Cleaning A Used Mask

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 5:00 pm

If you purchase a mask from someone and want to clean it, what is the best thing to use to make sure it's disinfected? I know certain masks, such as the Activa, tell you not to use antibacterial soap or any soap that isn't "mild" because it can ruin the material, but how do you know it's safe to use then? I am thinking of purchasing a mask from someone since they don't use it, and have only used it twice, but am worried about how to clean it to use it safely. I will not take it apart as that is why I need a new mask in the first place since mine won't work right after taking it apart. Suggestions welcome.

Mikesus · Post by **Mikesus** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 6:24 pm

[quote="Sleepless on LI"]If you purchase a mask from someone and want to clean it, what is the best thing to use to make sure it's disinfected? I know certain masks, such as the Activa, tell you not to use antibacterial soap or any soap that isn't "mild" because it can ruin the material, but how do you know it's safe to use then? I am thinking of purchasing a mask from someone since they don't use it, and have only used it twice, but am worried about how to clean it to use it safely. I will not take it apart as that is why I need a new mask in the first place since mine won't work right after taking it apart. Suggestions welcome.

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 6:59 pm

Eeeewwww, a stray cootie!!!! That was exactly what I was trying to avoid!!!! I am really worried, all kidding aside. Although this girl seems like she is negative in the cootie dept., you never know in this day and age by appearance. What's a person to do? And what would you even use on the seal??? Resmed specifically tells you not to use an antibacterial soap. There goes the bacteria-ridding factor...

Ionizer · Post by **Ionizer** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 8:20 pm

Alcohol, bleach, Dishwasher, Boil it in oil, Holy water, Ask your dentist to autoclave it,. Hope it doesnt melt. Just plain soap and water !

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 8:44 pm

Ionizer, WHAT????? Which one or none??? We're talking Activa neoprene here!!! Would you want to get someone else's herpes or God knows what???

ahujudybear · Post by **ahujudybear** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 8:51 pm

Hi!

If you want to disinfect a mask, here are the directions for doing so from ResMed::: (I posted them yesterday)

Please note that this only is for the components that can be disinfected (seals, cushions, etc) The directions say to consult your owner's mnual for the list of parts that can or cannot be disinfected.

viewtopic.php?t=2482&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

- JB

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 8:57 pm

JB, these are tips basically for cleaning the rubber but disinfecting the hoses, etc. I am concerned about disinfecting the rubber that will be touching my face. I don't know if it's okay to put alcohol on the neoprene part of the Activia or if it will ruin it. That's all I'll need it two ruined Activas. That will be getting a bit too expensive for me...thanks for the link, though. I appreciate all the suggestions that get passed my way.

ahujudybear · Post by **ahujudybear** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 9:10 pm

Alcohol? I wouldn't use it.

I'd just wash it in baby shampoo or Neutragena (a bit stronger), and then follow the directions from ResMed.

And just for good measure and to recondition the parts or to make sure all chemical residues have been removed, I'd wash everything in baby shampoo as an added final step. But that's just me.

- Good luck!

- JB

glassgal · Post by **glassgal** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 9:36 pm

Hi Sleepless,

I don't think that it would hurt to use alchohol on the seal ONCE and rinse it -- I think that it would dry it to use every day. Just my opinion -- anyone else?

capt · Post by **capt** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 10:01 pm

I would not use alchohol. Alchohol will remove silicon lubricant, so I would not risk using it on a mask. If I was afraid of germs, I would use a antibacterial soap. I believe when you read the cleaning instructions, they are recommending not to use antibacterials/perfumed soaps on a regular basis, or damage might occur. I would disassemble it, wash it, and then wash it again with baby soap to remove any of the antibacterial soap's residue.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 4:28 am

Well the old standby used to be 50:50 of white vinegar and water. That shouldn't hurt the seal but you might want to ask the manufacturer. Is it Redmed?

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 4:43 am

Thanks, all, for your continuing support and input. The reason I didn't go to Resmed is because I have heard they make great products, but have poor customer service and don't return emails or telephone calls. But I will try. I don't want to ruin a mask again.

Mikesus · Post by **Mikesus** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 4:47 am

Unfortunately you have described the customer service for most... But by far ResMed makes the better masks. The Activa, and the Ultra Mirage Full Face Masks are generally considered the best that is out there.

2listless · Post by **2listless** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 8:23 am

Do NOT use alcohol. White Vinegar is a natural disinfectant. You can use it straight, will not matter. You can put everything in vinegar. The only reason you are told to dilute it is because it will continue to smell like vinegar for quite some time. I agree with the vinegar and water soak. If you want, you can wash it in soap and water first, then follow with several vinegar and water soaks - at least 20 minutes. You can make your tap water as hot as you want - do not use boiling water. Think of it this way .....you use a public restroom, you wash your hands, then you touch the door handle that 4 million people with unwashed hands have touched before you, then you sit down and eat ribs and corn on the cob - did you worry about that? Just teasing you........ in all sincerity vinegar is a natutal disinfectant. It is a major ingredient in most cleaning products, they just make it smell like lemon or orange! If you are still worried try the pantyliner solution around your mask edges........entire thread about that!!!!!!!!

Sandor · Post by **Sandor** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 4:19 am

How do you think the sleep labs clean their masks? They obviously have a set of masks that are in use on titrations for long time. Or are you sure you got a brand new mask when you were on titration? So, the very same mask is used from time to time by different patients. My optimistic opinion: the labs must have solved the cleaning somehow. OR?
Sandor

Cleaning A Used Mask

Cleaning A Used Mask

Re: Cleaning A Used Mask

Cleaning Mask

mask cleaning in sleep lab