cleaning of cushion/pillows for long life

I've been wondering if the manufacturers' directions for cleaning cushions and pillows are shortening the life of those parts.
When I first started therapy, I religiously cleaned the cushion to my Mirage Micro every morning in mild, unscented soap and tap water.
For all that effort, I had to replace it every 30 days, and had horrible leakage the last week or so of every month, since insurance would not cover replacement any sooner.
I treated my first FX pillows the same way--for the same result. Then, I took my mask on vacation, with a brand new set of small pillows, and used unscented baby wipes on the outside--only. I continued the treatment at home. Three weeks later--they are just wonderful! I think I may have found the fountain of silicone youth!
My question--Has anyone else noticed a big difference in the 'life' of their silicone parts related to cleaning products or methods?
If there is any way we can shrink this money pit, let's have at it!

Hi,

I've only been using the Swift FX for 6 months but in that time I've never once had the pillows fail. I don't clean the pillows on a regular basis like daily the same with my Activa. I only clean it when

1) I see it getting dirty
2) I've had a cold (to get rid of any germs/bacteria that might have built up)

I do wash the headgear though because that does need washing, but I only do that about once a month.

For me the masks work just well. The only thing I do clean on a weekly basis is the humidifier tank. I rinse it out on a daily basis but do clean it with mild soap and water at the weekend.

For me I've been on CPAP for 5 years and I've never had a problem with my masks. Personally I think the cleaning regime the manufacturers suggest is overkill, but I can see from a hygiene perspective it makes sense. I just see the cleaning on a regular basis of the masks will

1) Stretch parts of the mask over time
2) Degrade the material used in say the pillows

I have Activa masks that are still 5 years old that are not broken and still work like they did when they were new. The plastic/silicon on the mask isn't as clear as it was when it was new, but I have no failures on the masks.

Thanks
Dave

...or is the long-life more attributable to the manufacturer?

I use Puritan Bennett nasal pillows, and for the past 7 years have put them in warm water with Ivory liquid every morning. They often sit in this solution for the entire day.

My pillows NEVER get soft or lose their resilience, however, I usually replace them every six months just on general principles.

I have a drawer "full" of used pillows that still have life left in them. Having "spares" will never be a problem for me.

Thank you for the interest, folks.
I'm wondering if your water is soft or hard--
It appears to me that hard tap water is unsuitable for rinsing. . .

chunkyfrog wrote:I've been wondering if the manufacturers' directions for cleaning cushions and pillows are shortening the life of those parts.
When I first started therapy, I religiously cleaned the cushion to my Mirage Micro every morning in mild, unscented soap and tap water.
For all that effort, I had to replace it every 30 days, and had horrible leakage the last week or so of every month, since insurance would not cover replacement any sooner.
I treated my first FX pillows the same way--for the same result. Then, I took my mask on vacation, with a brand new set of small pillows, and used unscented baby wipes on the outside--only. I continued the treatment at home. Three weeks later--they are just wonderful! I think I may have found the fountain of silicone youth!
My question--Has anyone else noticed a big difference in the 'life' of their silicone parts related to cleaning products or methods?
If there is any way we can shrink this money pit, let's have at it!

I agree we tend to cause most of our own problems. Esp when cleaning the hose or water chamber - leaving them exposed to all kinds of contaminants to dry out; then wondering.

Some of the cleaners are esp. hard too. What I always recommend for any mask is the same soap you wash your face with.

If you are having troubles with anything in life - try something different.

chunkyfrog wrote:Thank you for the interest, folks.
I'm wondering if your water is soft or hard--
It appears to me that hard tap water is unsuitable for rinsing. . .

Here in NH the groundwater is so hard pebbles come out of the faucet.

Nevertheless, I've been rinsing my CPAP accessories in it for 7 years without a problem.