squeeky mask swivel

hen3ry · Post by **hen3ry** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:59 am

Folks:

My Respironics ComfortClassic mask has developed a squeak when the swivel rotates. Just one more small discomfort for my spouse, but maybe this can be fixed.

I wash the mask weekly with warm water and dish soap. Is it possible that there's some kind of lubricant on the swivel joint that's this gentle treatment has finally washed away?

I would want to be very, very certain that any replacement lube is compatible with the mask and safe for the purpose. 10W40 is NOT a candidate <grin>, nor is 3-in-One <grin> <grin>.

Ideas?

Henry

tlc95066 · Post by **tlc95066** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 10:18 am

I had the same problem with one of of the many masks that I have used. I took the mask apart at the swivel and dabbed a tiny tiny amount of vaseline on one of the connections. Then put it back together and viola no squeeking. Hope that works for you.

Best,
Teri

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 10:19 am

Hi,

I don't have any idea of what to use, but I can tell you what to be careful with! It's best to avoid anything that is not water soluble such as vaseline.

The reason to avoid these is that if they are very near or in your nares the fumes can get into your lungs and can, in theory, cause lipoid pneumonia if inhaled over a prolonged period of time. Note that this is rare. If you want to see the reference, go to the Mayo Clinic web site and do a search on "lipoid pneumonia".

Mindy

MissDozer · Post by **MissDozer** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 11:11 am

How about trying KY jelly or something like that, that's water-soluble?

AnneO · Post by **AnneO** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 11:23 am

You might try teflon plumbers tape.

Anne

Rich03079 · Post by **Rich03079** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 12:16 pm

How about Teflon tape...? One wrap of teflon tape/ plumber tape could ease rubbing noise level.....? Like paddling this area some?

Rich03079
Salem,NH

jomac30 · Post by **jomac30** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 2:18 pm

How about sending it back as defective---that's what I did with the same one you have because mine did the same thing

drummergirl410 · Post by **drummergirl410** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 4:41 pm

I had the same issue with my Activa and do use a very minute amount of Vaseline around the rim of the connector. It doesn't take much at all to do the job. I use barely a pinky-sized amount. I wasn't aware of the pneumonia risk though. I always wach my mask as well and most of the time it's squeaky again afterward, so I think the majority of the Vaseline is coming off in the wash.

ColoradoDreamer · Post by **ColoradoDreamer** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 7:34 pm

I had the same problem once. I always use Blistex before bed and since it was handy, I used a very small amount on the swivel, just a thin film, and that took care of the problem. It hasn't affected the hard plastic at all.

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 7:53 pm

I know you are not supposed to use petroleum based products with most masks, but maybe that's just the silicone part. Not sure, however. Maybe someone knows.

beegee · Post by **beegee** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 1:19 am

A tiny dab of pure lanoline (wool fat) should do the trick.

Barbara

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 5:51 am

It's not just petroleum-based products - it's fat-based (non-water soluble products) that can (rarely) result in lipoid pneumonia. Here's the link:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/petrol ... ly/AN00947

By that definition, I'm not so sure lanolin would be good either.

Mindy

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 8:46 pm

My Activa does the same thing right after I wash it. I just take the part of the swivel that fits into the other section and rub a bar of Dove soap on the bottom & sides before snapping it back together. It's a very thin piece of soap, so I also slid it around in the little groove, too. Doesn't take much & works great.

Lyn

Mask

Additional Comments: Pur-Sleep & Pad-a-cheek