mold in mask seam

[kprescot]

I was washing my mask tonight and found black matter in the seam where it fits together. It doesn't come apart to clean, and the black was where I can't get to it, except for a little I was able to reach with an old toothbrush. I immediately ordered a new mask, but I have been afraid to use the one I have and afraid not to (my apnea is very bad). For some reason, I seem to remember something - I think from CSI episode - about someone getting cancer from type of mold. Yes, I do have an anxiety disorder, thanks. Now I'm afraid I'm going to get lung cancer.... Somebody please reassure me.

[oscar98]

You can soak you mask in a mixture of water and white vinegar to disinfect it.

I'm sure one or two more nights of use while you wait for your replacement mask won't hurt anything.

[jules]

Go out to the kitchen and look for a turkey baster. Got a little kids squirt gun, get it. If you don't have that go to the bathroom and find an ear syringe or a real medicine syringe or an eye dropper - or even find some bottle with a pointed snout you can use ----- your goal is to take a cleaning solution and blast away that black area as best you can with your mini power washer. I would use 50 / 50 vinegar water solution myself. I might even be tempted to use peroxide and rinse if off fast.

Are you sure you can't get to that seam? check the mask documentation and check disassembly directions because I found out how to take apart my quattro the other day finally to give it a good cleaning.

[kprescot]

For ease in cleaning (!) it's designed not to come apart. Since the new one should be arriving in a few days, I sloshed rubbing alcohol around the seam as best as I could, then blasted the heck out of it with the sprayer at my kitchen sink. I just keep telling myself that whatever spores got in there probably came in through airflow, so whatever it is, I was probably breathing it anyway. I did some research on mycotoxins, the only one the EPA notes as seriously carcinogenic grows on cereal grains and is not usually found indoors. I probably just think way too much.

I suspect the problem was moisture from cleaning and from the humidifier seeping into the seam over time, so I ordered cleaning wipe cloths with the new one so hopefully the mask will stay drier. Despite the fact that it doesn't come apart, I did order the same mask - it fits better than any of the three or four I tried before.

[LinkC]

Here's some reassurance: Statistics show that if you live long enough, you WILL die of cancer...


Life itself is a terminal disease.

[echo]

You might try to soak it in a VERY diluted bleach-water mixture too if you're really paranoid, but then rinse it really really well afterwards. It makes everything stink like heck though.

IMO, it takes a lot of exposure and time for anything to turn into cancer, so I wouldn't worry about it too much, but in any case I'd be worried off my head too if I found mold in my mask!!

If you can afford it, buy two masks (and two hoses?) and rotate them around, so that one dries overnight while you're using the other one. I've read people doing that with their hoses.

[pdean44]

I would think soaking it in a bowl of listerine or something to that affect would kill anything along those lines. I would probably go the water and vinegar route and then follow it it up with a soak in a listerine type of solution. Make it nice and mimty fresh. I dont think you have anything serious to be concerned about but we just want our gear clean and it is good practice to keep it that way.

[Paul56]

Hmm, I wonder if the frames of these masks are dishwasher proof?

[Wulfman]

I was washing my mask tonight and found black matter in the seam where it fits together. It doesn't come apart to clean, and the black was where I can't get to it, except for a little I was able to reach with an old toothbrush. I immediately ordered a new mask, but I have been afraid to use the one I have and afraid not to (my apnea is very bad). For some reason, I seem to remember something - I think from CSI episode - about someone getting cancer from type of mold. Yes, I do have an anxiety disorder, thanks. Now I'm afraid I'm going to get lung cancer.... Somebody please reassure me.

What mask are you using?

Where do you store that thing when you're not using it?

You're going to die of SOMETHING, someday. (we all are)


Den

[Tielman]

Hmm, I wonder if the frames of these masks are dishwasher proof?

Just FYI, some of them are NOT and say so in the manual. I doubt they would fall apart, but repeated washings would cause issues.

[pdean44]

Hmm, I wonder if the frames of these masks are dishwasher proof?

If not they should have made it so the strap and face piece can be put on the top shelf. that would make our lives easier

[kprescot]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I can't afford two masks now, but hopefully soon. Switching out masks seems like a good idea. I'll probably try the vinegar and water soak this afternoon. I'm looking forward to monday when my new mask will arrive. I use a Respironics Comfort Classic. I have had a lot of problems with headgear sliding off my head, and this configuration stays put.

[bearded_two]

For a few days of use, could you could cover it up with fingernail polish to encapsulate it?

[park_ridge_dave]

For a few days of use, could you could cover it up with fingernail polish to encapsulate it?

I'd be careful there and test first on a non-important part of the mask (is there such a thing?) as finger nail polish usually contains a fair % of Acetone and other solvents that might harm the plastic.

[wlenz]

Just for the record, I like to keep my equipment clean. The equipment that pumps air into my lungs should be very clean. Some people on this forum never clean anything and it works for them. But, each of our homes are different and the risk of getting something depends on a lot of variables. I purchased an ultrasonic cleaner with a large tank. I use one part white vinegar to three parts water. The ultrasonic cleaner gets into all cracks and crevices. But, do not use it on the gel pieces. It will ruin them. The flap and solid parts are not damaged by the cleaner. Every Sunday morning I clean the hose, mask, humidifier tank, and sponge filter with warm water and white vinegar by placing everything in a large Dutch Oven. I let the pieces soak for about a half hour, then rinse with warm water and let them dry throughout the day. My HH tank is small enough to fit in the Dutch Oven. I only use the ultrasonics occasionally, but it does a great job. The cost of cleaning is not expensive and it is a lot cheaper than one office visit to the doctor.
For the record, I only use distilled water in my HH. And, I keep the gallon jug in the refrigerator. I don't want anything growing in the bottle once it has been opened.
I was an EMT for 17 years on our local first aid squad. The procedure we were required to use for disinfecting equipment that got contaminated was to use a 10% solution of Clorox. I have never used this on my BiPAP equipment because it stays clean. But, if I saw black mold in anything, I would get the Clorox out and soak it for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Clorox can do damage if used often, so users beware.
Bill