should I boil AA valve silicone?

[Otter]

Please help me out here. I haven't been sleeping much lately and I don't trust my judgment.

I found a little black crud on the base of the silicone flapper (not the flapper itself) from the anti-asphyxiation valve of my QFX, and there are four tiny dots I can't get off with soap or mask wipes. I even tried rubbing the spot with isopropyl.

Is there any reason I shouldn't boil this thing? The flapper is a little thicker than the outer layer of my mask cushions, and those seem to like being boiled. But I can't even swear the valve is actually silicone, and I'm feeling very cautious because I don't have a backup valve or another mask. I can't buy supplies locally, so if I kill the AA valve I'm in trouble. OTOH, I'm allergic to mold, and if that's what I'm dealing with, boiling will at least kill it.

[hyperlexis]

It's probably time to replace the tiny flapper valve if its that old and discolored. Pull it out and push in the replacement.

Thoroughly disassemble and clean the rest of the mask and hose as well while you are at it.

[chunkyfrog]

It's nice our sponsors sell that part. Way cheaper than a new mask.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... -clip.html

[JDS74]

Otter

The first thing to do is to figure out how to get a spare mask.
Then get a replacement valve and replace it.

In the mean time, if you can't get the spots off with rubbing or wih alcohol, it's likely that it's not mold or mildew and not a threat. It most likely in some sort of stain in the plastic.

[Otter]

It's probably time to replace the tiny flapper valve if its that old and discolored. Pull it out and push in the replacement.

Actually, the flapper itself looks pretty good. It's just the corner of the thick bit that holds it in the clip that got grunged up.

Thoroughly disassemble and clean the rest of the mask and hose as well while you are at it.

Yeah, that's what I was doing. I've been cleaning the elbow even less often than usual because my tubing was held on with masking tape -- for about the last year, I think. Hence the grunge. I finally got around to getting a new hose and cushion, but I didn't notice the problem with the valve until I took it apart.

I do need a new valve, though, even though the old one works fine. It's been 2 1/2 years, and it'll give out eventually.

[Otter]

It's nice our sponsors sell that part. Way cheaper than a new mask.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... -clip.html

Thanks for pointing out that that I don't have to buy the whole elbow. I didn't realize that. With the part number from your link, I found the valve and clip for $9 shipped on fleabay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Resmed-Mirage-Q ... 417225efc8

I put the old valve back in. Guess I'll wait until I have another one before messing with it any more. Knew I was missing something obvious. But what do you all think? Once it's safe to experiment, should I boil the old valve or is there a better way?

[hyperlexis]

It's nice our sponsors sell that part. Way cheaper than a new mask.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... -clip.html

Thanks for pointing out that that I don't have to buy the whole elbow. I didn't realize that. With the part number from your link, I found the valve and clip for $9 shipped on fleabay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Resmed-Mirage-Q ... 417225efc8

I put the old valve back in. Guess I'll wait until I have another one before messing with it any more. Knew I was missing something obvious. But what do you all think? Once it's safe to experiment, should I boil the old valve or is there a better way?

A better way to do what?

If you are getting a brand new, clean valve flapper the best place for the old one is the trash. If you boil it, it could distort (or may not) then not seal right and you'd have a leak outward at the valve and not be able to maintain the air pressure in the mask.

[Otter]

A better way to do what?

To clean it. Like many hoseheads, I often save retired parts to use as spares.

[archangle]

Control III might be a good idea, too.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Contro ... eaner.html