Storage of extra mask parts?

[pastorgilbert]

Hi all--Since being on BiPAP for a few months now, I've acquired a number of extra masks that I hope to use in the future. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to properly store them to prevent any degradation of the soft plastic parts?

I keep my Hybrids in their original turquoise cases in a dark closet, but I'm wondering if it might not be a good idea to store the parts in plastic bags or have some sort of dessicant material in the cases. Any ideas?

Pastorgilbert

[Babette]

You know, you bring up a good point. Dark is BEST for plastic, as is cool. Just by CHANCE I had a spare black plastic file box that I wasn't using, so I put all my spare stuff in there, and put it in the top of the closet. Not always the coolest place in the house. I might consider moving it to another place. I think basement would be preferable to attic in the summer.

Dessicant can't hurt. I don't see much in the way of moisture collecting in my box. But I'm into it at least once a week these days, fishing out something to send to someone, or adding something I've just gotten. Make sure the dessicant is not loose, and try to get the kind manufacturers use in those little "paper" sealed packets. I don't think dessicant would react positively with the mask parts.

I've got all my masks cleaned and in ziploc bags. Those that came with their original packaging are then placed inside their original packaging. I save all the original packaging I can manage to store. It's important to some people, and in some cases, it facilitates shipping. Miscellaneous parts I just keep in ziplocs after cleaning them well.

Keep it dark, dry, and cool, and I think you've got a winning combo!

Oh, one last point - ionizers and ozone machines are the death of plastics. They will deteriorate your masks. Keep these away from any of those kind of machines you might be running. If you run one in your bedroom, store your extra masks and parts somewhere far away, like the basement or garage. I realize some of you really need them to sleep with, and you're willing to buy new masks frequently, so that's your choice. But no need to ruin any inventory you might want to use later on.

Cheers,
B.