Aloe Vera Gel to stop mask leaks

My RT from 12 years ago when I first started CPAP told me to buy 100% Aloe Vera Gel (beauty dept at Wal-Mart). To apply to my face thinly and let dry before putting on my mask. She said it was safe to silicone and it made the mask seal better and not leak. I used to use it years back. Has anyone tried it? My leaks are minimal but I think I'll go buy a bottle and try it again.

What a good idea! Let us know what you think after trying it. It does leave a kind of sticky residue so I can see how it might help.

Suz

Found a bottle of 100% Aloe Vera Gel at Wal-Mart on the bottom shelf below hand lotion. Put a very thin layer on my face and used the blow dryer to quickly dry it. Then put on my mask. What a difference. I wasn't constantly adjusting my mask when I first settled into bed. My leaks on SleepyHead are better (still have mouth leaks during REM). But the gel really works to help seal the mask to your face. And in the morning, my face feels so soft. With CPAP we can't wear any kind of lotion on our face but Aloe Vera Gel is one thing you can put on your face with beauty and CPAP benefits.

That's great news! I will put it on my grocery list. I've got a good sized bottle of the aloe vera juice that I squirt on kitchen burns and sunburns but it's been in the cupboard unused for a long time and has some strange things floating around at the bottom of the bottle. Eewwww!

Suz

I think I'll try that, too.
I don't think I can use the current one, as it contains benzocaine, or something like that for burns.

You want 100% Aloe Vera GEL. Not juice. Nothing added. It is clear jelly-like and cost about $3 at Wal-Mart. I meant thin layer on my face. My typo could be misunderstood as thick.

Nice idea.....I'll try it tonight. My friend gave me aloe vera gel because she knows that I burn myself while baking-I'm clumsy!
I've got aloe plants in my garden. you can't get purer than that. Do you think that would work?I guess I'll try that too.

cheary!

VikingGnome wrote:Found a bottle of 100% Aloe Vera Gel at Wal-Mart on the bottom shelf below hand lotion. Put a very thin layer on my face and used the blow dryer to quickly dry it. Then put on my mask. What a difference. I wasn't constantly adjusting my mask when I first settled into bed. My leaks on SleepyHead are better (still have mouth leaks during REM). But the gel really works to help seal the mask to your face. And in the morning, my face feels so soft. With CPAP we can't wear any kind of lotion on our face but Aloe Vera Gel is one thing you can put on your face with beauty and CPAP benefits.

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VikingGnome: I'd be curious to know what your average leak rate is.

Thank you.

-Chuck-

Leak Rate......Min.....Med.....95%.....Max
Before..........0.00....3.60....30.00...163.20 (last night without)
After............0.00...4.80.....24.00....33.60 (2nd night with)

Average over last 30 days = 4.47
I've only used the Aloe Vera Gel for 2 nights so an avg isn't very meaningful
Also, I use a nasal mask so my leaks are not very bad anyway

As you can see, my leaks corrolate pretty much with flow limitations. So when flow is cut, I mouth breathe (leaks). But I also have leaks WITHOUT flow limitation. I do talk in my sleep during REM.

Yup.....I tried the aloe vera last night....it was good. It was cool on my face before it dried and gave a good seal. I have no idea how long I slept with the mask on but I sort of remember "Sahara Desert Mouth" and the mask was by my side when I awoke.

I remember reading this post and while in the local superstore picked up some Aloe Vera and thought I'd give it a try. Wow, what a difference. Last night was my second night using the gel and I've noticed both nights I've woken up with the mask on. As soon as I put on my mask there's no constant fussing with it to get it 'just right'. My wife noticed too as she could go to bed as soon as we both laid down. I might have to adjust the mask after I lay on the pillow in case the pillow shifts the mask, but that's it. I could tell right away the first night it was working. Thanks for the advice.

Suzjohnson wrote:That's great news! I will put it on my grocery list. I've got a good sized bottle of the aloe vera juice that I squirt on kitchen burns and sunburns but it's been in the cupboard unused for a long time and has some strange things floating around at the bottom of the bottle. Eewwww!
Suz

I'd be interested in hearing back about it's use with nasal pillows. Get back to us on that please, Suz Well, maybe get a new bottle first!

I used Lansinoh with a gel mask--spread a thin coat right on the silicone where it contacts my face.
Awesome seal! In the morning, no mess, but my face had a ring of silky soft skin all around where the mask sat.
Just cannot do that with cloth.

Some clarification please! I have some 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel but I'm not quite sure how to use it. Do I put a thin layer all around the face where the mask touches, and do I have to let it completely dry first? Or can I dab it all around the cushion and let it dry there?

I put the aloe gel on my face after I wash it, in a thin layer where the mask will be. I let it dry on my skin and as it does, it makes your skin kind of tacky. After the gel dries on my skin I put on my mask.

Hope this helps you.