Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

Hi Again All,

Got another newbie question for you ... From what I have read the best way to clean a mask is with some warm soapy water with a 'mild soap' with a neutral PH, maybe once a week to prolong the life of the mask, using a wipe each day in between full washes. I have no idea what a mild PH neutral soap is. I've ruled out the soap I use to wash my dog, and the one I was my truck with, but beyond that , I have no clue. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Michael

I use Dawn dishwashing liquid.

Baby shampoo.

I have used Classic Ivory Dishwashing Liquid ( the original) once a week for 6 years. My hoses and mask stay in great shape. I wipe the masks with Citrus 11 wipes every day.

I've been using Dawn dishwashing liquid and just regular hot tap water since May 2005 and am still using the same mask, seals and headgear, so it doesn't seem to have had an adverse effect on my stuff.


Den

I was using mild dish detergent for over a year, and recently switched to Dr Bronner's soap. I'm finding that my seal is lasting slightly longer than before. Plus it's much cheaper and it's real soap (which is practically impossible to find anymore).

Echo

How much does the Dr. Bonner's run in your area? I find that it is alot higher than the dish detergents around here. I like the idea of real soap rather than detergent. I have only found it in a Walgreens here and it runs between $15.00 and $20.00 a bottle here (I can't remember exactly as it has been since summer when I checked on it).

Liquid Neutrogena facial cleansing formula works very well, keeping your seal squeaky clean, although when I let it go too long, Dawn breaks down all the grease the best, then I follow with the Neutrogena.

sleepycarol wrote:Echo

How much does the Dr. Bonner's run in your area? I find that it is alot higher than the dish detergents around here. I like the idea of real soap rather than detergent. I have only found it in a Walgreens here and it runs between $15.00 and $20.00 a bottle here (I can't remember exactly as it has been since summer when I checked on it).

oh dear, I don't really remember. I bought it during the summer as well, at a health food store in DC. It was around $15 I think, for a large bottle. I dilute it massively - so a large bottle will easily last for a looooooong time. When I fill the pump bottle, I put in just a little more Dr Bronner's soap than what's needed to completely coat the bottom of the bottle, and I fill the rest with water. I guess you can dilute it 13:1 or so ? but I never measure it. I haven't really calculated the cost, but dish detergents and liquid soap are pretty expensive here and I'm sure the Dr Bronner's is cheaper (over the long run).

I"ve used "IVORY" Dishwashing Liquid for a year and a half (since starting therapy), recommended by my DME, you can find it at Walmart for about $1.50 a bottle, cleans well and smells awesone!

SleepyNoMore

I didn't realize that you dilute the Dr. Bonners soap. I thought you used it straight out of the bottle. If you dilute it I could see it lasting a long time then.

I will have to purchase some then and try it after Christmas unless I tell the kids to get me a bottle for Christmas!!

Isn't it amazing how getting new xpap stuff is like getting a new toy?

sleepycarol wrote:I didn't realize that you dilute the Dr. Bonners soap. I thought you used it straight out of the bottle. If you dilute it I could see it lasting a long time then.

I will have to purchase some then and try it after Christmas unless I tell the kids to get me a bottle for Christmas!!

Isn't it amazing how getting new xpap stuff is like getting a new toy?

Yup, you're sypposed to dilute it, but I can't remember the ratio off the top of my head (and too lazy to try to find it in all the small print on the bottle).
Your kids could get you one of the smaller bottles for Xmas if that's more affordable. It comes in lots of different scents too - I use the unscented one but Babs, for example, recommends the peppermint one (I like that one too). I'm not sure if the scents (oils?) would harm the mask?

And new xpap stuff sure is like getting a new toy

It might also depend on the oiliness of your skin. Dry skin = wipes & weekly light soap/shampoo, etc. Oily skin needs good cleaning nightly and possibly during the night.

Thanks everyone for their input!