Tincture of Benzoine vs. Scuba Mask Gook

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:05 am

Anyone out there using these products daily?

I get along great with the nasal pillows and tape. However, I've been exploring the FF option. I simply want something to use if I'm congested or my nose is sore.

The UMFF did not work for me, because it just put too much pressure on my jaw. Other than that, its a great mask, and I think all FFs should have its forehead to nose adjustment feature.

I am now trying the HC431. It too is a very nice mask. However, I am fighting very small leaks, and as you know when one of these leaks hit your eye, a small leak becomes a big problem. Therefore, I am going to try the Benzoine or the scuba mask seal, or maybe both. So, I'm asking you:
A)_Which of the two subject products do you use?
B)_What is your routine with these products?
__When do you apply the product?
__How much to you use?
__Do you put it on the face or the mask? Or both?
__etc.etc..

I'm asking anyone who has experience with one or both of these products to offer their suggestions..

Thank You,
JRS (aka: oldgearhead)

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 11:12 am

..sorry, I forgot to sign in..

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 3:45 pm

..anyone..

MandoJohnny · Post by **MandoJohnny** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 8:09 pm

I have experience with Benzoin for other uses. I would never use it on CPAP equipment or anywhere near my face. It is a strong aromatic and it has a callousing effect on skin. There is no telling what effect it might have on the equipment or on you.

I am a scuba diver, but I have never heard of any goop to use on scuba masks. Scuba masks, like CPAP masks, should just fit right without any kind of goop.

I would just find a mask that fits better.

Tn-Ken · Post by **Tn-Ken** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 6:59 pm

Hi - here are some thoughts about this stuff.

I've been using Benzoine very lightly on the nostril (with the CL2) careful to not get it into the interior (for reasons below). When I use it like and let it dry before putting on the mask it's just absolutely wonderful. This stuff is very benign and in over two months of steady use I see no problems at all.

The reason that I'm careful to not apply it to the interior of the nostril has to do with how the pillows need to "slide" into the nostril for about 1/2 inch. If there's benzoine there then they just can't slide easily and one gets all sorts of leaks.

A very small amount of bag-balm applied to the exterior of this portion of the pillow and turning on the machine before I put on the mask makes getting the mask into place a 2-second job literally.

Also - when one reads about Tincture of Benzoine you'll find that it's actually used for some pulmonary diseases so breathing tiny bits of it are just not a problem and the smell (when applied with a q-tip) is almost nothing.

Hope this helps.
Ken

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:52 pm

My sentiments mirror those of Tn-Ken.

I don't bother (never tried) to let the tincture of Benzoin dry prior to putting on my CL2 direct seal. I also apply a light coating to SURFACE of mini-mask, either w/my finger or a Q-Tip...I figure I'm not wasting as much if I use my finger.

This is NOT a 'plug', but I had my ComfortSleeve off for 2 nights when I used it as a guide for making the final version...after those 2 nights, I developed a red rash, mainly on on side of cheek, where the mask had been. I can only think that maybe the constant moisture, combined with the tincture, plus sensitive skin caused that. I switched to the nostril parts for a few nights while it cleared. Maybe someone knows the actual cause?

I have also tried the 'Marine Mask Seal" (keep the tube in the refrigerator), and it's a 'loser' compared to the tincture (compound) of Benzoin!

I wouldn't go to bed without it, ha ha.

Kathleen

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 9:28 pm

So are you saying it comes as a compound and a liquid?

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 12:53 am

Linda3032 wrote:So are you saying it comes as a compound and a liquid?

Linda, it's actually a liquid compound. The label reads: "Compound Benzoin Tincture" (topical protectant). The contents are: 77% alcohol (by volume), Aloe, Benzoin, Storax and Tolu Balsam. Hmmmm Sounds more like a mixture more than a "compound", if I remember my HS chemistry, ha ha.
Kathleen

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 4:40 am

Its also available in pre-moistened swabs. I'm looking at a package that
reads:
PDI - External Use Only
Compound Benzoin Tincture, U.S.P, 10% Swabstick, 77% alcohol;
Use: For a topical protectant.
Directions: Apply to desired skin area as needed. Discard after single use.

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 4:55 am

oldgearhead,

Where did you get the swabs?

I purchased my (dusty) 2 fl oz bottle from (dusty) shelf that pharmacist found for me. $2.16, so I'm sure it was old stock, but it works fine.

I've ordered more from another drug store (just more convenient place), and it's been two weeks = "...problems getting it...hasn't come in yet". I think I'll go back to the competitor.

Mine was made by Cumberland SWAN of Smyrna TN; I know there are supposedly a lot of sources, from what I was told at the 2nd drug store, but no luck online - yet.

Thanks for your info!

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 6:10 am

Off - I found several on-line sources for it. The most notable being
Amazon...However, a 4oz bottle sell for about $10.50 (Ruger Chemical), but shipping is free if your order is for $25.00 or more.

Important: Leave the 'e' off. Its Tincture of Benzoin.

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 6:16 am

Ooops! I forgot to answewr your question. The swabs are available at comhttp://www.iMed.com

Tn-Ken · Post by **Tn-Ken** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 6:35 am

I got mine (by special order) in two days from Walgreens - paid less than $4 for what looks like a life-time supply.

Benzoin - Benzoine
Potato - Potatoe - remember Dan Quayle? - love it.

Ken

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 9:14 am

got mine at walgreens had to order one day got the next day .the name on it is humco made in texarkana,texas. 2 fl.ozs.about $5

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 9:26 am

Is anyone using the Tincture of Benzoin with a full-face mask? If so, do you apply it to the face or the mask? Do you let it dry before putting on the mask?

I almost forgot (again), the swabs can also be found on eBay.

Tincture of Benzoine vs. Scuba Mask Gook

Tincture of Benzoine vs. Scuba Mask Gook

Tincture of Benzoin (compound)