Radiation therapy and CPAP mask

Posted by dpost2 @dpost2, Jun 12, 2022

About to start radiation therapy for cancer on my cheek. Concerned my CPAP mask and strap will irritate the skin. Anyone experienced the same and have an alternative mask to recommend?

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Hello @dpost2, Welcome to Connect. I'm assuming you are currently using a full face CPAP mask. If that is the case you may be able to try a nasal pillow mask just to see if it might work. They have some new ones that don't use headgear - https://bleepsleep.com/.

I think your best bet is to discuss your options with your care team or sleep medicine doctor/therapist. Have you shared your questions or concerns with your doctor?

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@johnbishop

Hello @dpost2, Welcome to Connect. I'm assuming you are currently using a full face CPAP mask. If that is the case you may be able to try a nasal pillow mask just to see if it might work. They have some new ones that don't use headgear - https://bleepsleep.com/.

I think your best bet is to discuss your options with your care team or sleep medicine doctor/therapist. Have you shared your questions or concerns with your doctor?

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Hello John,
Actually I use a nasal pillow mask. The mask may be ok, but the strap extends over the area to be treated. I’ll check out the site you forwarded.
As you suggest, I’ll be discussing further with my oncology and sleep medicine teams.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. -

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Did anyone else see the article from Sloan Kettering regarding the immunotherapy drug they are using for rectal cancer patients? It said they used it on 18 patients and all 18 had their cancer reduced or eliminated! I hope this drug can be used for other cancers such as head and neck. This could be a major break through. The name of the drug is dostarlimab. If anyone knows more about this please tell us.

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