Idea: Disposable non-silicone mask cushions

In the off chance manufacturers read these posts, I have a suggestion. My facial skin reacts badly to silicone. Rash, sweating. Foam cushions stop working after a week. Cloth cushions get bad reviews. Cloth liners don't work for me. However, what does work is folding a facial tissue in half, putting it across my face under my nose covering my lips and chin, then putting on the mask. Adhesion good, mask lasts longer, doesn't need to be so tight, sops up moisture. Note: I don't use humidifier -- live in Florida and cushion I use keeps my mouth closed.

Which makes me wonder ... what if they made soft, disposable non-silicone cushions that can keep a good seal one night, then be tossed? More comfortable and hygienic, less irritating. Silicone is not a friendly material. It's easily damaged. And it loses its adhesion with each use -- requiring you to strap down tighter and tighter. As for cost comparison, Amazon sells 100 disposable face masks (for COVID) for $10. That's 10 cents a piece. Your thoughts?

My silicone cushions last for 8-10 months..generally just wipe with a baby wipe nightly. That costs about 10¢ a night. The Amazon 10¢ masks for COVID would not seal.

Well excuse me for posting this idea. Btw, Amazon example just to indicate potential low cost (as clearly stared in post).

TKS wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 16, 2023 1:44 pm

Well excuse me for posting this idea. .

If you're just posting things in the hope of someone patting you on the head and telling you what a good boy you are, you've come to the wrong place.

Try facebook or apneaboard.

Don't be running to the patent office too quickly.

Go to our hosts at CPAP.com and put in "mask liners" in the search box. Plenty of disposable paper liners. But I'll wager your tissues are cheaper.

I'm not authorized to confer a labrat award,
but I have nominated you for one.

Frankly, I think this is a good idea to try out and a good topic to discuss. Fine for everyone on insurance but if you have to pay for everything out of pocket, it's acceptable to look for inexpensive solutions. From the get-go, I always thought I was on the verge of a serious skin problem on the bridge of my nose from the silicone F20 Air Fit--and what was most important to me was that I felt I might have to stop CPAP to let the nose heal. I tried the F30 silicone under the nose mask but I didn't like it. And I delayed trying the foam F20 Air Touch simply because it was expensive in terms of having to replace the cushion so frequently. Finally, I gave in and am now using the Air Touch continuously. It works for me--ymmv. In order to keep my options open, I am trying different liners on the F20 Air Fit to see how they work. So what about a foam liner??!! I tried a foam product sold on Amazon but it didn't work well for me. Then I tried making a foam liner out of some of a 1/2" sheet of packing foam but the foam was porous and too much air escaped right through the foam! Perhaps that's why Resmed uses memory foam. Any ideas about using a DIY foam liner??

If you can find sheets of closed cell foam that won't irritate your skin more than the silicone, it'll stop the massive leaks that open cell foam gives you.

"Memory foam" is used because it deflects due to body heat, so it molds to your face better than regular foam.