cleaninng the cpap machine and mask

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I have been using Cpap for about 6 weeks as I said. Thanks for the information about the Mirage Active.

Has anyone out there had difficult getting the straps on right and getting the mask and resevoir cleaned and put back together? How often does each part have to be cleaned. Aslo, has anyone tried using baby shampoo for cleaning?

Thanks
Shazzer

Hi shazzer,

Welcome! I know exactly what you are refering to. My Activa collects water around the inside perimeter of the soft bellows portion of the mask.

I've been popping it off using the 3 green tabs and pouring the water out in the sink as I rinse it under warm water to clean it.

I've read it's best to clean with water only, but also that the oils from your face are what break down the soft plastic. I would think a mild soap is required to break down the oils - we'll see!

I've also read one poster say the secret to keeping a mask functional for a long time is to never disasemble it. To late for that in my case - again we'll see!

The bellows portion of the mask alone costs $49 to replace so it is worth the effort to treat it with care.

Good luck.

Welcome Shazzer,

I have the Mirage Activa mask and at first I used to take it apart and had some difficulty at first getting that blue plastic thing back in between the rubber rim but after a couple of times, it was fine. Lately, I have been just taking it off the straps and washing it with the plastic on it...not taking it apart. When I put it back on all I adjust is the top straps. I leave the bottoom straps alone and don't move the little snaps that fit into the mask.

I was told to use a pure soap. I use Ivory soap and some white vinigar and that's it. I wash the mask and humidifier every other night and the hose once a week but I have 2 hoses and besides the Activa I have the Swift.

I think it would be nice to have a whole collection of masks and then wash only once a week. I know there are a lot of people that do.

Judy

I use Baby Shampoo to wash all my CPAP stuff, then Control III to sterilize it. Although Honestly THAT only happens every few weeks!

Hi shazzer,

I have my own theory that it's better not to take a mask apart to clean it. I never remove the cushion of any of my masks. I just rinse the mask out with water and do a little light (no scrubbing) cleaning of the cushion with mild soap and water to remove any skin oils where the cushion touches the face.

I believe that the more you take a mask apart (the cushion), the more likely it will not fit back together as snugly again.

The humidifier chamber that holds water....well, I rarely empty it - I just add more water as needed. I rinse it out maybe once a month and slosh some soapy water around in it, or a solution of vinegar/water.

Hi

to clean my mask I often take the mask with me to bath with, I get some cotton wool pads and soak in my bath water , which is full of bubble bath and wipe the nasal mask with it. The gel molding and the plastic housing.

I use bit of hand wash and froth it and and soak my cotton wool and wipe the mask with it. To dry it use tissues and hand dry it. Sometime I don't dry it properly and the little dropplets of water splashs on my face!!!! ARRRRRRRUGH!!! [ aww yuck, what a way to start the therapy!!]

But I clean because someetimes the mask gets a bit stinky!!!