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

@lauramh- I had the same problem with a full face mask with leaks so I went to the nasal mask. Started with the F&P Zest for many years then just this last year went to a newer mask by them called Eson 2. I've found that when the cushion is new that for at least a week I get "2 happy green faces" on my Resmed machine, but soon after I start getting mask seal problems. I use their online site to view my progress and generally score on average a 85. I always have perfect scores for more than 7 hrs. and perfect 5's for the other 2, but my seal failure goes from 2 to 18. I had a 98 for about the 7th time the last time I changed the cushion.
In talking with my Respiratory Therapist, he thinks to not put so much weight on the mask seal number as long as my AHI is below 3 which it is often below 1. Hope this helps! Happy Zzzz's! Jim@thankful

Hi! After using a cpap silicone mask for 7 years I suddenly developed an allergy. Tried cloth covers, Remzss, prescription creams....nothing helped. I tried the Airtouch, which did work for me, but I can’t go for more than 1 week without REALLY CLEANING a mask or I get sick. Can’t put Airtouch in the SoClean, and it does NOT get clean by wiping with a baby wipe or cpap wipe. That foam is full of germs. Too expensive for me and my insurance coverage to buy them as often as I need them.
Then I tried CIRCADIENCE cloth mask! My miracle! Most people have trouble getting used to them as they seem to have leaks, initially. Stick with it, figure out how to adjust it....if it leaks by your eyes, pinch the fabric and roll it UP with your thumb. Sometimes I would actually fall asleep pinching the bridge of my nose a tiny bit. As you wear it, the air makes it balloon, sort of, and it fills the contours of your face. It sounds like a lot of trouble, but if you are truly allergic, as I am, keep trying. I think you will find relief. So simple to wash...I do it by hand ... Hold it under running water ( do not put in germy sink). Rinse. Hang on my water bottle to dry 3-4 hrs. Can blast it with hair dryer if in a hurry. Good luck!

Hello @starfish, Welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your story on what has helped you. For those not familiar with the Sleepweaver masks made by Circadiance, here is the link to the styles - https://circadiance.com/sleepweaver/. I'm currently using a full face mask with a CPAP Comfort Cover cloth made for the mask. I was thinking that the Sleepweaver might be my next mask if I have any more trouble with my current AirFit F20.

Thanks again for sharing this great tip for those members that are allergic to silicone masks!

My problem is with the head gear, not the mask. I think the head piece is what's making my scalp itchy as it occurs at night, right under the straps. Has anyone had that problem? I use the nose pillows and my nose (only) does get a little itchy.

@nancyevn, I have the itching problem with the scalp once in awhile but not sure it's my headgear. They do make cloth straps that go around the headgear that may help but I'm not sure. You could also just try a piece of an old tshirt and put it under the headgear. I use a full face mask and it does seem kind of funny when my nose starts itching right after I put the mask on at night and I have to decide to remove and scratch or tough it out. Usually ends up remove the mask and scratch the itch ☺

Hi this is Gizmo I have been using C-pap machine for a couple of months first month was ok, going into second month started having problems. Nose was getting irritated and getting red inside. Then I noticed apneas was were starting to increase I was having trouble breathing through my nose. I am using a nasal mask doctor raised the pressure a couple numbers did help a Little bit than I notice every time I would put the mask on my bp would go high,I would take the mask off bp will go back to normal tried a couple different mask including full face mask same thing would happen and I would always wake-up with brain fog in the morning. Than I tried not using my C-pap machine for two days bp stayed normal and I didnt have brain fog in the mornings
Than I tried using the machine again with a nasal mask and bp shot up within 5 minutes took the mask off and bp went down I know it's something with the mask, will be seeing doctor to see if I am allergic to the silocone in the mask did anyone else have this problem and what did you do to solve the problem

Hi @gizmo1500 -- Welcome to Connect. I'm not allergic to the silicone but I have had issues with several masks and one of the masks I was looking to get was the Sleepweaver Anew (full face mask) which is not made of silicone. I finally found a cloth cover for my mask and that has helped tremendously - no more red CPAP nose and cheeks which I think was coming from the flapping and leaks from being too tight on my face.

Sleepweaver also has a nasal version of the mask which may work for you. It would be interesting to hear what your doctor says about the allergy. Do you use a humidifier with a heated hose? Here's a link to the non silicone masks: https://circadiance.com/sleepweaver/

I am going to try and get the nose pillow you sent the link for. I really do not like using the mask it leaves marks on my fase. Lizard

@goldendoodle, I will be interested to hear how the Sleepweaver mask works for you.

In the past month or so, my nose and surrounding area has become red. I have used a CPAP for years with the same type of mask, with silicone cushions, for most of this time with no such problem. Of the many different styles of masks that I had tried, this one, the under-the-nose DreamWear mask, is the most comfortable. I am looking for a solution.