Citris Wipes versus mild soap washing

[Jason S.]

I have found that while Citris wipes are much more convenient than removing the mask parts and washing individually with soap and water, the seal is not nearly as good, possibly from oils in the Citris wipes? I get the best seal from washing with mild soap and water, washing my face with soap and water, even though this is a real PITA to accomplish on a daily basis.

[Gerryk]

I too find washing daily with a mild soap and washing the face before going to bed is best. Sometimes I also use a makeup wipe with alcohol on it to clean my face a little better.

[Hawthorne]

I rarely take my mask apart. I use the Citrus wipes for daily cleaning and a mild soap and water cleaning once a week.

I don't take it apart very often (not even for the weekly soap cleaning) because, in my opinion, taking it apart does break down the seal faster.

With the weekly soap and water wash, I just leave it in the warm soapy water for 15 minutes or so. Then I rinse well. I think that the 15 minute soak gets it almost as clean (maybe as clean) as taking it apart and I am not affecting the seal as much.

[Babette]

Or switch to a mask that doesn't require daily cleaning..... I haven't washed my mask in two weeks now, seals great, no problems. Probably should wash it soon though, just for general hygiene.

See the links in my sig for more information on the Nasal Aire II.
Babs

[TheDreamer]

Wonder if that's why I'm chasing leaks after my first good night with each new mask....

The CL2 was nearly a straight line across of just the intentional leak the first night....since then it leaks now and then, and has been getting progressively worse. Last night breaking into the large leak category. Haven't had it for a week yet, so its just been citrus wipes.... Though also think that I don't move the first few nights....

I wonder if it would be so bad to not washing my CL2 nasal pillows every day....

The Dreamer

[deesnider]

I too find washing daily with a mild soap and washing the face before going to bed is best. Sometimes I also use a makeup wipe with alcohol on it to clean my face a little better.

So the Alcohol dosnt hurt the seal in any way? I have access to thousands of alcohol pads.

[Kiralynx]

I wonder if it would be so bad to not washing my CL2 nasal pillows every day....

I rinse mine in the morning with lots of warm water, then shake the excess water out and put it on the nightstand to dry.

[Gale Hawkins]

Having really oily skin really helps with the sealing naturally. Highly cleaned mask can leak more if it gets reformed in shape at all.

[hopper]

So the Alcohol dosnt hurt the seal in any way? I have access to thousands of alcohol pads.

Silicone absorbs most organic compounds, changing the mechanical properties of the seal and possibly causing it to degrade faster.
Having said that, most polar compounds (including water and alcohols) are not as readily absorbed by silicone.
I wouldn't recommend cleaning the silicone seal with alcohol, but its probably OK (from the seal's perspective) to use alcohol to remove oils from your face...most of it will vaporize before you have a chance to get the mask on anyway

[mdbarthe]

I've been using Cottonelle wipes every morning to clean my mask and only breaking it down and washing it with mild soap and water at the end of the week. I usually end up with a 0.0 L/s or .02 L/s at the most every night. That's a great seal. The wipes have no alcohol in them and I tend to have oily skin most of the time.

[kebsa]

I was given a sheet by the DME, i think it came off one of the mask manufacturers websites, it suggested using baby shampoo to wash the masks in- i must admit i have been using an ordinary unscented soap

[DreamStalker]

Nothing fancy needed ... just a mild soap of your choice and water ... then shake off excess water and air dry ... takes about 2 minutes.