I was wondering if the masks that go around your nose can cause skin breakdown, or pimples? My face has some redness and is sensitive. Anyone have this happen to them?
Thanks-
mommydear
Skin Irritation
4 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Dear mommydear,
I'm no expert but am just speaking of my experience (standard disclaimer):
If you are diligent about cleaning the rubber as often as necessary (even daily), the problems might be few and far between. The kinds of rubber they use these days are quite amazing. Usually, they recommend soap and water, as opposed to alcohol, which can eventually break down the rubber. But, if you get lazy (like me) about cleaning the rubber surfaces that contact your skin, pimples might indeed form.
I use both a surrounding mask and nasal pillows. If one starts getting irritating, I use the other for a while. By switching back and forth, I rarely have anything develop.
Pleasant dreams.
I'm no expert but am just speaking of my experience (standard disclaimer):
If you are diligent about cleaning the rubber as often as necessary (even daily), the problems might be few and far between. The kinds of rubber they use these days are quite amazing. Usually, they recommend soap and water, as opposed to alcohol, which can eventually break down the rubber. But, if you get lazy (like me) about cleaning the rubber surfaces that contact your skin, pimples might indeed form.
I use both a surrounding mask and nasal pillows. If one starts getting irritating, I use the other for a while. By switching back and forth, I rarely have anything develop.
Pleasant dreams.
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imacpappro
- Posts: 79
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- Location: Houston
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Skin Irritation
I agree keep it clean. The oils in your face ruin the life of the silicone in any mask. Washing it daily is best. This will help eliminate any irritation.
The skin breaking down or scabbing is a different problem. That would most likely be a mask that is not the right size or a mask being overtightened. how long have yo used the mask?
The skin breaking down or scabbing is a different problem. That would most likely be a mask that is not the right size or a mask being overtightened. how long have yo used the mask?
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hoseman
Found this in the FAQ section of cpap.com.
Have you had any experiences with either mask or pillows made from standard materials, like latex, causing an allergic reaction to the face or nose skin?
Latex is rarely used to make CPAP items because many people are either allergic to latex or develop an allergy to it after constant exposure. All of the top masks, Respironics Gel and Comfort Classic, Resmed Ultra Mirage and Mirage, the Fisher & Paykel Acclaim, as well as nasal pillows are all made of the silicone rubber.
The problem is that silicone rubber has some components that a few people out of a hundred are allergic to.
We have found that patients sensitive to these chemicals can use CPAP but must do one or both of the following.
1. A weeks washing of the mask will much reduce or eliminate its ability to cause a reaction. Over time the chemicals that are causing the reactions degrade and disperse, usually in a gaseous form. This process can be accelerated by long soaks in warm soapy water. This is true with all mask, nasal pillow and headgears. Some patients will need to soak these items even longer. This process works!
2. There are some cloth only headgears available for nasal pillows. These are often called into service for the most difficult cases. The metal and hard plastic Breeze system can also be used to good effect in this application.
3. New items should be bought before they are needed and soaked as above. Unlike normal CPAP masks, for people with rubber related allergies, the older the equipment, the better.
Have you had any experiences with either mask or pillows made from standard materials, like latex, causing an allergic reaction to the face or nose skin?
Latex is rarely used to make CPAP items because many people are either allergic to latex or develop an allergy to it after constant exposure. All of the top masks, Respironics Gel and Comfort Classic, Resmed Ultra Mirage and Mirage, the Fisher & Paykel Acclaim, as well as nasal pillows are all made of the silicone rubber.
The problem is that silicone rubber has some components that a few people out of a hundred are allergic to.
We have found that patients sensitive to these chemicals can use CPAP but must do one or both of the following.
1. A weeks washing of the mask will much reduce or eliminate its ability to cause a reaction. Over time the chemicals that are causing the reactions degrade and disperse, usually in a gaseous form. This process can be accelerated by long soaks in warm soapy water. This is true with all mask, nasal pillow and headgears. Some patients will need to soak these items even longer. This process works!
2. There are some cloth only headgears available for nasal pillows. These are often called into service for the most difficult cases. The metal and hard plastic Breeze system can also be used to good effect in this application.
3. New items should be bought before they are needed and soaked as above. Unlike normal CPAP masks, for people with rubber related allergies, the older the equipment, the better.
4 posts
• Page 1 of 1