Cleaning Solution

[Moogy]

I would like some input on what kind of soap you use for cleaning your mask etc. My DME therapist warned me away from anything containing lotions, and she said I shouldn't use antibacterial soap. She said "pure soap," but the only example she gave me was Ivory dish soap. When I went to buy some, it didn't say "pure soap" anywhere on the label.

What specific kinds (brands) of soaps do you experienced CPAP-ers recommend? Any warnings about what to avoid?

And finally, do you soap out your hose? The therapist said not to bother, but I see on the posts that some people do...

Thanks from a newbie,

Moogy

[krousseau]

I use a clear unscented baby shampoo (unscented because years of allergies have made me sensitive to odors)

[Snoredog]

Next time ask your DME if they have OSA and have ever used this equipment, don't forget they are selling you equipment, are they really going to tell you things that actually extend the life of your equipment?

As for not using antibacterial soap? I use Dawn antibacterial liquid hand soap, fill the sink with hottest water I can run, squirt some of that antibacterial soap in (makes lotsa bubbles), remove the headgear from the mask leaving the cushion attached and give it the ole agitation action, rinse in the next sink with clear water and blow dry with a hair dryer if needed. I got 2 years use off my last UltraMirage FF mask and it still had some good nights left in it. I bet your DME won't like you listening to me

[nighthawk62]

Personally, I use either Plain Ivory dish soap, or Plain Dawn dish soap. Either, I have always been told, are safe to use because they contain no additives to "soften hands" or antibacterial agents. I have always been told not to use any that contain ingredients that help to soften hands, ect... or other additives because they will leave a "coating" that will expedite the possible break down of the delicate seals around the mask thereby reducing the life expectancy of the mask. Also it is a very good idea to wash and dry out the tubing and any humidifiers as well. This helps to prevent the growth of any organisms that may lead to respiratory infections or re-contamination of your respiratory tract, if you have any respiratory infections/colds ect... I hope this helps you out. I would also recommend talking to your home health agency to see what they recommend, but as posted in a previous reply, always consider the source. It never hurts to ask around and see what others use and have good luck with.

[krousseau]

Does anybody know if Ivory dish soap is really a soap-I think the dishes type is a detergent and only the laundry flakes and bar are true soaps???

We really get a range of conflicting advice the RT that I saw gave Dawn as one definately not to use. About the only consistent thing I've seen and heard is-do not use alcohol. I looked at dish detergents, "natural" detergents, baby Dreft, hypoallergenic products, shampoos and settled on the unscented baby shampoo with the shorted least noxious list of ingredients. Guess I'll know if my choice was the right one or not by how long the silicone seal lasts.

[capt]

I use baby soap and/or a 1/3vinegar 2/3water solution. The vinegar solution works on a mask and it is really good at cleaning my humidifier and hoses.

[fcaen]

I'm surprised that no one else here uses plain unscented Dove by Unilever. That soap is precisely listed in the manual for my mask as the one to use.

[Moogy]

I plain unscented Dove a bar soap, or a liquid dish soap? My manual doesn't specify any particular kind....

Moogy

[fcaen]

I use the Dove bar soap. Don't know if they make a liquid version.
I just get tons of it on my hands and hand wash the mask, or fill the sink with water while rubbing the bar soap under the tap.
I was kinda surprised they recommended Dove, it's probably got all kinds of hand softening additives. But the manual for my Ultra Mirage FF I got last month listed it specifically.