mask allergies article

found this in wise geek:

Silicone is used in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks worn by obstructive sleep apnea patients. An allergic reaction to silicone in the masks or allergic dermatitis reported in these patients has been attributed to latex or rubber contaminants and mask-related anxiety and claustrophobia. Some masks also have coatings that may cause sensitivity in some people. Neoprene and latex may be used in certain parts of the CPAP device and may exacerbate an existing allergy.

Those who think they may have an allergy to the silicone used in their medical devices or any other products containing the substance can visit an allergist for testing. The devices themselves, such as a CPAP unit, can be fitted with barriers that keep the offending parts off the skin. Hydrocortisone creams and oral antihistamines can often help calm the irritated area. Additional substances on the device or product may also cause a previously unknown allergic reaction.

http://www.wisegeek.org/what-are-the-si ... licone.htm

Or use a liner such as Pad-a-cheek. .

I've suggested disassembling the mask, removing just the silicone parts and washing them several times in the dishwasher. Use extra rinse cylces and the hottest water setting you have.

Some people have boiled the parts in water with a bit of baking soda. Be sure you're really dealing with all silicone parts if you do this, and I'd set something in the water to keep the silicone off the bottom of the pan. Not all mask parts are silicone.

Yes, there's some theoretical risk of damage to some of the parts, but I've never heard of problems with silicone parts.

"Silicone" alergies may be a reaction to something on the surface of the silicone, or even slightly soaked into the silicone.

Be careful that you aren't using a mask cleaning product or face care product that affects you when you rub it into your skin with a mask.

Denial Dave wrote:Or use a liner such as Pad-a-cheek. .

That's the quintessential example of what the article means by "The devices themselves, such as a CPAP unit, can be fitted with barriers that keep the offending parts off the skin."

based on this article, i just wonder if some of the people who get big sores from their full face masks may be dealing with silicone or other chemical allergies as well as "mask cranking"? According to this, they could possibly benefit from hydrocortisone cream? i haven't seen that mentioned in any recent threads.

Hydrocortisone is not something you want to use on an ongoing basis... as treatment for one problem yes, but not every night.

I have seen many cases of "contact dermatitis" resulting from nothing more than
failure to wash the skin and articles touching it.
I have used cushions and masks straight out of the box,
but do not recommend it if you are a delicate flower.