breaking out on the back of my neck...cpap mask

[Tony1028]

I have been using my cpap machine for a few months and LOVE IT. I cannot imagine life without it anymore. However, I am breaking out on the back of my neck from what I assume is the straps from my mask. Are there any remedies for this?

Thanks!

Tony in Raleigh, NC

[Hawthorne]

Did the reaction start right away or after a bit of use? If it was after a bit of use, have you washed your headgear in the time you have had it?

Instructions usually say it should be washed every week. I don't do it that often but, if I had a reaction, I would wash it more.

Sometimes people have a reaction right away and washing it before using it, or using it any more, may prevent or remedy that.

[Tony1028]

after some use it started happening. I should wash the straps more often I suppose. I do wash the mask once every other day and the humidifier tank once a week with mild soap.

[ilvsleep]

I noticed that I have some pimples on my scalp. I made the connection that the pimples are where my mask straps sit!! Kind of like acne. I have had my cpap a little over a week and washed my straps this weekend. I will try to shower at night to help reduce the oils in my hair too. I also have some night sweats ( woman issues) and I think that is contributing to it also. Maybe try some face wipes right before you put on your straps and see if it helps!

[elena88]

I have found that cloth straps over the head gear straps solves all the skin problems..

strap softies type that in search engine on ebay (very plush)

padacheek padacheek.com (very, very happy with these too)

cpap.com has some too ( going to try them too)

They have completely resolved my skin irritations, rashes, marks etc, and have even helped with leaks.

good luck!

elena

[ilvsleep]

Thanks for the info! I was wondering if adding some strap covers would help with leaks. Some nights its a fight to get everything just so! Glad to hear it will help with the rash troubles too. Do you feel hotter with the strap covers?

[PST]

I mention this as a long-shot possibility, not as the likely cause. Some people occasionally develop acute idiopathic hives, where "idiopathic" is just code for no one knows what triggers them. They often start under restrictive clothing, like at the belt line or under a wristwatch strap. I've got them at the moment, and they developed under my headgear too (although mine didn't start there). The hives aren't at all like pimples or a shaving rash or anything else I'm familiar with. They are slightly raised and then flat on top, like a mesa, not a hill. They show up as red on white skin. They can be small and round, the size of a dime or quarter, but they can also become large, covering extensive, irregular patches of skin. They tend to start small and in one place, and then erupt other places, so the clue that this might be the problem is if they resemble this description and they sprout someplace other than under the headgear next. Treatment is a with a strong daily dose of antihistamines for several weeks or months, which is then tapered, watching out for a recurrence. It works. So Tony, if this sounds like what you have, an allergist can help.

[Tony1028]

thanks for all the helpful information everyone!

[Tony1028]

I just bought the Padacheek cloth for the back of the neck. We'll see how it works!

Thanks again!

[elena88]

I just made a post, but somehow it was eaten..

Great! I think youll really love them!

The strap softies are very fluffy and comfy, you need to slide them on the mask headgear..
I love mine!

the padacheeks, Im trying next, they just came in the mail.. and wow, the hose cover is so so so substantial!
wow! I have noticed a plastic odor from my climate line hose, so I put my old hose on last night, and it didnt smell, so
I cant wait to put the padacheek hose cover on there.. it looks so well made!


I was going to say, that it actually feels much cooler to have the pads on there, because the straps are not stuck directly to your skin..
having the material AROUND the strap touching your skin allows air to flow next to your skin. HAPPY SKIN!
it also helped a lot with leaks for my nasal pillows..

and.. I would get red welts too, probalby more than most people because I have dermographism..

Does anyone else have that?

its a great party trick, I can write happy birthday on my arm with a popcicle stick and it lasts for hours!