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

Posted by SanibelSandy @sanibelsandy, May 6, 2017

I apparently have developed an allergy to silicone, which creates problems with my cPAP mask since they all seem to be made of silicone. Anyone know of other options? Solutions? I do use a barrier (Silent Night, RemZZs) but at times they slip and I end up with skin break-down.

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mike3030 | @mike3030 | Jan 22, 2019

Where can I find a coach head gear and mask
I was Recently diagnosed with allergies to elastic

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 22, 2019

In reply to @mike3030 "Where can I find a coach head gear and mask I was Recently diagnosed with allergies..." + (show)

Hello @mike3030, welcome to Connect. I'm not sure I've seen or heard of any non-elastic head gear and mask. Do you have any local Medical Supply stores that sell CPAP equipment? Most of them have sleep therapist that may be able to help you find something that works for you. Also your sleep medicine doctor may be able to help.

Is coach a brand name for head gear and masks?

mike3030 | @mike3030 | Jan 22, 2019

I need help I was recently diagnosed with
allergies to elastic which my CPAP is made up from
What else is available

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 22, 2019

In reply to @mike3030 "I need help I was recently diagnosed with allergies to elastic which my CPAP is made..." + (show)

@mike3030 depending on your type of CPAP mask there are mask liners that will fit between your face and the mask to help with allergies. Your best bet is to contact your sleep medicine doctor or a local medical suppy store and see what alternatives may be better for you. What brand/model CPAP mask do you currently have?

northerner | @northerner | Jan 22, 2019

In reply to @johnbishop "Hi @northerner, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I've been using CPAP since last July and have..." + (show)

I am concerned about having silicone anywhere near my face now. When I was using the first two masks, (nasal Dreamwear and nasal pillows), I added cloth barriers, but the reaction still continued. I just spotted Sleep Weaver online, the Advance Nasal and Elan models online. These look like they have some potential. Are you familiar with them? I will add more cloth barriers to my AirFit20, meanwhile.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 22, 2019

In reply to @northerner "I am concerned about having silicone anywhere near my face now. When I was using the..." + (show)

@northerner I am not familiar with the Sleepweaver mask but their website looks like it might be a promising fit for a lot of folks having difficulties with silicone masks. The only thing that I would miss with this one is easy on and off once you have it adjusted. I like the magnetic clips on each side. This one I think would require you to adjust it every time you take it off and put it back on (thinking about my old person trips to the bathroom at night ☺).
https://circadiance.com/sleepweaver-anew/#mg

northerner | @northerner | Jan 22, 2019

In reply to @johnbishop "@northerner I am not familiar with the Sleepweaver mask but their website looks like it might..." + (show)

I've called the supply company and they are pursuing this for me. Honestly, my reaction to silicone has been so intense, I'll take the constant adjustments! I'll report back when I've given this a try, assuming it happens. And for the nighttime trips, I can do those with my eyes shut. Must be our long winter nights...

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 22, 2019

In reply to @northerner "I've called the supply company and they are pursuing this for me. Honestly, my reaction to..." + (show)

It would be great to hear how it goes when you receive the new mask. The video on their website shows tips for adjusting the mask and it doesn't look too bad. I'm sure it's comfortable once you get it setup.