Allergic to cpap headgear

[Kenv]

A few months ago I developed a severe rash of extremely itchy hives all over my body which I eventually got under reasonable control with antihistamines. I continue to have a skin reaction where my cpap headgear touches my forehead and the top of my head where I have a bald patch - I generally have to use hydrocortisone cream to control that. I have recently discovered that a person can develop an allergy to neoprene, which the headgear is made from, this allergy can produce this rash of hives.
I'm trying to think of how I can overcome this problem - does anyone know if it is possible to get headgear which is not made from neoprene?
Appreciate any help.
Thanks Kenv

[cflame1]

Depends on your mask.

Check with SleepGuy and Padacheek.

SleepGuy's PapCap might be able to replace your headgear depending on what mask you're using... otherwise check with Padacheek and get her to come up with a solution to cover the neuroprene.

[twokatmew]

You could get a papcap and wear your headgear over it, or a Buff might help.

http://www.pur-sleep.com/products/produ ... category=6

http://www.planetbuff.com/index.html

[jules]

which mask?

depending on which mask, you can make your own using elastic bands (or other stretchy material) - I have made them for a couple of masks

[Pad A Cheek]

Hello Kenv,

I have made covers for the headgear before and would be happy to design something for your needs. Let me know if I can help you.

Karen

[Juliebove]

I had the same problem but then it magically went away.

[dhaxelbarqs]

The mask is attached to tubing that, connected to the CPAP machine, delivers the pressurized air that prevents apneas from occurring.
____________________________________________________________________________
Treat sleep apnea in Toronto, CPAP replacement parts in Toronto and CPAP machine in Toronto.

[Kenv]

Thanks all for your responses. I have found out that Respironics make headgear made from Lycra so I'm going to order one of those and see how it goes.
Thanks again
Kenv

[harry33]

all new masks, headgear, airhoses and chinstraps should be soaked in warm water and mild detergent before use then gently washed and rinsed

there is often release agent, starch, size and other chemicals present, also it seems the plastic outgasses for a while

[klockemy]

The mask is attached to tubing that, connected to the CPAP machine, delivers the pressurized air that prevents apneas from occurring.
____________________________________________________________________________
Treat sleep apnea in Toronto, CPAP replacement parts in Toronto and CPAP machine in Toronto.

"It puts the lotion on it's skin and puts it in the basket."

[twokatmew]

"It puts the lotion on it's skin and puts it in the basket."

Heheh, a "Silence of the Lambs" fan!

[ivory]

I have the same allergy (derm says it's an allergy to "rubber") - after the first night wearing my headgear I had a raised, itchy red strip across my forehead. I had to go to my derm and get some cream plus take antihistamines to get the hives down. I made myself some covers for my tubing, etc. from muslin (plain undyed cotton). You could even hand-sew these (just wrap the fabric around the parts that give you reactions and sew together). I ended up just wearing my mask (nasal aire II) without the headgear, but I still wear the cotton covers over my tubing.

If you have sensitive skin like mine, watch out for synthetic fabrics including lycra and fleece (a lot of the cozy looking hose/mask/tubing covers are made from fleece which I couldn't have against my face).

Good luck!