anyone else allergic to mask plastic?

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dragonlady

anyone else allergic to mask plastic?

Post by dragonlady » Tue Feb 24, 2009 7:51 pm

Hello everyone,
I am new to this site, but have been a dedicated CPAP user since my sleep study back in 2003.
It's the best thing since sliced bread!!! Has anyone else found that they are allergic to the plastic
on the nasal mask? If so, how did you handle it? I ended up putting thin moleskin directly on the plastic
to keep it from touching my face. It's a pain to do, but it works. I was just curious if anyone came up
with any other approach.
Thanks....in advance.

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bdp522
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Re: anyone else allergic to mask plastic?

Post by bdp522 » Tue Feb 24, 2009 8:00 pm

With my nasal pillow masks I find that a thin coat of Milk of Magnesia on the nares protects the skin well enough to stop the rash. For my UMFF mask, Padacheek made me a 'gasket' that works wonderfully. You can see her stuff at http://www.padacheek.com, she has a bunch of items that make this more comfortable!
It would be a good idea to join the forum. Then go to the user control panel and fill in your profile with what mask and machine you have. You will find lots of useful info here as well as a bunch of helpful people!

Brenda

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ozij
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Re: anyone else allergic to mask plastic?

Post by ozij » Wed Feb 25, 2009 12:42 am

I had an allergic response to the first mask I trialed (nasal mask). I then read a recommendation by a company rep. saying on a chat on Talkaboutsleep: http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/sleep-dis ... hat.htm#63
Justin Crout, Assistant Product Manager in Patient Interface at Respironics wrote:For those with sensitive skin, it is a good idea to soak ANY new mask you use for 30-60 minutes in mild soapy water.
After having red burns on my face from my first nasal mask ( a Respironics) I found the above text, soaked the mask, and have never let any other mask touch my face without a previous soak. Never had those burns either.

Nasal pilows may also irritate your nostrils because the skin on your nostril is rarely touched. Remember how your nose grows red from too much wiping when you have a cold?

O.

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kebsa
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Re: anyone else allergic to mask plastic?

Post by kebsa » Wed Feb 25, 2009 2:38 am

I do remember seeing a product that was basically a thin barrier that you put between the mask and your face but i cannot remember what they were called- anything that puts a bit of a barrier should work- there are some products that are really meant as wound care products that may work too but i have not tried them- there is a product called comfeel thin that is actually meant for use on open wounds but i have wondered if you could use it in reverse- ie stick it on the plastic seal rather than skin- it is very thin flexiable membrane and may work but as i say i have not tried it

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riverdreamer
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Re: anyone else allergic to mask plastic?

Post by riverdreamer » Wed Feb 25, 2009 3:07 am

I was lucky to see oziji's recommendation to soak the mask before using it before I started using my mask. I use some white vinegar, in addition to the mild soap, as I am used to doing that to get lots of chemicals out. I am almost one month in now, and so far have not had any rashes. I have noticed, though, that my inhaled chemical sensitivity levels are up some, even though I haven't had any obvious intolerance to the smell of the mask or the machine after the first night or so.

My plan is to air out any new parts for as long as possible before having to use them. My insurance covers regular replacements that are supposed to be mailed directly to me, which should help on stock piling enough to give them time to off gas.

It depends, though, on whether you are allergic to the substance of the mask, or to the plasticizers, which is what off gases. If it is to the silicone, then you will have to cover the mask, or maybe try a different brand, in hopes their formula for the silicone won't bother you as much.

Be careful of some of the wound care products. Test them out before sticking them to your mask. I had much more reaction to those when I had to use them daily, than I am having to the mask. There are some that are supposed to be less irritating. They would be under surgical supplies. Tegaderm is one brand name, Op-site or Sorba-view 200 may be less reactive. They are very thin, and stick well, but they ARE plastic of some kind, so may not work. Sounds like moleskin would be a better choice, since it is working for you. In fact, I plan to keep it in mind, in case I develop reactions.

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kebsa
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Re: anyone else allergic to mask plastic?

Post by kebsa » Wed Feb 25, 2009 3:14 am

good point about testing the products, i guess i sirt of assumed that those of us who react would test them first- and i know that i have more of a problem with prolonged exposure, i read how people here tape to prevent leaks but i know that it would only be a matter of time before i start to react- solid surgiacl grade silicone (as opposed to liquid forms) are considered to be fairly inert so i suspect that it is products on the surface of the silicone that cause problems

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Pineapple
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Re: anyone else allergic to mask plastic?

Post by Pineapple » Wed Feb 25, 2009 9:52 am

I believe kebsa is referring to these http://www.remzzzs.com/ They are a very lightweight t-shirt knit type of fabric. I found they can be washed a used more than once, but I haven't done an "acid test" on them to see how long they "keep their shape and still be affective" (I'm using them for mask leak issues). I believe Pad-a-Cheeks gaskets are made of a heavier fabric (fleece?) so if she has one for your mask, it might be more cost effective http://www.padacheek.com/. She's a forum member and would be happy to answer any questions you have about her product.

I've also used Milk of Magnesia for rashes caused by tape, I would think it would help with mask plastic. I would be worth a try.