Allergy to CPAP Mask?

[MLT]

I recently got a CPAP machine, and I am using the ResMed Swift LT for Her mask. I am getting a rash on my face, blotchy, extremely dry skin, in certain places where the mask materials touch my face. The problem is not due to air flow - I use the humidifier, and no excess air blows on the rash locations. I believe it is due to the mask materials of construction. I am allergic to latex and have very sensitive skin, prone to skin allergies and rashes. Has anyone else experienced a rash from the mask? What did you learn about the cause(s) and solution(s)?

[Jim Newman]

I wrote several months ago and at that time, I got the lead from another blogger about the RemZzzs cpap mask liners. I bought a "sample pack" for ~$6.00 US and found them a wonderful solution. You get immediate results, especially if you also use a dermatological cream to help heal the initial rash that you get before you were aware of the problem. Clearly, there is a strong reaction to the materials involved. I still suspect the chemicals used in fabricating the mask, rather than the mask material itself; but, lots of people are having the problem. Give the mask liners a try! You can Google RemZzzs for info or their ordering website.

[Carol A. Collins]

Thanks Jim...I ordered them Saturday afternoon while putting burn cream on my nose :>
I actually made my own "barrier" out of a soft cotton until they get here and voila!...no more burn. My own was not the best....didn't fit well and blew in my eyes, but hey, I got about 4 hours sleep before I couldn't handle it and took it off...better than nothing. I look forward to getting the RemZzzs. If they work, I'm going to ask my provider to write a script for them...my insurance will pay for them if there is a medical reason to have them (dermatitis).

[Carol A. Collins]

Got the RemZzzs....they slipped off the mask at night and I ended up with another burn. Did not work for me.

[Bill Zayed]

I have the same problem from the Activa mask, dose anybody at ResMed aware of this problem. I am sure it's a Chinese froblem as the masks are made in china, ResMed people get your act together and release some information about alergies caused by your brand of masks...............

[Carol A. Collins]

I found a WONDERFUL mask after much research. It is made by AEIOMed and is called the Headrest. Look it up. NOTHING touches your face except the nose pillows. You must see it to understand how simple it is and how comfortable. I've also made a cover for the nose pillows out of tissue paper that does not interfere with the seal. The headband is made of some sort of rubber and is adjustable so it does not slip around on your head like those made with nylon. It is very simple and is THE most comfortable mask I've tried...and trust me, I've tried most of them. I've been wearing it for two weeks now and have had NO reaction whatsoever. I can finally sleep and not wake up with wounds on my face.

[John Walker]

That looks interesting. Unfortunately, it won't work for people (like me) who have to wear a full face mask.

[sunny shulkin]

Yes. I have an allergic reaction, too. I, too, am wondering why ResMed doesn't provide some solution. I have been all over the internet. I see where sleepweaver offers a half mask,but not a full face one.

[Elaine Hewitt]

I also had this exact thing happen to me. I thought I had Lupus, my rash was so bad. After reading your replies, I took my old respironics comfort flap and put it over my resmed mask. The rash was gone in three days. I see my dr. tomorrow and have to dump this resmed mask. What the heck are they putting in it? Been on cpap, bipap for almost 15 years and never had a rash like this, thanks for all your helps folks, were not for you, I still would not know what to do. Huey