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

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.

you are NOT alone.....I too am having the same issue with no resolution
My pulmonary dr says he's never had anyone with this issue and my dermatologist has not been able to resolve. Thinking allergist is next, I know I have Latex allergy.