Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

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VikingGnome
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Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

Post by VikingGnome » Tue May 15, 2012 12:23 pm

My RT from 12 years ago when I first started CPAP told me to buy 100% Aloe Vera Gel (beauty dept at Wal-Mart). To apply to my face thinly and let dry before putting on my mask. She said it was safe to silicone and it made the mask seal better and not leak. I used to use it years back. Has anyone tried it? My leaks are minimal but I think I'll go buy a bottle and try it again.

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Suzjohnson
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Re: Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

Post by Suzjohnson » Tue May 15, 2012 12:30 pm

What a good idea! Let us know what you think after trying it. It does leave a kind of sticky residue so I can see how it might help.

Suz

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VikingGnome
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Re: Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

Post by VikingGnome » Fri May 18, 2012 12:28 pm

Found a bottle of 100% Aloe Vera Gel at Wal-Mart on the bottom shelf below hand lotion. Put a very thin layer on my face and used the blow dryer to quickly dry it. Then put on my mask. What a difference. I wasn't constantly adjusting my mask when I first settled into bed. My leaks on SleepyHead are better (still have mouth leaks during REM). But the gel really works to help seal the mask to your face. And in the morning, my face feels so soft. With CPAP we can't wear any kind of lotion on our face but Aloe Vera Gel is one thing you can put on your face with beauty and CPAP benefits.

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Last edited by VikingGnome on Fri May 18, 2012 2:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Suzjohnson
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Re: Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

Post by Suzjohnson » Fri May 18, 2012 12:56 pm

That's great news! I will put it on my grocery list. I've got a good sized bottle of the aloe vera juice that I squirt on kitchen burns and sunburns but it's been in the cupboard unused for a long time and has some strange things floating around at the bottom of the bottle. Eewwww!

Suz

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chunkyfrog
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Re: Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

Post by chunkyfrog » Fri May 18, 2012 1:55 pm

I think I'll try that, too.
I don't think I can use the current one, as it contains benzocaine, or something like that for burns.

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VikingGnome
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Re: Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

Post by VikingGnome » Fri May 18, 2012 2:45 pm

You want 100% Aloe Vera GEL. Not juice. Nothing added. It is clear jelly-like and cost about $3 at Wal-Mart. I meant thin layer on my face. My typo could be misunderstood as thick.

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chearyshe
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Re: Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

Post by chearyshe » Sat May 19, 2012 9:00 am

Nice idea.....I'll try it tonight. My friend gave me aloe vera gel because she knows that I burn myself while baking-I'm clumsy!
I've got aloe plants in my garden. you can't get purer than that. Do you think that would work?I guess I'll try that too.

cheary!

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Chuck Connors
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Re: Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

Post by Chuck Connors » Sat May 19, 2012 10:30 pm

VikingGnome wrote:Found a bottle of 100% Aloe Vera Gel at Wal-Mart on the bottom shelf below hand lotion. Put a very thin layer on my face and used the blow dryer to quickly dry it. Then put on my mask. What a difference. I wasn't constantly adjusting my mask when I first settled into bed. My leaks on SleepyHead are better (still have mouth leaks during REM). But the gel really works to help seal the mask to your face. And in the morning, my face feels so soft. With CPAP we can't wear any kind of lotion on our face but Aloe Vera Gel is one thing you can put on your face with beauty and CPAP benefits.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

VikingGnome: I'd be curious to know what your average leak rate is.

Thank you.

-Chuck-

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VikingGnome
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Re: Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

Post by VikingGnome » Sat May 19, 2012 10:56 pm

Leak Rate......Min.....Med.....95%.....Max
Before..........0.00....3.60....30.00...163.20 (last night without)
After............0.00...4.80.....24.00....33.60 (2nd night with)

Average over last 30 days = 4.47
I've only used the Aloe Vera Gel for 2 nights so an avg isn't very meaningful
Also, I use a nasal mask so my leaks are not very bad anyway

As you can see, my leaks corrolate pretty much with flow limitations. So when flow is cut, I mouth breathe (leaks). But I also have leaks WITHOUT flow limitation. I do talk in my sleep during REM.


Image

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chearyshe
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Re: Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

Post by chearyshe » Sun May 20, 2012 7:51 am

Yup.....I tried the aloe vera last night....it was good. It was cool on my face before it dried and gave a good seal. I have no idea how long I slept with the mask on but I sort of remember "Sahara Desert Mouth" and the mask was by my side when I awoke.

ShadowPianoman
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Re: Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

Post by ShadowPianoman » Sun Sep 09, 2012 1:53 pm

I remember reading this post and while in the local superstore picked up some Aloe Vera and thought I'd give it a try. Wow, what a difference. Last night was my second night using the gel and I've noticed both nights I've woken up with the mask on. As soon as I put on my mask there's no constant fussing with it to get it 'just right'. My wife noticed too as she could go to bed as soon as we both laid down. I might have to adjust the mask after I lay on the pillow in case the pillow shifts the mask, but that's it. I could tell right away the first night it was working. Thanks for the advice.

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Sir NoddinOff
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Re: Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

Post by Sir NoddinOff » Sun Sep 09, 2012 4:18 pm

Suzjohnson wrote:That's great news! I will put it on my grocery list. I've got a good sized bottle of the aloe vera juice that I squirt on kitchen burns and sunburns but it's been in the cupboard unused for a long time and has some strange things floating around at the bottom of the bottle. Eewwww!
Suz
I'd be interested in hearing back about it's use with nasal pillows. Get back to us on that please, Suz Well, maybe get a new bottle first!

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chunkyfrog
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Re: Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

Post by chunkyfrog » Sun Sep 09, 2012 4:21 pm

I used Lansinoh with a gel mask--spread a thin coat right on the silicone where it contacts my face.
Awesome seal! In the morning, no mess, but my face had a ring of silky soft skin all around where the mask sat.
Just cannot do that with cloth.

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DoriC
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Re: Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

Post by DoriC » Thu Sep 13, 2012 12:09 pm

Some clarification please! I have some 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel but I'm not quite sure how to use it. Do I put a thin layer all around the face where the mask touches, and do I have to let it completely dry first? Or can I dab it all around the cushion and let it dry there?

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MrPianoman
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Re: Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

Post by MrPianoman » Fri Sep 14, 2012 11:42 pm

I put the aloe gel on my face after I wash it, in a thin layer where the mask will be. I let it dry on my skin and as it does, it makes your skin kind of tacky. After the gel dries on my skin I put on my mask.

Hope this helps you.
Last edited by MrPianoman on Sat Sep 15, 2012 10:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.