Need help, cat damage to CPAP mask.

I put on my CPAP mask to go to sleep a few minutes ago, and found that my fat orange tabby Duke had chewed on it a bit. He mostly chewed up the silicone bit that goes on my forehead, but there is one thin clean break in the soft silicone of the mask where it seals to my face. This is causing a leak, which, while I don't think it will stop my CPAP therapy from working properly, is driving me mad, because it blows right on my eye. My insurance only covers a mask every six months, and I've had this mask two months, and I can't afford to buy one at the moment. I'm wondering if there's anything I can use to seal the break in the mask. I was searching looking for answers and came across your site. I was considering superglue, but it's pretty harsh stuff, and I wonder if it might just make the hole bigger. Let me know what you think. I can't sleep without the damned thing anymore, so I'll be checking back often. Thanks in advance.

[edit] It's a resmed full face mask, if that makes any difference.

What about tape? Maybe duct tape? Get creative...

Good luck!

Call and talk to your DME supplier. They may be able to work with you to provide you something to get you by and/or work with your insurance company to get a mask covered outside the normal replacement schedule.

Some mask makers provide just the "cushion" seal separately for not a lot of money at all, and you can check yours on Cpap.com. Go first to the mask itself, then click on a place on the page that talks about parts (unless there is a place on the main pg for mask parts).

I'll look into that when I wake up, but for now, superglue seems to have done the job. I did a test on the bit that goes on my forehead, as it's less critical. It's holding a seal, though, as we speak.

Even though your insurance pays for a new mask every 3-6 months, your mask should have a seal that can be replaced. This can usually be done every month for full face mask or 2/month for nasal mask. That will take care of your leak. The forehead pad may be a little tougher. I would ask your dme if they have an open mask or parts that they can give to you. Most have several on display and plenty of masks that they have opened for patients that don't fit at setup.

Most insurances allow you a new mask seal every month. Since you said it was Resmed, I would assume it is either an Ultra Mirage or a Quattro. The forehead pad you should be able to get on insurance as well. If not, I might have a spare I could send you, but I will have to look.

Allen