Allergic Reactions to CPAP

If you have had an allergic reaction i.e. skin or respiratory to a CPAP cushion or tubing, then report it to the FDA as they govern what is put into these products. Today's CPAP cushions and hoses contain phthalates which are also contained in perfumes, detergents and paints to which some people are sensitive. Phthalates cannot be washed away completely from the cushions and hoses. Moreover, by reporting it to the FDA you may help make these products better for yourself and others.

Anyone can become allergic to anything at any time in their lives, so while certain products can contain chemicals, etc. that are more likely to make more people have allergic reactions, you'd have to ban everything on the planet to keep someone, somewhere from reacting to things... all we can do is try to lessen the numbers of allergens in most things, so most people won't be affected, but it's almost impossible to make everything out there allergen free to everyone.

Big_papi wrote:If you have had an allergic reaction i.e. skin or respiratory to a CPAP cushion or tubing, then report it to the FDA as they govern what is put into these products. Today's CPAP cushions and hoses contain phthalates which are also contained in perfumes, detergents and paints to which some people are sensitive. Phthalates cannot be washed away completely from the cushions and hoses. Moreover, by reporting it to the FDA you may help make these products better for yourself and others.

I'd as for something other than your wild imagination as evidence to your claim, but I already know what the answer is.

in other words, BULLSHIT DETECTOR: WOOP WOOP WOOP WOOP

palerider wrote: BULLSHIT DETECTOR: WOOP WOOP WOOP WOOP

+1

Big_papi wrote:If you have had an allergic reaction i.e. skin or respiratory to a CPAP cushion or tubing, then report it to the FDA as they govern what is put into these products. Today's CPAP cushions and hoses contain phthalates which are also contained in perfumes, detergents and paints to which some people are sensitive. Phthalates cannot be washed away completely from the cushions and hoses. Moreover, by reporting it to the FDA you may help make these products better for yourself and others.

Forget it. Like Julie says you can be allergic to anything under the sun, including the sun. Not only that but it will change over your lifetime. If everything someone is allergic to is banned you would have not food left on your table and you would be walking around naked.

People who are allergic to "something" need to be proactive and deal with it.

I agree completely.
Allergens are everywhere; most of us are allergic to something or other.
It teaches us to deal with it. If we do not or WILL not do that,
then natural selection takes over.
Some people were destined to become hermits.
Own your immune system.
I rather enjoy my morning flurry of sloppy sneezes.
I use a few tissues and I'm ready to face the day.

BlackSpinner wrote:Forget it. Like Julie says you can be allergic to anything under the sun, including the sun. Not only that but it will change over your lifetime. If everything someone is allergic to is banned you would have not food left on your table and you would be walking around naked.

People who are allergic to "something" need to be proactive and deal with it.

+1

chunkyfrog wrote:Allergens are everywhere; most of us are allergic to something or other.
It teaches us to deal with it.

+1

Since allergies are very individual things, everyone should deal with his (her) own.

In my case, I found that soaking the face portion of any new mask cushion in 50% vinegar solution for at least an hour does prevent the allergic reaction I was having every time I replaced this part. Some say that vinegar can shorten the life of that part, but I can't use it otherwise. If the vinegar odor is objectionable, wash it thoroughly. Otherwise, you can wash it off more casually.

In one posting on another subject, the poster said that (s)he was allergic to vinegar. Note that this is a contact allergy, I'm not sure if (s)he's also allergic to ingested vinegar. That person will need to find something else to soak the mask in, perhaps soapy water.

Another possibility is to try a different mask model. Even a seemingly minor design difference can potentially help.

D.H. wrote:I found that soaking the face portion of any new mask cushion in 50% vinegar solution for at least an hour does prevent the allergic reaction I was having every time I replaced this part.

What were you doing with new parts before you started the vinegar routine?

DH - if soaking the mask in vinegar allowed you to wear it, it's far more likely what you have is an intolerance, or sensitivity rather than an actual allergy. People say they're 'allergic' to things all the time, but don't understand the difference between that and just an intolerance. Allergies can kill you or do serious damage, but sensitivities don't, whatever irritation they do cause.

Julie wrote:an intolerance, or sensitivity rather than an actual allergy

don't understand the difference

You seem to be confused. Maybe you are thinking about food allergy vs. food intolerance?

Midnight Strangler wrote:

Julie wrote:an intolerance, or sensitivity rather than an actual allergy

don't understand the difference

You seem to be confused. Maybe you are thinking about food allergy vs. food intolerance?

You must be very confused. An allergy involves a histamine reaction by the immune system, the others don't. One of the main differences is that allergies can kill you quickly, like within minutes. Intolerance or sensitivity most often involves food however it doesn't have to.

Right - the histamine thing , but while we hear so much about food, intolerance or sensitivity or irritation can apply to anything, such as perfumes, creams, anything you might contact or ingest.

Julie wrote:DH - if soaking the mask in vinegar allowed you to wear it, it's far more likely what you have is an intolerance, or sensitivity rather than an actual allergy. People say they're 'allergic' to things all the time, but don't understand the difference between that and just an intolerance. Allergies can kill you or do serious damage, but sensitivities don't, whatever irritation they do cause.

Well, it might not be life threatening or likely to land me in an emergency room, but it's bad enough so that I would not be able to use the mask. Perhaps it's not a true clinical allergy, but it's an allergy in layman's terms.

wrote:D.H. wrote:
I found that soaking the face portion of any new mask cushion in 50% vinegar solution for at least an hour does prevent the allergic reaction I was having every time I replaced this part.

Have you ever looked at the safety data sheet for vinegar?

Label Hazard Warnings: Irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin

Label Precautionary Statements: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Wear suitable protective clothing.

Laboratory Protective Equipment: Safety glasses, protective gloves, and lab coat

Storage: Do not breathe fumes.

Toxicity: LD50 (Oral-Rat)(mg/Kg): 3310
LD50 (IV-Mouse)(mg/Kg): 525
LD50 (Oral-Mouse)(mg/Kg): N/A

Effects of Overexposure: Irritation, itching, gastrointestinal upset, possible mutagenic
and reproductive effects, dermatitis, weight loss, liver
impairment, convulsions, breathing difficulties

Target Organs: Liver, eyes