Are CPAP Masks Latex Free? Top 5 Reasons You See Skin Irritation On CPAP

Now that you’re on a CPAP machine and wake up feeling refreshed, isn’t it time you look the part? A common complaint among sleep apnea patients is that CPAP masks irritate the skin, resulting in red marks, nose sores, and dermatitis. This is especially true for CPAP users who have a latex allergy. Aeroflow Sleep is here to reveal the top 5 reasons you see skin irritation on CPAP, plus which supplies help reduce the rash.

The skin irritation you get from a CPAP mask is called CPAP rash, and there are a variety of reasons this happens. Let’s get right to it and focus on the top 5:

1. Your CPAP Mask Fits Poorly

Finding the perfect CPAP mask fit can be a struggle. Yours may be too tight to begin with, which will cause the mask frame to cut into your skin and leave those unsightly red marks. Worse yet, yours may be too loose, which will cause air leaks and, instead of swapping the poorly-fitting CPAP mask out for something better, you opt to over tighten the headgear and/or chin straps. Thus, the cycle repeats itself.

You should be able to slide a finger between your straps without feeling any CPAP mask leaks. If you cannot do this, you need to order a new mask. Watch our video featuring Michelle Worley, Aeroflow Sleep’s Director of Clinical Operations to troubleshoot your mask fit in order to avoid nose sores:

2. Your CPAP Supplies Are Old And Dirty

CPAP supplies should be cleaned regularly for your health and safety. Side effects from dirty equipment can range from skin irritation to chronic respiratory illness! If you notice any yellowing around the cushions or straps, you’re definitely overdue for a cleaning and may need to replace parts altogether.

Mask frames, cushions, tubing, and humidifier water chambers should be washed weekly with warm, soapy water. Mask wipes and CPAP cleaners may be used occasionally but are not a substitute for your regular cleanings. Also, you should empty your water chamber every morning. Always air dry before you use your CPAP machine again at night and refill the water chamber with distilled water only.

5. You Have A Latex Allergy

Last but not least, the answer you’ve all been waiting for—no, several CPAP masks are not latex free. If you have a latex allergy, you’ll want to order silicone or gel mask cushions. On the other hand, if you have a silicone allergy, CPAP masks that contain rubber or latex are your friends. Consult your dedicated Aeroflow Sleep Specialist about which products are best-suited for your condition.

We’ve covered a handful of long-term solutions for treating CPAP mask skin irritation based on the top 5 reasons you may have it, but what can you do right now? The American Academy of Dermatology suggests the following tips to relieve itchy skin:

• If you have redness, apply cooling agents; like menthol or calamine.
• If you have blisters, apply an oatmeal-based ointment or any topical anesthetics that contain pramoxine.
• If you have swelling, place a cold, wet cloth against the affected area. You can also use an ice pack.
• Finally, wash your face daily with unscented soap, use sunscreen, and moisturize.

If none of these solutions seem to be helping and you’re convinced you need a new mask entirely, try one of these models, designed to reduce CPAP rash:

• Philips Respironics' Amara Gel Full-Face CPAP Mask is great for both silicone and latex allergies. Its unique gel mask cushion is flexible, comfortable, and exclusive to the Amara product line. That said, this is a full-face mask that lays flat against the T-zone. Its sister, the Amara View does not, but then you sacrifice the gel pads. Philips Respironics does not currently make a CPAP mask that offers both features.
• ResMed's AirTouch N20 Nasal CPAP Mask gives you the opportunity Amara lacks if you want a nasal mask instead. It’s latex-free and silicone-free thanks to the UltraSoft memory foam cushions that easily conform to all face shapes. And, because they resist moisture, memory foam cushions don’t require cleaning! Just remember to replace them every 3 months. 
• Bleep DreamPorts are another strong contender and don’t fall in with conventional mask types. In lieu of a nasal pillow option, this alternative comes with adhesive patches you place around the nose and connect to your tubing. There’s no CPAP headgear, it’s hypoallergenic, and the patches are disposable. All you need to do to maintain your healthy, radiant skin is change your DreamPorts nightly. 

CPAP mask liners also exist. Although these single-use cotton pads are sold separately, the benefit of having a minimal-contact barrier between your skin and mask cushion is worth it. Compatible with most Philips Respironics and ResMed CPAP Masks, Remzzzs is one such mask liner Aeroflow Sleep highly recommends.

Your CPAP therapy shouldn’t keep you from feeling beautiful. That’s why Aeroflow Sleep proudly provides its sleep apnea patients with CPAP equipment that combats CPAP rash. Plus, we work hard to get it all covered up to 100% through insurance, accepting most private insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Not a member of the Aeroflow Sleep program yet? Take 5-7 minutes to fill out our qualifying form, where we will ask you certain questions, verifying your eligibility for CPAP supplies through insurance and determining which parts you use now (if any.) That’s all we need to add you to our system!

You will then receive 24/7 access to our online patient portal and be paired with a sleep expert who can answer any questions you may have during business hours. So, sign up now! Aeroflow Sleep is ready to bring you a good night’s sleep without skin irritation.