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

Wow! I got the Dream Weaver Advance Small yesterday and used it for the first time last night. Wow! It is very light to wear, and comfortable. The head gear is elasticized and if need be, you can just whip it off to do nightly necessities. It goes on very easily, also. I had 100% fit all night, didn't need to get up during the night, and was very comfortable. One time I wondered if the machine was working, and it was - it is really quiet with this mask. The hose lies on my head or mouth, wherever I have it hanging, but it is light, so it wasn't long before I didn't notice it. I expect my allergy problems to disappear, I'm pretty sure my eye swelling is diminished and my eyes are not itchy this morning. I think we have a winner!

That's good news!

I sure think so. I hope this is of help others who might have similar issues going on...

I just want to mention that due to a severe allergy to Silicone I have been having a difficult time finding a mask to help. I also began using the ResMed AirTouch with the memory foam lining but I continued to have difficulty. So I called ResMed and spoke with a representative there. Of course we know that the mask is made of silicone. What I did not know was that the memory foam lining is made from silicone elastomer! No wonder I continued to have skin breakdown with this mask. Not only that but my silicone allergy is appearing to get worse. I have a silicone reaction to most of the lotions I have because they contain dimethicone. So those with silicone allergies, check any lotions or products that are applied onto your skin or are made with any products that end with the letters "cone". I had a severe reaction to the silicone in a heart monitor patch that was horrible. Every exposure is worse than the next.

Good Luck and if anyone knows of a solution for a full face bi-pap mask that is silicone free and does not leak with an increase in air pressure.

mymichelina24

Hi @thesolutionhurt, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for sharing a really good tip. My sleep therapist also shared with me to look for a lotion that is petroleum free to use to hydrate the skin. I think @northerner is using one of these masks. Not sure they have a BiPAP mask but you could contact the company or a local medical store to see.
https://circadiance.com/sleepweaver-anew/#mg
John

Hi back after a week with the Dream Weaver. This mask is really working for me. I did have a bit of concern when the hose occasionally folded the mask over my nose, stopping the airflow. Dream Weaver makes a light hose specifically for the mask and I can see it would be a good item to have. However, I now extend my hose out and lay it in front of me and it has functioned just fine. Dream Weaver does make a nose/mouth model.

Are you a BiPap patient?

No, I just use the nasal masks, they work fine. A hose has been ordered for me, I think this is a very good idea. I'll let you know how that little change up goes for me.

Hello again. My provider won't be getting the Sleep Weaver hoses in (yeah, I finally noticed my error here), and after reading reviews, I decided to just keep on with my regular hose connected to the mask. I am getting more accustomed to the connections I have and incidents of the hose causing the mask to flap over itself are now very infrequent. I hope the Sleep Weaver masks help others as much as I've been helped.

I definately am also allergic to the silicone cushion on the masks. My pulmonologist even said I was. The only thing that I found, besides the cloth liners, was a mask that has a memory foam type cushion that is in direct contact with my skin in Lieu of the silicone. I also have a very small face so finding a mask that is small enough and has a good seal is a challenge. The only drawback(s) are the cost and figuring out how to effectively clean it without compromising the foam cushion. Clorox or antibacterial wipes do not suffice. The caustic properties of them get into the foam pores which then comes in contact with my face. I’ve tried actually washing it with a solution of vinegar and water, then drying it with my hairdryer so it dries and doesn’t breed bacteria. It actually worked. Only down fall was also trying to use my hairdryer to speed up the drying process on my tubing...it eventually melted. I know there are mixed reviews about memory foam type masks, but it is the only type that has not resulted in eczema, red, irritated, dry, and burning skin around the mask seal. After switching, it took about 1-2 weeks for my symptoms from the silicone to fully resolve. Direct contact with a straight silicone mask, even if just for 1-2 hours, immediately recreates the same symptoms from the silicone.