Disinfection

[RiverDave]

Any thoughts or suggestions on disinfection (not cleaning) of masks and tubing? I noticed today that my throat was a little scratchy and want to do what I can to not get sick. The manuals for my equipment say don't use antibacterial agents to clean them.

Thanks,

Dave

[birdshell]

This may not be disinfection, but I believe it addresses your query. A wonderful RT told me that she recommend this to all of her patients who are sick:

Clean as usual, then soak in a 1:3 solution of vinegar:water. That means, for example, one cup (part) of vinegar, and three cups (parts) of water, which would equal four cups (parts) all together. I just used cups as an example--you would have to use whatever amount is appropriate for your equipment to be submersed.

I believe she said to soak it for an hour. Of course, one would then rinse it all thoroughly in hot water. Personally, I like to shake the water droplets off, and then there are only tiny ones spread over the silicone which dry quite quickly on a clean towel.

My typical cleaning regime is to soak for only a half-hour in a 1:10 vinegar:water solution. This was recommended by my original RT. However, I have seen things on the forum that indicate others use various ratios of the mixture, some even 1:3, on a regular basis.

I hope this works for you. As I've not been sick since starting CPAP, I really cannot comment on its effectiveness. That is one of the BEST things for me about CPAP. I used to get 4-6 sinus infections a year no matter WHAT!

I also quit teaching kindergartners.

[RiverDave]

Thanks for the information, Birdshell. I'll give it a try.

[John_M]

Any thoughts or suggestions on disinfection (not cleaning) of masks and tubing? I noticed today that my throat was a little scratchy and want to do what I can to not get sick. The manuals for my equipment say don't use antibacterial agents to clean them.

Here is the beginnings of a discussion on Mask Cleaning

Please feel free to add your own information to the notes.

John M

[Stefernie]

Use da vinegar.

I wash with Dawn afterwards to get da vinegar smell off.

[LyleHaze]

I think Dawn is antibacterial.
That is not recommended.

I use Baby shampoo.

Lyle

[qrlylox1]

Dumb question - but do you use white vinegar?

[RiverDave]

qrlylox1,

I did a little research on vinegar. It doesn't seem to matter which type of vinegar you use, its the acetic acid content that is important. I guess its a matter of what you want your mask to smell like when you're done

[NomoreCrashcart]

Until recently I have had no problem with CPAP maintenance or any bad effects from using CPAP. I was used to it from the first night in the sleep lab. But for the past three weeks, I've had swollen neck glands, clogged ears and a wicked sore throat (but no fever) every morning. My Dr prescribed prednisone to counter the wheezing (allergies) but relief is not happening.

I've always pre-soaked accessories in Dawn Anti-bacterial, then used the dishwasher's anti-bacterial setting to thoroughly clean my hoses and passive humidifier--and this has always worked well. But after reading some posts on the subject that recommend vinegar or baby shampoo, I can't help wondering if that's now contributing to my sore throat now.

Due to allergies, I have to keep my house very clean and I change my pollen and white filter monthly... but I still wake up with a raw throat and post-nasal drip that won't quit.

Thanks to everybody who has thoughts and the time to share them with me.

[birdshell]

I think Dawn is antibacterial.
That is not recommended.

I use Baby shampoo.

Lyle

Please note that Dawn dish detergent does NOT contain an antibacterial agent, other than that of the soap/detergent and warm water found in ALL soaps/detergents used with warm water.

Some VERSIONS of Dawn have antibacterial agents if the label so states; however, they also have fragrances (although not always listed on the labels) which accounts for the "Springtime Flowers" or "Citrus Fresh" types of varieties. Even the original Dawn has a fragrance.

BTW, baby shampoo is almost always scented, too. Since the fragrance additives are contraindicated as stated by the mask companies, if there is anything out there without an ingredient that isn't supposed to be used on masks/mask parts/hoses/seals/additional parts--PLEASE do not ADD anything else to it. This cleaning conundrum is really getting to be a-MAZE-ing.