Gel Nasal Pillow Cleaning

I've been using the Nuance Pro Pillow Mask for a couple of years now but continually trying to find a way to extend the life of the pillows. I usually get a couple of months but at some point they either get too soft or too stiff (can't tell) that they no longer seal or fit right https://www.cpap.com/productpage/nuance ... atures-tab

I've always wondered if how I clean them daily is affecting how long they last. I've tried CPAP wipes, putting a little dawn on them then washing off, and just washing with plain water. I don't really feel just using water is doing much while the other two methods at least makes them smell cleaner each day.

For the life of me I can't determine whether any of the above is shortening the life of the pillows... any guesses or other recommendations for cleaning?


Mike

Two months is four times the anticipated use by Medicare.
Extreme cleaning should only be attempted when you have a spare.
You may be able to buy new pillows from the forum hosts,
or various sources online for less than your local clip joint DME wants.

Yes since I’m on Medicare I do get them at a discount but being on a fixed income I’d like them to last as long as possible.

I don't know how much your DME is charging with the Medicare discount or how frequently they will refill, but you can occasionally find some reasonable deals on eBay - especially if you find offers for multiples and free shipping. Right now there are a number of Nuance Pro Gel Cushions available for prices ranging from about $7-$12 for singles and offers of 4 small for $28; 3 Medium for $24, and one offer of 3 large for $14, all with free shipping.

Don't know how the topic got off to talking about the cost of replacing pillows but I'm more interested in how others clean them?

countryboy wrote:Yes since I’m on Medicare I do get them at a discount but being on a fixed income I’d like them to last as long as possible.

This was my reason - if you didn't want a reference to it perhaps you should have said so - then I wouldn't have bothered to offer the possibility of minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses for one of the most common and costly consumables in PAPdom.

When I had a Swift FX, I could extend the use by boiling them in distilled water
with a tablespoon or two of baking soda added.
Since there is more than just silicone in the Nuance pillows,
I would be very cautious when trying it.
Maybe just add the pillow to the water AFTER removing from the heat,
and watching carefully while soaking--and only if you have a spare pillow.
Extending use is a vital matter--it is too bad that manufacturers are designing to prevent it.

Hi Mike,
I recently started using the nuance pro, am a little concerned to hear you say that they only last 2 months...
For better or worse, since you asked, here is my cleaning method:
After using mild, nonperfumed castile type soap, I rinse them well. Then I give a final rinse with dechlorinated water.

I have no evidence whatsoever that this is beneficial to mask life. However, I know what effect chlorine has on my skin and hair, so I figure, there is a potential it may possibly hasten the deterioration of the mask, so I simply give the final rinse with dechlorinated water so that the chlorinated tap water is not what is left to dry on the mask.

It's probably in the "why not try it" category - you can simply leave out a bottle or jar of water on your countertop overnight and use that if you don't drink filtered water yourself.

Best wishes, Janette