Best Practice for Washing and Drying CPAP Hose/Tube

KittyMom22 wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 11, 2022 6:58 am

What else would you use?

Mild unscented liquid hand soap for anything that will be against my face all night, since that soap is designed to be put on skin.

Hey, just me.

Hi all, new to the board, though I've been on CPAP for about a year. I was told to clean my hoses twice a week. I have a couple hoses with elbows which I alternate. I hang the "off" hose over a door and it's dry when I swap it out after 3-4 days. I was told to use dishwashing detergent for cleaning and I just buy whichever one is on sale (it isn't like I'm using it to clean dishes!) I usually squeeze some into the hose and fill my bathroom sink with soapy water. I then run water through the hose and let it soak for a few hours or perhaps overnight. It's a chore but, like others earlier in the thread, I'm a rule follower and figured I'd catch all sorts of nasty viruses if I didn't. I found this board because I was considering purchasing one of those ultrasonic cleaners and was looking for reviews. But it sounds like most of you don't bother with this, so ultrasonic cleaners are unnecessary? Maybe I'll stick with cleaning as I always have but reduce the frequency to "when I feel like it."

I'd appreciate advice around the mask and headgear:

1) I was told to use a baby wipe on the cushion, which I do daily, but I still sometimes notice a smell. I become nose blind to it after a minute or so but I'm a bit concerned that if there's an odor there's some nasty bugs in there. What are your best practices?

2) How do you (or DO you) effectively clean the headgear? Mine tends to get nasty if I sweat at night, etc. My insurance replaces it every six months IIRC, so I assume there's some care there that nobody mentioned to me.

3) How frequently do you replace the cushion? Insurance assumes once per month but I tend to find fit problems before then. I live with it but, again, wondering what others do.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

phillygwm wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 11, 2022 7:55 pm

I'd appreciate advice around the mask and headgear:

welcome to the zoo!

which mask and headgear do you have?

when you get the chance, please fill out your equipment profile so it shows up at the bottom of you posts as it does on mine.

also-
viewtopic/t172378/Sticky--Newbies-PLEAS ... STING.html

just follow my directions above. my cushion last 3 months. I use a mask liner with my cushion. this helps me get some extra life out of my cushion. I also clean my cushion with Mask Bright. this will help take the stink out of the cushion. I love the citrus smell. most of the time baby shampoo will work.

Ray4852 wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 11, 2022 8:31 pm

just follow my directions above. my cushion last 3 months. I use a mask liner with my cushion. this helps me get some extra life out of my cushion. I also clean my cushion with Mask Bright. this will help take the stink out of the cushion. I love the citrus smell. most of the time baby shampoo will work.

Thanks, this is really useful. Just ordered Mask Bright. Is there a specific liner you use? I see a bunch online...

phillygwm wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 11, 2022 8:47 pm

Ray4852 wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 11, 2022 8:31 pm

just follow my directions above. my cushion last 3 months. I use a mask liner with my cushion. this helps me get some extra life out of my cushion. I also clean my cushion with Mask Bright. this will help take the stink out of the cushion. I love the citrus smell. most of the time baby shampoo will work.

Thanks, this is really useful. Just ordered Mask Bright. Is there a specific liner you use? I see a bunch online...

I use padacheek. very nice liner. before I go to bed. I brush my teeth and rinse my mouth with listerine. no smell with my cushion.

padacheek.com