Severe allergic reactionn to Resmed mask/headgear

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mfchupp
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Dec 06, 2007 3:42 pm

Severe allergic reactionn to Resmed mask/headgear

Post by mfchupp » Thu Dec 06, 2007 5:24 pm

First of all hello every one, I am new to the forum and a long term cpap user.

Last week U received a new Ultra Mirage II full face mask and headgear sealed in plastic as usual. Opened it up adjusted the strap and went to sleep.

Woke up with terrible itching, a red face and a rash on my arms. Then I had difficulty breathing and woke mu wife who administered two benadryl capsules. The thing went away about an hour later. I believe the head strap was the cause because of the itching where it fits. Scary stuff..

Called the toll free number on the box and spoke with the "patient advocate" whose response was that it should have been washed. She had no interest and basically just blew off the call.

Does any one out there wash a new head strap before using?. In the 10 years of cpap use I never have. The Resmed USA dealer has no interest in this problem.

My supplier has been wonderful and sent a free replacement head strap made Tiara (thank you Bonnie). The supplier (billmyinsurance.com) has a;ways provided great service.


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jsmythe
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Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2007 3:13 am
Location: New Market Tennessee

Re: Severe allergic reactionn to Resmed mask/headgear

Post by jsmythe » Thu Dec 06, 2007 5:37 pm

[quote="mfchupp"]First of all hello every one, I am new to the forum and a long term cpap user.

Last week U received a new Ultra Mirage II full face mask and headgear sealed in plastic as usual. Opened it up adjusted the strap and went to sleep.

Woke up with terrible itching, a red face and a rash on my arms. Then I had difficulty breathing and woke mu wife who administered two benadryl capsules. The thing went away about an hour later. I believe the head strap was the cause because of the itching where it fits. Scary stuff..

Called the toll free number on the box and spoke with the "patient advocate" whose response was that it should have been washed. She had no interest and basically just blew off the call.

Does any one out there wash a new head strap before using?. In the 10 years of cpap use I never have. The Resmed USA dealer has no interest in this problem.

My supplier has been wonderful and sent a free replacement head strap made Tiara (thank you Bonnie). The supplier (billmyinsurance.com) has a;ways provided great service.


_________________
Mask: Mirage Activa™ LT Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: HC100 HH, , Activa Orig. (w/Activa LT cushion), Activa LT, Pur Sleep, Pad A Cheeks,

mfchupp
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Dec 06, 2007 3:42 pm

Re: Severe allergic reactionn to Resmed mask/headgear

Post by mfchupp » Thu Dec 06, 2007 7:42 pm

[quote="jsmythe"][quote="mfchupp"]First of all hello every one, I am new to the forum and a long term cpap user.

Last week U received a new Ultra Mirage II full face mask and headgear sealed in plastic as usual. Opened it up adjusted the strap and went to sleep.

Woke up with terrible itching, a red face and a rash on my arms. Then I had difficulty breathing and woke mu wife who administered two benadryl capsules. The thing went away about an hour later. I believe the head strap was the cause because of the itching where it fits. Scary stuff..

Called the toll free number on the box and spoke with the "patient advocate" whose response was that it should have been washed. She had no interest and basically just blew off the call.

Does any one out there wash a new head strap before using?. In the 10 years of cpap use I never have. The Resmed USA dealer has no interest in this problem.

My supplier has been wonderful and sent a free replacement head strap made Tiara (thank you Bonnie). The supplier (billmyinsurance.com) has a;ways provided great service.


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sleepycarol
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Post by sleepycarol » Thu Dec 06, 2007 7:50 pm

You should always wash your mask and seal prior to use. The plastics can release chemicals that some people react to.

If it is the headgear - contact padacheeks as she makes covers for most any headgear that will limit your actual contact with the headgear and instead you will come into contact with a soft fleece material.

Start Date: 8/30/2007 Pressure 9 - 15
I am not a doctor or other health care professional. Comments reflect my own personal experiences and opinions.

mfchupp
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Dec 06, 2007 3:42 pm

Post by mfchupp » Thu Dec 06, 2007 8:46 pm

Thanks sleepy carol. I wash the mask nightly and am not prone (never had before) allergic reactions. Mask are washed daily. If the new Tiara strap bothers me then it is time for a cover. It is my view that the manufacturers have a responsibility to provide a non chemically laden strap, they certainly charge enough for their products. Given this is the first problem in 10 years of wearing these devices it seems there is something wrong with this strap.

[quote="sleepycarol"]You should always wash your mask and seal prior to use. The plastics can release chemicals that some people react to.

If it is the headgear - contact padacheeks as she makes covers for most any headgear that will limit your actual contact with the headgear and instead you will come into contact with a soft fleece material.


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jennmary
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Post by jennmary » Thu Dec 06, 2007 9:26 pm

It doesnt matter how long you have been using CPAP....or how long you have been eating peanuts. A new allergy can develope over time, or very suddenly. Healthcare workers who have worn latex gloves every day for 20 years have been known to suddenly go into shock or die from serious latex allergies while at a simple dentist appointment. You may very well have developed a new allergy to a fiber used in the headgear.
Unless a medical supply is actually listed as medically STERILE on the packaging it should be washed. The masks and headgear are not sterilized. The manual clearly states to wash everything including headgear before wearing.
I just think it is a bit irresponsible to start blaming a manufacturer or causing a scare when it may very well be a personal allergy or something of that nature. Just my opinion. (Yes....my degree is in the medical field)


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jsmythe
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Location: New Market Tennessee

Post by jsmythe » Fri Dec 07, 2007 6:40 am

[quote="jennmary"]It doesnt matter how long you have been using CPAP....or how long you have been eating peanuts. A new allergy can develope over time, or very suddenly. Healthcare workers who have worn latex gloves every day for 20 years have been known to suddenly go into shock or die from serious latex allergies while at a simple dentist appointment. You may very well have developed a new allergy to a fiber used in the headgear.
Unless a medical supply is actually listed as medically STERILE on the packaging it should be washed. The masks and headgear are not sterilized. The manual clearly states to wash everything including headgear before wearing.
I just think it is a bit irresponsible to start blaming a manufacturer or causing a scare when it may very well be a personal allergy or something of that nature. Just my opinion. (Yes....my degree is in the medical field)


_________________
Mask: Mirage Activa™ LT Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: HC100 HH, , Activa Orig. (w/Activa LT cushion), Activa LT, Pur Sleep, Pad A Cheeks,