allergy to mask

[sammiesmom33]

I received my bipap machine about a month ago and everytime I put on a mask I break out in a rash. I have tried different masks. Tomorrow I have an appointment with my doctor

[sleepycarol]

Make sure you wash your mask prior to use. Let it soak for a bit prior to rinsing it. Make sure your face is clean and free from any oils.

Depending upon your mask you buy mask liners so that your skin is next to a liner instead of the silicone.

[napstress]

It may not be an allergic rash. It might just be a nose sore, which is very common. I'm guessing you have a full-face mask and the outbreak is on the bridge of your nose, and not sore nostrils, which nasal pillow wearers sometimes experience. If it is a FFM, then a mask liner would help a lot. I like Pad-a-cheek. http://www.padacheek.com/ You can wear a band-aid until the liner arrives.

If it proves not to be a rash, you might also try adjusting the straps on your mask. Oddly enough, sometimes loosening the straps controls the leaks better than having them tight—and would be easier on your nose bridge. You can find great instructions on this site. See "Taming the Mirage Quattro" by Janknitz. Many of the principles apply to other masks if you don't have that particular one.

Also, if it is not an allergic rash, one way to heal it quickly is to pierce a Vitamin E and rub the oil on the spot (assuming you're not going somewhere where your appearance matters to you for a few hours). I would not do this before masking up at night, though: the moisture might make the spot more vulnerable.

Good luck.