Allergic reactions

I have worn a CPAP for 25 years and never had a problem. I purchased a SoClean this summer and have been using it daily. Over the past 2 months I have developed an allergic reaction to something around my nose area where my cpap mask sits and my entire nose area is red, dried out, skin cracking and bleeding. My dermatologist thinks it may be my mask, but I have using the same style mask that I have used for years. I purchased this mask also this summer as I usually replace my masks every 3 years with a new one, same company, same type of mask. Could the So Clean unit cause what is happening to my nose ? Could the So Clean break down the composition of my mask ? My mask is a ResMed Air Fit N20 model. Please reply.

SoClean uses ozone to do the cleaning. It is a pretty active oxidizer and will attack a lot of stuff, but I would think silicone is very resistant to it. It may be some oxide that forms when the ozone combines with something. I would try going without using the SoClean for a week or two. I find 1% hydrocortisone cream to be quite effective in clearing up mask irritation. You should not use it for more than a week or so though. And, I put it on in the morning, not at night before putting on the mask.

I have a friend who had a reaction using a SoClean machine. It would be interesting to go back to your previous way of cleaning your machine and see if the issues you are having cease.