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

Hi Mona, I use the NeilMed Sinus Rinse bottle. I tried one of the neti pots but found them difficult trying to pour it into the nose with my head over the sink. I can squeeze the bottle gently and normally to one small squeeze in each nostril and then do it a second time. Normally I can get 4 gentle squeezes from the 8 oz bottle. I can be an uncomfortable feeling when you do it the first few times. I just hold my breath when doing it and it normally goes in one nostril and out the other. I also tried one of the battery powered NeilMed Sinus Rinse systems but it did not seal the nostril and was a mess using. The tip of the bottle can be pressed against the nose making a seal so that the rinse goes into the nose and doesn't come back out the same side. Here's the kit I use - https://www.amazon.com/NeilMed-100-Sinus-Rinse-Complete/dp/B000RDZFZ0/

Thank you, John. I’ve got this on order.

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.