Anyone allergic to CPAP Neoprene harness?

Posted by ngcarper1234 @ngcarper1234, Jul 12, 2023

Just started CPAP therapy with ResMed. Love the quiet machine! Have just no figured out these welts I have close to all the neoprene are not related to any insect bites but have to be the neoprene! i have itchy, raised welts in the areas of the neoprene as well as adjacent areas. They are huge welts and itch terribly. Got my machine about two weeks ago and immediately started with what I thought were bites! Are on my cheeks very badly, back of neck, even on my head. So very exasperated! I have mild-to-moderate sleep apnea and am tempted to just stop treatment all together (or possibly explore an oral appliance but I don’t think Medicare will cover that cost at all)
Any help will be so greatly appreciated!

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 12, 2023

Hello @ngcarper1234, Welcome to Connect. I think you are not alone with the reaction to the CPAP mask. I've had issues with a CPAP nose from the mask pressure on the bridge of my nose but not the rash like allergy reactions. There is another discussion on the topic that has some suggestions from what others have shared that might be helpful.
--- CPAP silicone allergy: Anyone know of other options? Solutions?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cpap-silicone-allergy/

They do have CPAP comfort covers that are cloth covers that fit around the mask to keep the silicone off of the face. They also have wrap around covers for the masks that have tubes on each side of the headgear going to the connector on top of the head.
--- CPAP Comfort Covers: https://cpapcomfortcover.com/
--- Covers for CPAP straps on the headgear: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=covers+for+cpap+straps

I went through many different CPAP masks before I found one that works well for me. Cloth CPAP masks may be another option if you haven't seen them - https://www.circadiance.com/sleepweaver/.

Are you able to talk with your sleep medicine doctor or care team to see if they may have some suggestions?

ngcarper1234 | @ngcarper1234 | Jul 13, 2023

Wow! What great info you provided! Thanks so much!
I’m meeting with my CPAP provider today to look at headgear made with memory foam. I don’t think I am allergic to that since I sleep on a memory foam pillow.
Because I’m a Yankee-Seamstress, last night I sewed sleeves that enclose the neoprene. I handled the mask very little. Unfortunately, my welts and extreme itching came back (I must have handled the neoprene more than I thought!
I’ll definitely check out all the reference sites you mentioned. Thank you again