disinfecting nasal pillows

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shaina
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disinfecting nasal pillows

Post by shaina » Wed Dec 06, 2017 9:09 pm

I'm having a lot of trouble with recurring staph infections. Since staph germs tend to live in the nose, I'm concerned that I'm reinfecting myself through my nasal pillows. I bought a terrifying cleaning solution online but it doesn't sound like it's safe for pillows. Any suggestions?
Using a Phillips System One Apap with an Airfit P10 for her. Pressure 10-14. Ramp 4.

jim22
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Re: disinfecting nasal pillows

Post by jim22 » Wed Dec 06, 2017 9:15 pm

I don't think most experienced cpapers work too hard to sterilize their masks. When I first got mine, I was instructed to soak in a 50/50 vinegar/water solution once a week. Now I just use soap and water on the actual pillows every day. Some folks wipe with baby wipes. If you have a particular issue with a recurrent bacterial infection, you could use something harsher, but it would need to be fully rinsed off after cleaning and the mask may degrade a bit sooner.
Jim

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AMESS
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Re: disinfecting nasal pillows

Post by AMESS » Wed Dec 06, 2017 9:17 pm

Use the cpap wipes every night . You can find them online or at the medical equipment store. Also suggest you wash your headgear every week. Cleanliness is very important. I also have the so-clean machine which handles the whole thing. You just put the entire mask and hose in the container and its cleaned by ozone.

I recommend it if you can afford it. Its about 300.00 on line. Other wise everything has to be done by hand.
Last edited by AMESS on Wed Dec 06, 2017 9:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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LSAT
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Re: disinfecting nasal pillows

Post by LSAT » Wed Dec 06, 2017 9:20 pm

Non scented baby wipes from Walmart, CVS etc do the same thing as CPAP wipes at 1/3rd the price.

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Pugsy
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Re: disinfecting nasal pillows

Post by Pugsy » Wed Dec 06, 2017 9:21 pm

I have no personal experience with this one.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Contro ... eaner.html
I think free ground shipping if you use promo code STOCKING17....I don't think it has expired yet.

I just use hot soapy water but if you are really wanting peace of mind about the potential staph issues you might consider this product.

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Re: disinfecting nasal pillows

Post by TedVPAP » Wed Dec 06, 2017 9:23 pm

shaina wrote:I'm having a lot of trouble with recurring staph infections. Since staph germs tend to live in the nose, I'm concerned that I'm reinfecting myself through my nasal pillows. I bought a terrifying cleaning solution online but it doesn't sound like it's safe for pillows. Any suggestions?
Is there anything that a 10% chlorine solution does not disinfect???

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shaina
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Re: disinfecting nasal pillows

Post by shaina » Thu Dec 07, 2017 1:39 am

Pugsy -- that's the one I bought, and it can't be used on nasal pillows.

I do have wipes -- they're always very cheap so I have a bunch of them, but I don't think they have any sanitizing/disinfecting properties.

Bleach would presumably work, but then I'd have the stink of bleach in my nose. I may just need to bite the bullet and buy some fresh pillows.
Using a Phillips System One Apap with an Airfit P10 for her. Pressure 10-14. Ramp 4.

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chunkyfrog
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Re: disinfecting nasal pillows

Post by chunkyfrog » Thu Dec 07, 2017 2:06 am

If you are having recurrent staph infections,
SEE YOUR DOCTOR!

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shaina
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Re: disinfecting nasal pillows

Post by shaina » Thu Dec 07, 2017 2:18 am

I've seen numerous doctors for it over the years, including an infectious disease specialist. There is no simple cure.
Using a Phillips System One Apap with an Airfit P10 for her. Pressure 10-14. Ramp 4.

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Pugsy
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Re: disinfecting nasal pillows

Post by Pugsy » Thu Dec 07, 2017 4:59 am

What size nasal pillow do you use...and I assume the P10???
I might have a couple of spares that are brand new you can just have depending on the size you use for cost of postage.
I also have a few new Swift FX nasal pillows.

I didn't realize that it wasn't advisable to use Control III on nasal pillows. I never read the fine print.

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archangle
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Re: disinfecting nasal pillows

Post by archangle » Thu Dec 07, 2017 5:59 am

Control III is nasty and somewhat dangerous UNTIL DILUTED. READ THE FLIPPING DIRECTIONS.

Before use, you add one ounce of concentrate to 1 gallon of water. Thats something like 100 to 1 dilution.

Once diluted, it's pretty benign. Don't drink it or get it in your eyes. Unfortunately, the labeling on this is somewhat confusing to many people.

Check the manufacturer's web site: http://www.controlthree.com/disinfectantgermicide.html
Q. Does repeated use of Control III Disinfectant germicide harm equipment, or degrade the material?

A. No. Control III does not contain drying chemicals that harm rubber, plastic, or metal. Furthermore, the use solution does not contain caustic or corrosive substances which harm equipment or cause irritation to the face if masks are disinfected with it.
--My note-- This is the DILUTED solution.

Where did you get the idea that it's not suitable to disinfect nasal pillows?

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Cannuck 1
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Re: disinfecting nasal pillows

Post by Cannuck 1 » Thu Dec 07, 2017 10:14 am

All I use is alcohol swaps on all my nasal gear for a nightly clean for the last 7 yrs, never had a problem and yes people will correct me for even suggesting alcohol on silicon products. They are inexpensive and easy available at any pharmacy in N America.

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chunkyfrog
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Re: disinfecting nasal pillows

Post by chunkyfrog » Thu Dec 07, 2017 10:29 am

I second the idea of alcohol for pillows and other items upwind of my nose.
However, I prefer ETHYL alcohol.
Inexpensive vodka, to be specific--a splash for the slimy tank--and one for my coffee.
Another splash in the funky hose--and another for my coffee.
A final splash for my nasal pillows . . .
DAMN, THIS IS GOOD COFFEE!

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shaina
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Re: disinfecting nasal pillows

Post by shaina » Thu Dec 07, 2017 1:54 pm

Archangle: the instructions on the bottle I have state "not to be used as a terminal strerilant/high-level disinfectant on any surface or instrument that... contacts intact mucous membranes." It's possible I'm reading the instructions wrong -- they are indeed unclear.

Pugsy: That's a very kind suggestion. I use medium size. I should start saving all the extra pillows I get to send on to people, too.

I'm not sure about the efficacy of alcohol wipes for this; I'll look it up.
Using a Phillips System One Apap with an Airfit P10 for her. Pressure 10-14. Ramp 4.

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JimW159
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Re: disinfecting nasal pillows

Post by JimW159 » Thu Dec 07, 2017 2:28 pm

See: https://www.resmed.com/us/dam/documents ... er_eng.pdf

This is a longish pdf, so it may take a few seconds to load.

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