cleaning your mask

[vipertec]

I was wondering how everyone cleaned their masks? what kind of soap do you use do you wash it in the sink ? i'm new to this so any help would be appreciated!

[Gerryk]

Hey Vipertec,
I use dove original unscented dish soap as was recommended by my DME (Durable Medical Equipment) supplier. I wash it in one of the bathroom sinks. I have also used Johnson's baby shampoo. I usually use Johnson,s baby shampoo to wash my hose out in the shower.

[bdp522]

I use dawn dishwashing liquid. I wash the mask, rinse well, then soak in a 1:3 vinegar and water mix for 5-10 mins, then rinse VERY well.

Brenda

[Catnap]

I've been using Mrs. Meyers dish soap (a "green" brand), because I happened to have it around for dishes, but picked up some Dr. Bronner's peppermint castile soap at the market over the weekend. Someone posted here that it made her mask smell minty, which struck me as a good thing Haven't tried it yet, but will soon. On a day-to-day basis, I use citrus wipes, with a full scrubdown every week or so.

[plr66]

I use dawn dishwashing liquid. I wash the mask, rinse well, then soak in a 1:3 vinegar and water mix for 5-10 mins, then rinse VERY well.

Brenda

Brenda, I'm just curious about why you use vinegar after already washing the mask with dish detergent?

[bdp522]

I use the vinegar to cut any soap residues left on the mask. I find I get a better seal that way.

Brenda

[Bret L.]

I've always used 1 part vinegar to 3 parts warm water and let it all soak for atleast a hour. Then a very good rinse. I haven't had any problems with it.
Since I got a new mask I use clear natural dish soap. I think it's dove but I'm not sure.
I soak everything for an hour and rinse and dry well.

[JoyD.]

I like Ivory Liquid since it's mild and doesn't have a lot of additives. I have a small plastic container that I keep around just for washing my nasal pillow each morning.

[Guest]

Purpose liquid cleanser. Very pure stuff, hypoallergenic, sudses well but rinses completely.

[El Pap]

I use Johnson's baby shampoo. It seems to do a great job at dissolving skin oils on the pillows, and is much easier on my hands than dishwashing liquid. My only complaint is the scent, which is a bit stronger than I'd like. To address that, I have a few sets of pillows that I rotate, so the newly washed pillows have a while to air out before I used them again.

[alexcue]

Johnsons Baby Shampoo, and i just use the bathroom sink. Wash nasal pillows for about a minute, rushing the soapy water back and forth, then rinse with fresh clear water for about the same time. the baby shampoo does a noticeable good job of eliminating the facial oils from the pillows.

I actually like the scent, which seems to disappear real quick.

[always_tired]

Are the Citrus II wipes OK as they claim to be?

[TheDreamer]

I use Citrus II wipes on the mask seal during the week, and take things apart for more thorough cleaning on the weekend.

I've been tempted to just do wipes all the time, and not take things apart....since I'm more likely to leaking the first night after everything has been apart. Though I'm afraid of what my headgear will be like if I clean it less often than once a week....

The Dreamer.

[OutaSync]

Always_tired,

I'm curious about the statement in your signature line that says, "Have severe OSA but don't stop breathing." What does that mean? Do you just have hypopneas? UARS?

Just wondering,

Bev

[atomickitty3000]

Every morning I take apart my mask and soak the mask and cushion in warm water and Johnson's baby shampoo while I shower then rinse and let it air dry.

Once a week I soak my mask, humidifier and hose in warm water and mild Dove dish washing soap for about an hour, then soak it for 30 minutes in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 9 parts warm water. Then I hang up my hose to air day but I wash everything else in soap and water again to get rid of the vinegar smell (or else it makes me hungry for salt and vinegar chips when I put it on) and let it all air dry.

I also machine wash my Pad a Cheek straps once a week, and wash the head gear about once a month.

I have the Citrus wipes but I've only used them a few times didn't have time to do a more through cleaning.