Silicone Alternatives?

Thank you, socknitster/Jen! You would know about the characteristics of wool, and although I once lived on a sheep farm for a year, I didn't know about the barbs. It does explain why I so LOVE my Merino sweater.

You have some excellent suggestions for contacting the companies. I have been looking for information from the people I see all the time. However, there was a Respironics rep on Live Chat who promised to investigate for me. Last time this rep was on the chat, (s)he had not done so...yet, hopefully.

However, I would have written to the companies. It is a good plan to call them directly by phone--and of course, we shall SHARE the information that we garner.

Thanks again, Jen.

Karen

Thanks for all who have responded here. The cloth mask is intriguing, but not exactly what I was after. If the major mask manufacturers can't help, then I'll check out the Sleepweaver.

Meanwhile, as my original post sat idle for a few days, I called my (very responsive) DME who said she would contact the two big mask suppliers to see if there was any truth to what the doctor told me. I am not her only client with silicone sensitivity.

I realize this is a controversial topic, possibly resulting from lawsuits over silicone breast implants. There are many doctors who simply deny that the problem exists, as they continue to implant silicone devices in people every day. My doctor said it is becoming more and more common, as silicone has replaced latex in clinical settings.

Papoose,

You are so right. The reason they haven't seen much allergy to silicone before is because it wasn't part of our everyday world before. Any time something new comes into our environment, this is going to happen.

I predict a wave of soy allergies starting soon, actually. Soy is HIGHLY allergenic--and it is now being put in EVERYTHING. As filler, as protein replacement, as a dough conditioner, because it is cheap and supposedly "healthy." When I discovered I was allergic to milk, I turned to soy and within 5 years was allergic to soy as well. Now I use the far less palatable rice milk. But its not like I was using the soy milk for much more than putting on my cereal in the morning!

Karen,

You may want to look at my post about my milk allergy--find a link at the bottom of my posts. Even if you aren't allergic to milk, it is known to be a very irritating protein that can exacerbate other allergies. People with really bad allergies are sometimes warned to stay away from it, if possible.

I'm sorry you all find yourself with this problem. I hope I never end up in the same boat, but I can sympathize for sure, considering my own strange history with allergies. They include, milk, soy, canteloupe, pineapple, benzalconium choride (a preservative in saline solutions), and coal tar or ppd found in hair dye.

Jen