Allergy to the head strap

I have an elastic strap for my nasal pillows.

I developed an allergy to it and my scalp would itch it got progressively worse over time.

I now use a white cotton sock between the strap and the elastic strap. I change the pillow sheets a few times a week.

The allergy which was getting quite severe stopped.

I did make an inquiry regarding a hypoallergenic elastic strap and was told they might find an another assembly that I could try, but they didn't have a hypoallergenic strap.

For a medical supplier you would think the idea of making sure something was hypoallergenic would be a given. I think it is another sign of the poor quality of sleep medicine.

I haven't had any allergy to rubber prior. I do know that natural rubber can cause allergies based on the quality and the level of allergens in the latex product. Synthetic rubber would be different. I worked in a factory clean room where everyone had to wear gloves and one year we had a rash of allergies since the latex rubber being used wasn't as pure as it normally was and full of allergens.

I recommend people check as to what is used in the equipment that contacts their body and additionally don't use natural latex products.

Finally consider a piece of cotton between you and the strap.

The trouble is that anyone, at any time in their lives, can become allergic to anything at all (my mother - to kiwis - at 80) so it's a bit hard to keep up sometimes, but it would be nice if there was something that agreed with all of us!

Check with padacheek.com for strap covers

I agree with LSAT. The strap covers may be the answer to your problem. I was getting blisters on the back of my neck because of my mask straps. As soon as I put the padacheek covers on, problem solved.

Sheriff

Padacheek covers is an excellent idea. You could also try putting the straps in hair conditioner (maybe Dove) after you wash it. If nothing else it might feel more comfortable against your skin... it did for me.

Second party headgear could be made of different materials than the OEM--a possible niche market to enter--some are already being sold.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/snuggl ... dgear.html
A handy person could help oneself, and make money, too.
--Like the cloth masks from Sleepweaver, or even Karen at Pad-a-Cheek, both cpappers doing what needs to be done.

Pad a cheek didn't work for my husband. Everywhere the straps touch his face, his face breaks out. He stories wearing the mask for awhile, which isn't good. Any suggestions would be helpful, as I just cannot for any strap covers that don't cause skin breakouts.

4iw09 wrote:Pad a cheek didn't work for my husband. Everywhere the straps touch his face, his face breaks out. He stories wearing the mask for awhile, which isn't good. Any suggestions would be helpful, as I just cannot for any strap covers that don't cause skin breakouts.

What mask? What kind of headgear does it have?

Make some covers out of some (old) tube socks or anything cotton (I assume he's not allergic to that).


Den

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41w09 - It doesn't make sense - if he's got strap covers on the entire surface that touches him... is he using a new soap perhaps? Talk to a dermatologist if necessary. I'm not saying he's not allergic to something, but what and why is hard to say yet. Try other liners...