CPAP silicone allergy: Anyone know of other options? Solutions?

Hi @goldendoodle, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. What type of mask are you using that causes the inside of your nose to get raw? Is it a nose pillow type? I use a full face mask with silicone cushion but I also have a CPAP Comfort Cover that fits over it between my face and the mask and really helps. I had tried another version of the mask I use a ResMed Air Touch F20 which uses a memory foam mask instead of silicone and it is pretty comfortable and doesn't rub the bridge of my nose.

John

Yes I use the nose pillow. They gave me a cover for the outside of the device so I don’t break out around it, just a very painful scabby n, raw nose. I will call my Dr. on Monday and get what you recommended. I keep thinking I will get used to it. I knew I was allergic to laytex, shellfish, iodine and titanium go figure. Thanks for the help. Happy New Year.

@goldendoodle I don't have any experience with the nose pillow mask type. I'm wondering if other members who use one can offer suggestions. I'm wondering if it might be the wrong size and/or if they come in different sizes. I was able to work with a local medical store where I bought a SoClean machine to clean the mask and tubing and they were great at helping me with fitting issues. Hopefully your doctor can help you come up with something that works for you.

@thankful do you use a nose pillow?

@goldendoodle, @johnbishop- Greetings! John, I noticed goldendoodle's post yesterday and was at a lost about any suggestions?
Your suggestion about adding the comfort cover seems like a good idea if in fact that will work with there selected mask?
Also as you mentioned having one of those medical supply stores that specialize in C-pap supplies is the best solution. Most often they have everything there and will let you try on different masks and I would think have some options available for what goldendoodle is up against. I would try googling that in your area. Hope that helps. Happy Zzzz's! Jim @thankful

Hi Jim @thankful - I think that's a good suggestion for finding a local medical supply store that has a CPAP therapist on staff or someone knowledgeable that can help you find something that works. The CPAP Comfort Cover is only for some full face masks and mine just happens to be one of them.

Back when I was using the Dreamware Full Face mask I was talked out of trying an Amara View because the lady at the store didn't think I would like it. I was having issues with the Dreamware mask and went to the ResMed Air Touch F20 memory foam mask but she also gave me an Air Fit F20 silicone mask - same thing, different material. I found that the silicone mask with the comfort cover worked better but it's been an up and down battle with it for me. I've had some really good AHI numbers for me and then they go back up and I'm not sure why. I don't like the confined feeling when I first put it on at night but I get used to it once I start breathing and relax. I've been debating for the past month on whether to try something else and tonight's the night. I ordered and just received the Amara View full face mask and it feels comfortable to put it on but the proof will be in the next week or so. If my nose was more open and I didn't have a deviated septum I might want to try a nose pillow even though I breath mostly through my mouth. I do think I do it because of the nose always feeling stuffy. Will let you know ☺

Happy Zzzz's!

Well here it is 0 dark thirty and I'm at the computer after dumping the Amara View mask a short while ago and digging out my ResMed Air Fit F20 with a comfort cover. Hate it when this happens. The first night with the new mask was less than what I had hoped for but I got through it - nose was scrunched due to having the mask too tight to stop major leaks. The AHI of 5 for the night was not bad. I found a cloth mask liner that was made for the Amara View and the Dreamware mask that I had a few months ago. I put it on last night and it didn't feel bad. I was able to loosen the mask and it seemed to be working until I woke up and the air I was sucking in felt like it was below zero even with a heated hose and upped settings on the CPAP machine. I think it's due to the "mini" adapter hose - 2 to 3 ft extension hose that attaches between the mask and the heated hose. Getting ready to hit the hay again at 2:45 so we will see how my next 2 hours and 15 minutes goes before my alarm clock goes off and it's time to get up.

Hoping your ZZzzz's are happier than mine right now ☺

@johnbishop I hope you were able to get some good sleep. I do not have sleep apnea but do have frequent problems sleeping. I end up getting up at about 7:30 and then having to return to bed for a nap later in the morning.
JK

Well here it is 0 dark thirty and I'm at the computer after dumping the Amara View mask a short while ago and digging out my ResMed Air Fit F20 with a comfort cover. Hate it when this happens. The first night with the new mask was less than what I had hoped for but I got through it - nose was scrunched due to having the mask too tight to stop major leaks. The AHI of 5 for the night was not bad. I found a cloth mask liner that was made for the Amara View and the Dreamware mask that I had a few months ago. I put it on last night and it didn't feel bad. I was able to loosen the mask and it seemed to be working until I woke up and the air I was sucking in felt like it was below zero even with a heated hose and upped settings on the CPAP machine. I think it's due to the "mini" adapter hose - 2 to 3 ft extension hose that attaches between the mask and the heated hose. Getting ready to hit the hay again at 2:45 so we will see how my next 2 hours and 15 minutes goes before my alarm clock goes off and it's time to get up.

Hoping your ZZzzz's are happier than mine right now ☺

@johnbishop- Sorry to hear about last night! I've noticed many of those newer masks having that short length of hose and wondered why that was necessary? Here's to a better night tonight! Happy Zzzz's John and New Year! Jim @thankful