Allergic to Silicone?

Hi All, I am looking for some answers and Im hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

I had my initial sleep study with mask (Resmed N20 mask) etc done at the hospital and after my night in there, I noticed that down the right side of my nose I had blistered and a rash had formed. Quite painful.

I then thought well if thats what a mask does to me then I don't want a CPAP machine.

Fast forward 6 months and I finally got to hiring a machine to try again. I had the same mask a N20 nasal mask that I trialled at the hospital (the pillows I could hear the air gushing through my ears and wouldnt be able to sleep). Within 10 minutes of the mask being on in bed I started to get a burning sensation on my face. I thought to myself " your being silly, youve talked yourself into that it will happen again etc etc". I persevered for 2.5 hrs when I had to take the mask off due to the burning on my face. This was 0230 in the morning. I went to the bathroom to look at my face. I took some photos to show my husband (who also has a CPAP and uses nasal pillows).

I went back to bed after having a drink and some antihistamines and NO MASK on. When I woke at 0630 ( 4 hours after I took the mask off) I went to the bathroom to see that my face was very red and swollen. I took more photos. Ive attached some photos so you know what Im talking about.

The only time I have ever had a reaction like this is both times Ive worn a CPAP mask.

Tonight I am going to try another version of the mask, but this one has a foam covering between the actual mask and face. I am hoping this is a viable solution to my problem, although quite an expensive one at $70 Australian for 3 masks which are only meant to last 4 weeks each.

Sure looks like an allergic reaction.

There are mask liners available (store bought or you can make your own) that might help.

The AirTouch foam mask might help. That's going to be an expensive option though since the foam will deteriorate and require a more frequent replacement.

Years ago when people had this sort of problem they would sometimes put a layer of liquid milk of magnesia on the affected area and let it dry so that it provided a barrier between the skin and the mask.

Hi All,

OK after my disastrous first 2 attempts which resulted in 2 allergic reaction to the silicone mask, I did try last night the Resmed Airsense foam lined mask. I have had no reaction what so ever which I am pleased to say.

I shall keep trying and see how it all goes. But positive sign so far. I still know that I woke to my knowledge about 4 times last night.

I am dreading the cost of the foam ones as they apparently need to be replaced every 4 weeks.

Now to become used to sleeping on my back rather than my tummy.

Emeraldnights wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 31, 2021 3:10 pm

Now to become used to sleeping on my back rather than my tummy.

A CPAP user can certainly sleep on their stomach. I've done it many nights myself.

Dr. Falcon explains the best procedure - http://www.uarsrelief.com/sleeppositions.html

Some people are able to get around 3 months of use out of a foam cushion.
It's all in how you take care of them. Water is a critical enemy for sure. Facial oils another.
ResMed says one a month...but then they will also tell you that for the silicone cushion which obviously will last for months and months.
You will just have to play with it and figure out how long they last for you.
Always have at least one spare handy though. Murphy's Law means when it turns to crap it will likely be on Friday night and getting another new one will likely take a few days.

ChicagoGranny wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 31, 2021 3:47 pm

Emeraldnights wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 31, 2021 3:10 pm

Now to become used to sleeping on my back rather than my tummy.

A CPAP user can certainly sleep on their stomach. I've done it many nights myself.

Dr. Falcon explains the best procedure - http://www.uarsrelief.com/sleeppositions.html

last fall, i started sleeping with this method. for some reason, i can't get trough the whole night and after six hours, i switch to my side.

but i've seen the benefits from it. i can sleep those six hours with very little to no conscious recollection of waking up.

good stuff.

zonker wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 31, 2021 4:38 pm

for some reason, i can't get trough the whole night and after six hours, i switch to my side.

Regardless of sleeping position, it seems normal to want to switch around a bit.

zonker wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 31, 2021 4:38 pm

i can sleep those six hours with very little to no conscious recollection of waking up.

Tell us about the unconscious recollections.

ChicagoGranny wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 31, 2021 4:42 pm

zonker wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 31, 2021 4:38 pm

for some reason, i can't get trough the whole night and after six hours, i switch to my side.

Regardless of sleeping position, it seems normal to want to switch around a bit.

zonker wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 31, 2021 4:38 pm

i can sleep those six hours with very little to no conscious recollection of waking up.

Tell us about the unconscious recollections.