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

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?

My wife is allergic to silicone. She wears the SleepWeaver Anew, an all-cloth mask, and has no trouble with it. It's available online and from some medical supply stores.

It's really a hassle, since almost all respiratory stuff is made of silicone. We wrap the oxygen tubing in tape to prevent contact.

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?

Justin, I have had my cPAP since October 2012. I developed skin breakdown (bridge of my nose) within a few weeks of using the machine. I tried various solutions, thinking it was probably a pressure from the mask issue. I tried the gel pads, adjusting the mask straps, etc. but nothing seemed to help. I finally came across an ad for RemZZs several years later and in desperation ordered some. I was surprised when the skin sores healed, thinking it was still a pressure issue; I couldn't figure out how such a thin material could provide enough cushioning to relieve the pressure and allow healing. Then it finally clicked that the nose pads on my eyeglasses were also causing skin irritation/breakdown where they came in contact with the skin. Yep, they were made of silicone. Question answered, but no really satisfactory solution. I used the RemZZs until a year or two ago, but they sometimes slipped and were a nuisance because they had to be repositioned every time I removed and replace my mask. I searched cPAP.com for other alternatives and noticed the Silentnight cushions and ordered some. They do have an advantage in that they are adhered to the mask and don't have to be removed/repositioned every time I remove and replace my mask. The problem is the size options are limited (one size fits most--ha!). They do help the skin breakdown on the bridge of the nose, but the opening is too large for my mask (Lady ZestQ) so I still get some skin irritation below my nose since the cushion opening is too large and doesn't cover the lower part of my mask opening.( Note: I also have latex allergy.) I see an allergist regularly and do have a pulmonologist that I see for my sleep apnea, but neither of them has had any suggestions to help resolve the issue. I am managing with the Silentnight nasal cushions, but again they aren't the complete solution. I was just wondering if anyone else is dealing with this issue and how they handled it. Thank you for your help.

Hi, it's 5 years since you wrote your post above. How are you doing?

Yes, I'm having the same problem you have. I'm allergic to silicone. The nurse in the Sleep unit told me I could try a foam mask. So, that's next. I haven't had a good night's sleep since I put on the CPAP unit before bed, 3 weeks ago. I also have a latex allergy.

I have a feeling that you and I aren't alone in our allergies and difficulties with the CPAP experience.

I'm wondering if the "cure" is worse than the "disease." The Inspire product could be next for me, and.....no, I can't imagine doing that. LOL.

It looks like I may have to go in to an informal Sleep Apnea research mode.

I just have a slight allergy which seems to be aggravated by Revlimid.

I always got lightly pink in the mask area. Now I get hot face my nearly everyday.

I'm seriously thinking about quitting the drugs and seeing how my numbers do.

A So called Dr. First Diagnosed my nose redness as roceatia. It wasn't until years later that an allergist said I was allergic to my CPAP mask..
They all.missed the. MGUS and smoldering myeloma

I’ve used a C-Pap for over 5 years. The allergy is relatively new. I’ve used a soclean machine for over 2 years. I often wonder if this has compounded the problem.

Justin, I have had my cPAP since October 2012. I developed skin breakdown (bridge of my nose) within a few weeks of using the machine. I tried various solutions, thinking it was probably a pressure from the mask issue. I tried the gel pads, adjusting the mask straps, etc. but nothing seemed to help. I finally came across an ad for RemZZs several years later and in desperation ordered some. I was surprised when the skin sores healed, thinking it was still a pressure issue; I couldn't figure out how such a thin material could provide enough cushioning to relieve the pressure and allow healing. Then it finally clicked that the nose pads on my eyeglasses were also causing skin irritation/breakdown where they came in contact with the skin. Yep, they were made of silicone. Question answered, but no really satisfactory solution. I used the RemZZs until a year or two ago, but they sometimes slipped and were a nuisance because they had to be repositioned every time I removed and replace my mask. I searched cPAP.com for other alternatives and noticed the Silentnight cushions and ordered some. They do have an advantage in that they are adhered to the mask and don't have to be removed/repositioned every time I remove and replace my mask. The problem is the size options are limited (one size fits most--ha!). They do help the skin breakdown on the bridge of the nose, but the opening is too large for my mask (Lady ZestQ) so I still get some skin irritation below my nose since the cushion opening is too large and doesn't cover the lower part of my mask opening.( Note: I also have latex allergy.) I see an allergist regularly and do have a pulmonologist that I see for my sleep apnea, but neither of them has had any suggestions to help resolve the issue. I am managing with the Silentnight nasal cushions, but again they aren't the complete solution. I was just wondering if anyone else is dealing with this issue and how they handled it. Thank you for your help.