Vinegar and Water

[Ms. OwLMooN]

I was wondering what parts white vinegar and water can used for cleaning a mask and a water tub?

I had accidently dropped my mask on the floor last night and it tumbled underneath the bed into pile of dust bunnies!
(the dust bunnies will see their end soon!)

[Cardsfan]

I use 3/4 cup water, 1/4 cup white vinegar for a quick soak/wash (10 minutes) in a gallon size ziplock baggie. After that, I wash with Johnson/s Baby shampoo so the mask smells good.

[Ms. OwLMooN]

I will try that. Thanks so much!

[thesleeplady]

I have also instructed patients to use an antibacterial dish soap. Just a drop or two in the sink after filling with water, swish the mask and rinse. All my family has had great results with no mask breakdown. Just something else to try.

[Sir NoddinOff]

I have also instructed patients to use an antibacterial dish soap. Just a drop or two in the sink after filling with water, swish the mask and rinse. All my family has had great results with no mask breakdown. Just something else to try.

I agree, soapy water is just fine for both mask and tank... if you are insured then you'll get a new mask (meaning cushion) every month or so and a new tank every 6 months, depending on your insurance. Also, use distilled water in the tank. Straight vinegar is good when you start to get a scale or slimy build up in the corners of the tank, attack it with a Qtip and let it sit for thirty minutes in contact with the vinegar. Repeat if necessary.

[Ms. OwLMooN]

Good to know! Thank you!

[Ms. OwLMooN]

I have also instructed patients to use an antibacterial dish soap. Just a drop or two in the sink after filling with water, swish the mask and rinse. All my family has had great results with no mask breakdown. Just something else to try.

"Thank You."

[n2it]

I have also instructed patients to use an antibacterial dish soap. Just a drop or two in the sink after filling with water, swish the mask and rinse. All my family has had great results with no mask breakdown. Just something else to try.

My DME and the product manufacturer both DO NOT recommend antibacterial soap to be used on the mask or the water tank. They both stated to use a very mild hand soap (Ivory and Dove were the actual recommendations from the DME).

I don't quite understand this advice. Why would one not want to use antibacterial soap (and again this is also coming from the manufacturer)?

I clean my pillow daily, the remainder of the head gear weekly, and will clean the water tank and hose monthly.

[Cardsfan]

I believe antibacterial soap has harsh chemicals in it that can damage the mask. Another reason is you are breathing in those chemicals all night long that you used to wash the mask.

Vinegar kills bacteria without all those harsh chemicals. Baby shampoo gently cleans the dirt off, without the chemicals that are harmful. My sleep Dr. was the one who told me this.

[n2it]

I believe antibacterial soap has harsh chemicals in it that can damage the mask. Another reason is you are breathing in those chemicals all night long that you used to wash the mask.

Vinegar kills bacteria without all those harsh chemicals. Baby shampoo gently cleans the dirt off, without the chemicals that are harmful. My sleep Dr. was the one who told me this.

I assumed as much but really wasn't certain. I can't stand the smell of vinegar but the J&J Baby Shampoo, I hadn't even thought of and that's a great idea...

[Cardsfan]

I like the smell of the baby shampoo. And I go overboard a little with it. I squirt some shampoo in the palm of my hand and rub it all over the nose piece, then rinse it well. When I put my mask on at nite, I can still smell the shampoo a little the first night.

[MarylandCPAPer]

if you are insured then you'll get a new mask every month or so and a new tank every 6 months.

I wish this was true, although most of us don't need a new mask every month. My experience is that nasal pillows may be paid for every month, headgear (not an entirely new mask!!) and a new humidifier water tank every 6 months. Insurance policies vary on the frequency allowed for insurance payment of supplies. I'm happy for those who get a new mask every month!!

[LSAT]

if you are insured then you'll get a new mask every month or so and a new tank every 6 months.

I wish this was true, although most of us don't need a new mask every month. My experience is that nasal pillows may be paid for every month, headgear (not an entirely new mask!!) and a new humidifier water tank every 6 months. Insurance policies vary on the frequency allowed for insurance payment of supplies. I'm happy for those who get a new mask every month!!

Most masks are plastic and can last for years. Headgear and pillows/seals need replacing occasionally. Humidifier tanks do not wear out. If you use distilled water they also last forever. Sure...insurance will replace items if they break or wear out, but, insurance is expensive enough and the premiums keep increasing, I don;t think people should be encouraged to overuse their insurance or Medicare, but I know some people do it and encourage others to also do it.

[chunkyfrog]

What is the plural of dust bunny?
A pledge?

[Hang Fire]

I believe antibacterial soap has harsh chemicals in it that can damage the mask.

Not true!

Vinegar kills bacteria without all those harsh chemicals.

Chemikills!

Vinegar is a mixture of water and acetic acid. Acetic acid is NaHCO3, meaning it's made of one sodium atom, one hydrogen atom, one carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms. Dilute acetic acid is the chemical name for vinegar, and its chemical formula is CH3COOH.

Vinegar is much "harsher" than anything in antibacterial soap.

Learn some chemistry and maybe you will quit being a chemophobe.