How often do you wash your headgrear (fabric straps)?

trojans74 · Post by **trojans74** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 1:29 pm

Hello guys, I'm new to this board. I've been struggling with my CPAP for a year or two now. I have a mirage mask with a 4 point harness. I wash the fabric straps (they also have a velcro attachment) weekly but recently, I've noticed I've been breaking out really bad on the sides of my head (temples). I have never had a history of acne and the only thing I can think of is that the straps are getting dirty/oily and they're on my head 6 hrs/night and that could be causing this breakout. It's more annoying than anything but I was wondering if anyone could give me any insight or if anyone has had a similar problem? Thanks

Nitro Dan · Post by **Nitro Dan** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 2:03 pm

Hello and welcome!

What type of soap are you washing them in? I really don't wash mine very often, when I do, I use cold water and Woolite, and just soak it. Then it's rinse, rinse, rinse. It might be that you are not getting all the soap rinsed out, and you are getting a skin reaction...

Dan

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 2:58 pm

Nitro Dan wrote: Then it's rinse, rinse, rinse. It might be that you are not getting all the soap rinsed out, and you are getting a skin reaction...

Took the words right out of my mouth! A dermatologist once told me soap residue causes more breakouts than dirt.

Also, it has been extraordinarily hot in certain parts of the country lately and maybe your skin is oilier than normal as a result.

To be honest, I only wash the headgear once every few months. Should I admit that? Probably not...

Nitro Dan · Post by **Nitro Dan** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 3:10 pm

To be honest, I only wash the headgear once every few months. Should I admit that? Probably not...

SnoreNoMore2005 · Post by **SnoreNoMore2005** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 4:22 pm

You mean you're supposed to wash your headgear, too?

SnoreNoMore2005

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 5:14 pm

It gets washed when the hair product accumulated on it is thicker than the straps.

Nitro Dan · Post by **Nitro Dan** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 5:23 pm

You mean when it stands on it's own?

lindas88 · Post by **lindas88** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:37 pm

I wash my headgear once a week...when I wash my hose...my mask and humidifier get done every second day. I use Ivory soap for washing.

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:52 pm

I have sensitive skin that "breaks out" even at my ripe old age if I let it crud up.

I use a dilute castille soap, which is as mild as can be, since detergents and soaps can make me break out also. (I have to use Cheer Free and stuff like that for laundry)

I wash my Activa headgear about once a week, but I wash the Swift bridle lightly every day on the side pieces that rest on my cheeks.

But to each his own....

ITeach · Post by **ITeach** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:09 am

I wash mine once a week in Johnson's Baby Wash. I have sensative skin and haven't had a problem with the headgear areas.

trojans74 · Post by **trojans74** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 11:28 am

Thanks guys! I live in LA and it's been hot lately. I just wanted a consensus on how often the "Average" cpap user washed his/her headgear. Maybe I will try a lighter soap. I wash mine in the washer and maybe my detergent is causing some bad reaction w/my skin...thanks again

kramerman · Post by **kramerman** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 1:39 pm

You are to wash your headgear once a week in mild soap. I use Ivory dishsoap. It is scent free and oil free. With the mask I use oils and antibacterial soaps shortens mask life.

mary.ann1 · Post by **mary.ann1** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 2:50 pm

Anonymous wrote:
Nitro Dan wrote: Then it's rinse, rinse, rinse. It might be that you are not getting all the soap rinsed out, and you are getting a skin reaction...
Took the words right out of my mouth! A dermatologist once told me soap residue causes more breakouts than dirt.

Also, it has been extraordinarily hot in certain parts of the country lately and maybe your skin is oilier than normal as a result.

To be honest, I only wash the headgear once every few months. Should I admit that? Probably not...

hate to admit it myself got to sash mine it is really bla ]ck and I should know better

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 6:30 am

..Are you susposed to wash it??..

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 1:04 pm

Haven't washed it yet. Maybe I will get a new one before I decide that there is a need to do so (almost 3 months).

How often do you wash your headgrear (fabric straps)?

How often do you wash your headgrear (fabric straps)?

Washing headgear

headgear

Washing Headgear

Mask