rooster53 @steventomer @techi and others in this discussion on CPAP and allergy may have some input for you on these bumps developing in the vicinity of the mask. I'd also like to invite @johnbishop and @thankful to join in for their thoughts.
Has you doctor who prescribed the CPAP about these bumps weighed in about what may be causing this problem, @larkspur725?