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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
I also have a silicone allergy. I have been using the SleepWeaver cloth masks. Honestly these don't get as good a seal as other masks, but I've become used to them and they do work most of the time (some nights are better than others!) and no allergic response. My medical supply company will no longer order these, so I'm wondering about the memory foam. In addition to skin irritation I also had congestion with the regular silicone masks so I'm not sure. about having silicone anywhere near my face. Although I'm sure the tubes are full of silicone anyway. It's everywhere!
Replies to "I also have a silicone allergy. I have been using the SleepWeaver cloth masks. Honestly these..."
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Hello @cathaun, Welcome to Connect. I also use a cloth comfort cover on my full face mask and you are right, the seal is not as good but I'm not sure the seal is the most important part of the formula. My Mayo sleep medicine PA shared the website with me and I've been ordering them directly ever since - https://cpapcomfortcover.com/. I have 4 or so and switch them often and hand wash them so they last a long time.
I personally would stay away from memory foam masks. I was using the ResMed F20 full face mask and I tried the F20 AirTouch (memory foam) and stopped using it after a few days. It just was uncomfortable for me but it may be OK for you. The problem is they don't last as long as the normal mask and have to be replaced when you see any sign of deterioration of the foam. More info on the mask here - https://www.resmed.com/en-us/healthcare-professional/products-and-support/masks/airtouch-f20/
I looked at getting the SleepWeaver full face cloth mask but that was around the same time I found the cloth cover which works for the mask I was using. I'm now thinking about seeing if I can get away with using a small nose pillow CPAP mask but I don't think that would work for folks with a silicone allergy.
My sleep medicine doctor wanted me to try and keep my AHI number at 4 or less and right now I've been running at 1 to 2.5 or slightly higher a night even with a mask that doesn't seal that great. Do you mind sharing what kind of AHI numbers you normally get with your SleepWeaver mask?