Hello! I've just signed on to this group - I've never done this sort of thing before... but I'm so frustrated I fugured there must be others out there who have run into the same problems I have. I have my Resmed machine for going on 4 years now. No complaint with the machine - full face mask, pressure 9, humidified, registering anywhere from 3 to 7 HI/AI per night. My problem is getting replacement seals. I've been stuck with latex seals for the last couple of years and they just don't seal! In order to achieve a modicum of air tightness I have to strap the thing down so tight it hurts, but then the minute my face muscles start to relax, the whole thing blows out like a baloon blowing around a room... Of course, that makes for one very crabby bunnie in the morning! The suppliers here tell me that the latex is all that's available. My question to them is: what do they sell people who are allergic to latex? They look at me like I've got horns growing out of my head. Anyone out there know what else is available? I know for a fact that the original seal that came with my machine, which of course has long biodegraded in some landfill site, was not latex...
Anyways, so much for my introduction to the group. I do have some info regarding shallow breathing, but I want to look up a couple of things and will get back to you on that tomorrow night. O.K. So for Nitie-nite, Thera P. Bunnie.
Hello - new to the group - veteran cpap'er
4 posts
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Hmmmm. Because latex allergies are so common I was under the impression most of these masks (I'm assuming that is what you mean when you say "seals") are made of silicone. I suspect maybe your DME supplier is being "less than truthful" w/you or the person(s) you are talking to are just plain DUMB!
Anyway, welcome to the forum. Go to our host's site, cpap.com and check out the masks there. The descriptions may well say what material they are made of. If not go to the websites for the various manufacturers of the masks and find their 800 number and call them about their masks and the materials they are made from. I've read of one or two in these apnea forums who have a sensitivity to silicone so I assume there are "some" options for other than silicone in the masks as well or some way around the irritation it causes.
After you lay down with your mask on and your CPAP going, have you tried lifting the mask off your face just a skosh to let it refill w/air and then laying it back on your face again. Those mask cushions NEED that air to fill them and if strapped too tight that can cause problems w/their fitting your face and sealing.
What mask are you using? Brand and style?
Anyway, welcome to the forum. Go to our host's site, cpap.com and check out the masks there. The descriptions may well say what material they are made of. If not go to the websites for the various manufacturers of the masks and find their 800 number and call them about their masks and the materials they are made from. I've read of one or two in these apnea forums who have a sensitivity to silicone so I assume there are "some" options for other than silicone in the masks as well or some way around the irritation it causes.
After you lay down with your mask on and your CPAP going, have you tried lifting the mask off your face just a skosh to let it refill w/air and then laying it back on your face again. Those mask cushions NEED that air to fill them and if strapped too tight that can cause problems w/their fitting your face and sealing.
What mask are you using? Brand and style?
_________________
| Mask: Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: PR SystemOne BPAP Auto w/Bi-Flex & Humidifier - EncorePro 2.2 Software - Contec CMS-50D+ Oximeter - Respironics EverFlo Q Concentrator |
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Wulfman...
Your DME is either an idiot or they're "less-than-truthful".
As Slinky said, due to too many people with allergies to those types of rubber, most/all manufacturers have gone to something else......typically silicone.
The following texts have been copied from the ResMed and Respironics web sites. I'm sure that if you go to other sites (search for "Latex"), they'll show basically the same thing.
Den
The Comfort Series of Masks was designed with both patients and clinicians in mind. Not only are the masks comfortable for patients to wear, they also fit into your daily routine. For instance, by offering a wide range of masks, including masks for very specialized uses, the Comfort Series gives you the ability to help fit 100% of your patients 100% of the time.
The masks are packaged in bags that feature integral fitting rings - so you can get an idea of a patient's fitting needs without taking the mask out of the bag.
Each mask has been engineered to use fewer parts than competitive masks. This makes them easier for patients to clean and care for, and it means you'll have to stock fewer replacement parts.
The size range of each mask has been refined to satisfy a broad range of patients' fitting needs with a minimum of sizes. This makes the initial fitting process easier and leaves less unused inventory in your office.
And since all the masks in the Comfort Series of Masks are 100% latex free, the entire line of masks is available to all your patients.
Providing you with innovative sleep and respiratory products is just one way that Respironics works with you to help improve patient care. We also offer additional tools and support that you can use to help care for the people who trust you with their health.
ResMed - Non-Vented Mirage® Full Face Mask Series 2
... ResMed mask systems do not contain latex or neoprene. The Mirage NV Full
Face Mask Series 2 offers all the advantages of the original ...
ResMed - Ultra Mirage™ Non-Vented Nasal Mask
... ResMed mask systems do not contain latex or neoprene. The Mirage NV Full
Face Mask Series 2 offers all the advantages of the original ...
ResMed - Ultra Mirage™ Full Face Mask
... leak cycle and stop the loss! Mask Materials. Latex-free; Neoprene-free;
Polycarbonate mask frame; Food-grade silicone mask cushion; ...
As Slinky said, due to too many people with allergies to those types of rubber, most/all manufacturers have gone to something else......typically silicone.
The following texts have been copied from the ResMed and Respironics web sites. I'm sure that if you go to other sites (search for "Latex"), they'll show basically the same thing.
Den
The Comfort Series of Masks was designed with both patients and clinicians in mind. Not only are the masks comfortable for patients to wear, they also fit into your daily routine. For instance, by offering a wide range of masks, including masks for very specialized uses, the Comfort Series gives you the ability to help fit 100% of your patients 100% of the time.
The masks are packaged in bags that feature integral fitting rings - so you can get an idea of a patient's fitting needs without taking the mask out of the bag.
Each mask has been engineered to use fewer parts than competitive masks. This makes them easier for patients to clean and care for, and it means you'll have to stock fewer replacement parts.
The size range of each mask has been refined to satisfy a broad range of patients' fitting needs with a minimum of sizes. This makes the initial fitting process easier and leaves less unused inventory in your office.
And since all the masks in the Comfort Series of Masks are 100% latex free, the entire line of masks is available to all your patients.
Providing you with innovative sleep and respiratory products is just one way that Respironics works with you to help improve patient care. We also offer additional tools and support that you can use to help care for the people who trust you with their health.
ResMed - Non-Vented Mirage® Full Face Mask Series 2
... ResMed mask systems do not contain latex or neoprene. The Mirage NV Full
Face Mask Series 2 offers all the advantages of the original ...
ResMed - Ultra Mirage™ Non-Vented Nasal Mask
... ResMed mask systems do not contain latex or neoprene. The Mirage NV Full
Face Mask Series 2 offers all the advantages of the original ...
ResMed - Ultra Mirage™ Full Face Mask
... leak cycle and stop the loss! Mask Materials. Latex-free; Neoprene-free;
Polycarbonate mask frame; Food-grade silicone mask cushion; ...
4 posts
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