Rash

[Adrianf]

I have developed a bright red rash around were the mask sits.
Looks like I have an allergy to something in the silicon seal and have been told by the sleep specialist not to use the CPAP machine until further notice.

Anyone else have same problem? How did you get around it?

Adrian

[Tez62]

Adrian welcome (nice avatar), have you tried mask liners? They seperate your mask from the silicone, below are the instructions on how you can make them yourself.
I bought some Remzzz’s mask liners a 6 pack and although they say to only use them once you can wash them and get about 5-6 uses. I then made a template of what I needed from their liners and went to a fabric shop and got 3 ft of 50% cotton / 50% poly fabric and cut out my own and they also last 5-6 uses, the next time I bought 3 ft of 50% cotton / 50% lycra fabric. That last me about 3 months and costs about ten dollars. No need to do any sewing.
You can get the material from Spotlight.
Your sleep specialist should have suggested them rather than going off your CPAP.

[PaulaO2]

If it is a brand new mask, did you wash it first?

If not, wash it with a very mild and/or diluted dish soap, preferably not an anti-bacterial. Then rinse thoroughly and let air dry. This may help. We've had a lot of members have similar symptoms that were alleviated after washing a new mask.

If you have washed it, try rinsing it again, this time rubbing it with your fingers. Let air dry.

A third option is to take an old t-shirt and cut out a liner the shape of the mask's seal, just the part that contacts your face. Zonk and a few others make their own liners this way.

[Adrianf]

Your sleep specialist should have suggested them rather than going off your CPAP.

Specialist did recommend the protector but they don't sell them.

Adrian

[Tez62]

Which state do you live in? There will be other shops that stock them or you can buy the first lot over the net then make your own.

[zonk]

I have developed a bright red rash around were the mask sits.
Looks like I have an allergy to something in the silicon seal and have been told by the sleep specialist not to use the CPAP machine until further notice.

Anyone else have same problem? How did you get around it?

Adrian

Allergic reaction to cushion silicone is not common. Try mask liners as Tez62 and Paula suggested. you can make your own or buy ready made ones. Go on-line if your supplier does not stock them. Pad a cheek mask liners are washable, Karen who make them is well known in the community and she does ship to Australia too.
Other factors might cause the problem such as dirty mask or/and worn-out cushion, headgear too tight, mask wrong size or/and not fitted correctly, and temp setting too high
If non-applicable to you, there is a cloth mask "Sleep Weaver" worth consideration (not using PAP is not one them)
http://www.circadiance.com/products/

[drgrimes]

Yep, me too. Mine started with itching all around the seal. Got some liners and I thought everything was good to go. Problem is, if you have to do anything in the middle of the night, it's a ritual to get the liners back on properly.

My wife took one of the liners and used that elastic thread and sewed it into the perimeter of the liner, pulled it just tight enough that it stays on the mask. Before, sometimes I would end up with the bottom of the liner in my mouth...YUK.

I have graduated to nasal pillows but the elastic on the liners will make them work much better.