Cleaning my Swift LT mask

[marcurelio]

Hi all. After a long time just lurching, I decided to create an account to ask this.

I have a Swift LT mask, been using it for 2 or 3 years. Since some time ago, I noticed some dark spots inside those small holes on its elbow. I suspect it's mold. No matter what I do (soaking it in lukewarm water, brushing, blowing air on it), dhe black spots are always there. Does anyone know what they are and how can I get rid of them?

Thank you.

[LSAT]

When the windshield washers on my car get clogged I use the wire from a twistee...just peal off the paper. That may work on your mask holes.

[marcurelio]

When the windshield washers on my car get clogged I use the wire from a twistee...just peal off the paper. That may work on your mask holes.

Thank you for yor response, but... what is a "twistee"?

[Pugsy]

Twistee....bread ties..the little wire thingies used to keep the loaf of bread in a closed bag so it doesn't dry out.

[marcurelio]

Twistee....bread ties..the little wire thingies used to keep the loaf of bread in a closed bag so it doesn't dry out.

Oh! Ok, thank you. I will try that.

[poppi2]

... I noticed some dark spots inside those small holes on its elbow. I suspect it's mold....

I got lazy and didn't remove the pillow from the LT base for a long time. When I finally removed it, I noticed mold down in some of the nooks and crannies of the base. I could never remove all of it. It seemed to have impregnated the silicone. I learned my lesson. Removal and inspection is part of my daily routine. Earl

[mgaggie]

A fine needle/pin might do the job too

[idamtnboy]

I have a Swift LT mask, been using it for 2 or 3 years.

With a mask this old I'd be more concerned about fit and function than things like mold. I found a world of difference, i.e., pillows and all else fit much better, after I changed to a new mask after about a year. The headgear loses it's stiffness and fit after months of use. If I were you I'd pitch the old mask and switch to a new one.

[marcurelio]

With a mask this old I'd be more concerned about fit and function than things like mold. I found a world of difference, i.e., pillows and all else fit much better, after I changed to a new mask after about a year. The headgear loses it's stiffness and fit after months of use. If I were you I'd pitch the old mask and switch to a new one.

I'm shopping for a new headgear right now. The mask and its pillows are all right, though.

[marcurelio]

A fine needle/pin might do the job too

It didn't, nor did the twistees. Any ideas?

[Pugsy]

You are talking about the vent holes on the short hose assembly??

I assume that you have used some small brush like a toothbrush to scrub the holes?
Why lukewarm water? How about hot water run through it along with scrubbing with a toothbrush?
Maybe soak in vinegar and a good scrubbing.

[marcurelio]

You are talking about the vent holes on the short hose assembly??

I assume that you have used some small brush like a toothbrush to scrub the holes?
Why lukewarm water? How about hot water run through it along with scrubbing with a toothbrush?
Maybe soak in vinegar and a good scrubbing.

I used a toothbrush, yes. I'm afraid I might damage the mask by using hot water. CPAP masks are very expensive where I live.

[Pugsy]

I used hot water on my Swift FX short hose assembly...just tap water hot and as hot as I could stand it on my hands and that's pretty hot.
Just run it under the hot faucet for a while. Hot water won't hurt it. Now if you were to put it in a pot of boiling water that would be a different story but I use really hot water when I was all my mask stuff....
Might try a little toothpaste on the toothbrush...the abrasive particles in the toothpaste might dislodge whatever is in there but it may just be left over color that has stained the plastic that you are seeing.