What do you use to clean your mask etc.?

pivot · Post by **pivot** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 10:55 pm

I am new to this Cpap world and need to know what to use to clean my mask. I have heard "mild" and "pure" but I need name brands. What do you guys use??
Thanks

Knightfall · Post by **Knightfall** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 11:23 pm

Per my mask's manufacturer (Resmed), I have been using "Liquid Neutrogena", an unscented facial cleansing soap. Stuff meets all the criteria (not antibacteria, not scented, "pure"), but at $6 for 8 oz, it's a little pricey. Many people here swear by baby shampoo, which will probably be my next choice as I think name brand baby shampoo runs around $2 for 20 oz.

Also, a water/vinegar soak isn't a bad idea on occasion. My mask was getting a little cloudy (residual soap scum?) and I soaked my mask in a 3 parts water, 1 part vinegar solution for about 15 minutes. Came out looking like new, and I believe it sealed better also that night (was starting to see my leakage stats come up slightly; could be coincidence).

I found a lot of good tips on this forum searching "cleaning AND vinegar". Best of luck, Ken

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Sat Aug 26, 2006 5:12 am

I use ivory bar soap daily and white vinegar and water weekly. Be sure to rinse well no matter what you use.
Brenda

Pirate · Post by **Pirate** » Sat Aug 26, 2006 7:36 am

Nothing.

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Sat Aug 26, 2006 9:39 am

I have always used pure Castile soap (Dr. Bonner's is the brand I use). Recommended by many, its very pure, very gentle, very effective and very cheap. And, reading the label of the stuff is a HOOT!!!!!! Its worked like a char

You can get it (in bulk or bottles) at any WildOats, and in most Krogers.

Chuck

roadwarrior · Post by **roadwarrior** » Sat Aug 26, 2006 10:26 am

I just use good ole' Dawn diswasher soap. I've read what it has and it is basic and pure without strong detergents to damage items. So far it has served me well, and is certainly cheap enough. I keep a small former Este' Lauder nightcream container full for my trips every other week. Works great and leaves NO residue or smell.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sat Aug 26, 2006 11:17 am

GoofyUT wrote:I have always used pure Castile soap (Dr. Bonner's is the brand I use). Recommended by many, its very pure, very gentle, very effective and very cheap. And, reading the label of the stuff is a HOOT!!!!!! Its worked like a char

You can get it (in bulk or bottles) at any WildOats, and in most Krogers.

Chuck

I'll have to try that. I use it all the time, my Grandmother used it on the farm 60 year ago, It's great on hard water. Jim

MD727 · Post by **MD727** » Sat Aug 26, 2006 12:26 pm

Johnson's and Johnson's Baby Shampoo - tried 'em all - noxzema, dawn etc...nothing works better... and an even bigger bonus - it's cheap - and you can find it almost everywhere....

Bookbear · Post by **Bookbear** » Sat Aug 26, 2006 5:11 pm

Echoing what MD727 said.... J&J baby shampoo works great. Once every couple of weeks, I treat everything to a vinegar/water soak (mask, hose, water tank for the humidifier. 15-20 min. in a solution of one part white vinegar to 3 parts water.

kurtchan · Post by **kurtchan** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 6:42 am

I probably sound like a broken record, but Seventh Generation dishwashing soap is what I use to clean the humidifier reservoire and mask parts daily. It has no moisturizer, perfume or anti-bacterial agents, so it fits the requirements of the CPAP manufacturers to a T and is readily available in most grocery stores.

Kurtchan

tmaiberger · Post by **tmaiberger** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 7:08 am

I read on this forum when I first started on CPAP that Johnson's head to toe baby wash or the store brand equivalent (like Equate at Wal Mart) is used by many people because the scent if any is not strong and there are no harsh additives, chemicals etc since it is designed for infants and young children (I have not actually read the ingredients closely to see if it is true). If it is not in the pharmacy section of the grocery store check the baby aisle. I use that about once a week and a vinegar and water mix (about 3 to 1) from a spray bottle daily for my mask.

ladytonya · Post by **ladytonya** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 12:17 pm

I use Ivory dish detergent. It is pure and one bottle lasts forever! I may try the baby shampoo thing next, though, because I like the small of baby shampoo.

My DME told us specifically not to use Dawn. The grease cutting agent in it does something. This was back when my husband first got his xpap 6 years ago so I don't remember the whole reason, I just remember it was something to do with the grease cutter.

Anyway, the Ivory works like a charm and I soak about once a month in a white vinegar and water mix. Works great!

Snoozin' Bluezzz · Post by **Snoozin' Bluezzz** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 2:17 pm

kurtchan wrote:...Seventh Generation dishwashing soap is what I use to clean the humidifier reservoire and mask parts daily. It has no moisturizer, perfume...

Kurtchan

I have to 2nd this after using it. It is totally odorless and rinses very well. I began using it for dishes and eyeglasses too. It was a good find. I have to thank Kurtchan.

It says on the label - "free and clear of perfumes and dyes", also "Ingredients: A unique (sic) combination of naturally derived cleaning agents (coconut-based srfactants),, Preservative (less than 0.05%), Water."

David

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 2:44 pm

Dawn diswashing liquid. (when I get around to it)

Den

Maryb · Post by **Maryb** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 3:31 pm

I was using a vinegar rinse everyday which really helped the mask seal to be more tacky but then I started getting a rash (eczema) on my face. Ugh!
So I switched to ivory soap and my face completely cleared.
My point is that it's not only the interaction of chemicals, scents etc with the silicone seal that you have to worry about but also the reaction of your face skin after it's been in contact with residual cleaning product on the mask seal all night.

Maryb

What do you use to clean your mask etc.?

What do you use to clean your mask etc.?

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