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

I have also developed an allergy to the silicone in my cpap mask. After about 12-14 days my face became enflamed and sore. I tried using fabric liners but I found them claustrophobic. Today I was given the AirTouch F20 which has a foam part which touches the skin. I’m hoping this will help.

I had a terrible reaction to the silicon nose cushion on my mask. It was so bad that I had oozing sores but my dermatologist said that it wasn’t an allergic reaction and wrote a prescription to treat impetigo. I did some searching for an alternative and discovered, on Amazon, a product called Snugz. It’s a small liner that covers only the nose cushion and is designed to fit it snugly so you hardly know it’s there. It was a wonderful find, a bit pricey for a bit of cotton fabric, but it’s machine washable and lasts a very long time.. I highly recommend it.

Hello @psolo, Welcome to Connect. While I don't have an allergy I really found the silicone uncomfortable on my ResMed AirFit F20 so I talked with my sleep medicine PA and she told me about a cloth cover like you found and it does make a world of difference. I use the CPAP Comfort Cover brand and really love it - https://cpapcomfortcover.com/

Do you mind sharing what you were searching for or what question you were trying to get answered when you found Connect?

After wearing a silicone Cpap mask I developed an allergy to silicone resulting in full blown sneezing, runny nose symptoms that would last for many days even if I stopped using the mask. I use a cloth Sleep Weaver mask but it's not a great fit. Is there a non silicone gel type mask?

Hello @sosonja, Welcome to Connect. We merged your post into an existing discussion on the same topic. If you click the VIEW & REPLY button at the bottom of the email notification, it will take you to this discussion - CPAP silicone allergy: Anyone know of other options? Solutions?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cpap-silicone-allergy/ where you can learn what other members with similar questions have shared their experience and suggestions.

I had thought about trying one of the Circadiance SleepWeaver cloth masks but settled on a CPAP comfort cover for my existing full face ResMed AirFit F20 mask. I don't have a silcone allergy but I do get the proverbal CPAP nose. My Mayo sleep medicine PA recommended a cloth cover for me and I have used one on several different CPAP masks which has worked well for me. I get them from here - https://cpapcomfortcover.com/

They do make gel type CPAP masks. I haven't tried one but have used an AirTouch memory foam type mask but didn't like it but that's just me - https://www.resmed.com/en-us/sleep-apnea/cpap-parts-support/sleep-apnea-full-products-list/cpap-masks/airtouch-f20/.

Some medical supply stores have different masks you can try which is what I did. Do you have a local medical supply store with a sleep therapist that you can talk with and discuss options?

I also have serious skin irritation and sores with the regulate silicone mask. I guess I’ll try the Airtouch.

Welcome @weepnot, You might also want to try the CPAP comfort covers for your mask. They come 2 to a package and are washable. The slip over your current mask --- https://cpapcomfortcover.com/. The ResMed AirTouch is a good mask. I tried one before my AirFit F20 and liked it but you have to be careful with the foam and they recommend replacing them on a monthly basis.

What mask are you using now?

I too have developed a delayed (after 2 years of using cpap) allergy. What is working for me is using the pad from a bandaid and wedging it under the nose pillows where it leaves red peeling skin and recently a blister.
I have tried alvera on the effected area but did not help. I use nasal pillow with the air tube on top of my head which is very quiet and comfortable. I also tried the cloth covers which did not cover enough of the pillow to show improvement.
hope this helps.

Welcome @susie25, Thanks for sharing your experience. I've thought about a nose pillow mask but I'm a mouth breather and currently have a full face mask but I've thought about switching. I use a cloth cover on my ResMed AirFit F20 full face mask but I still end up with the proverbial CPAP nose 🙂. I think it's because I have to have the mask too tight for a good seal.

In the past, I've actually used those Breathe Right nasal strips on top of my nose to see if it would help but they are sometimes difficult to remove and make the nose worse. A simple kids easy to remove bandaid might be another solution. Thanks for your suggestion.

Do you mind sharing how you found Connect?

I did look at the cloth masks but with the tube connecting on the front of the face is to loud and unstable for me. My nasal pillows tube connects on top of my head and is much quieter. I did look at the other options but they did not seem like they would solve my problem.
After looking around the internet I came across this blog. I am finding it very helpful.
Thank you for your response.