Head Strap Reaction

Hoganflagle · Post by **Hoganflagle** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 5:03 pm

I am now convinced that I experienced an allergic reaction to the back strap of a ComfortLite mask. Within two days of using the mask I began to get an itching, primarily in the back of the head with a little above and behind the ears. The itching was not responding to any shampoos or anti itch medications and I only got minor relief from Benadryl. As soon as my Activa arrived I switched, and within about 2-3 days the itching began to gradually subside. Within 10 days the itching is totally gone. I had no issues with the top of my head or the forehead, only the back. That tells me that I reacted to the back strap only, which appears to be of a different type of material than from the top and front cushioning of the mask.

In order to keep it as an emergency mask I plan on replacing the back strap with something more comfortable and less reactive, something like I have seen in a previous post; duct tape and staples.

I would really like to find out the composition of the material of that back strap since it is something that I now need to avoid contact with. The mask was a new one that had been given to me unused by my Pulmonary DR. while they determined my pressure setting and I continued to wear it until the Activa arrived which was a total wear time of about two weeks. I am not out any money and simply want to identify the material. How do I go about finding something like that out without freaking out the manufacturer?

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 5:23 pm

If you pm padacheek I'm sure she'll work with you to make some sort of cover for the bothersome strap. She is a wonderful person and always willing to help. She works magic with headgear!

Brenda

Hoganflagle · Post by **Hoganflagle** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 6:03 pm

Thanks, already have some forehead pads for my Activa on order with her.

As wicked as the reaction was from the strap, I don't want to take any chances of leak-through on whatever agent is in the material. Just simply going to replace it.

Still would like to know what was in it though.

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 6:16 pm

Maybe you should try contacting the maufacturer. They may have other headgear for you to try. (just a thought)

Brenda