AFTER RESPIRATORY VIRUS - need new mask??

I'm in the middle of my first upper respiratory virus since starting c-pap last summer. I have coughed all over the inside of my quattro over the past few nights. Usually, I wipe the mask down daily w/ a baby wipe and wash w/ soap & water on the weekend. Since getting sick I've washed it with diluted dish soap every morning.

My questions...
When this mess is finally gone, can I still use the mask or will I need to pitch it?
If I don't need to replace it, what's the best way to really disinfect it? Vinegar & water? Soap & water?
What about the hose? Does my cough make it in there too?

I have one spare unused hose, one spare quattro & 1 hybrid besides the quattro I'm using while I'm sick.

Would appreciate wisdom from those who have traveled this road before me.
Many thanks,
-K

Just washing it thoroughly with soap and water should be just fine, and is all I would do. If it makes you feel better you can get Control lll and really sanitize it.

Brenda

Another thought...
I would open all the windows and completely air out the house.

Brenda

Also have a cold and coughed all over my Hybrid (ew, gross!!!). I boiled the silicon pillow & oral cushion. Double washed and soaked the hard plastic shell & humidifier tub, then sprayed with vinegar & let sit 3 mins, rinsed and let air dry. I too have an extra hose; the hose I was using got a double wash, then a 20 min soak in vinegar and water; it's hanging to dry now...might hook it up and run to dry it out tonight as our humidity is high.

I suppose technically if it was/is a virus then you will have immunity to that one particular virus.
If bacterial infection in theory, it is possible to reinfect. In theory mind you. Tossing a cheap toothbrush is a whole lot different than tossing a $150 mask though.

I would wash it really, really good in maybe some mild anti bacterial dish soap. I use Dawn. Don't they have an anti bacterial version? Anyway, a good soak and a good wash should be sufficient.

It is doubtful any germs made it to your hose but you could always do the same for it.

Wow, so much good advice in such a short amount of time.

Pugsy wrote:I suppose technically if it was/is a virus then you will have immunity to that one particular virus.
If bacterial infection in theory, it is possible to reinfect. In theory mind you. Tossing a cheap toothbrush is a whole lot different than tossing a $150 mask though.

You read my mind with that one. I'm assuming it's viral, haven't had that confirmed medically or anything. Just hate to think of rebreathing the nastiness I've spewed in there even if I am immune.

Muse-Inc wrote:Also have a cold and coughed all over my Hybrid (ew, gross!!!). I boiled the silicon pillow & oral cushion. Double washed and soaked the hard plastic shell & humidifier tub, then sprayed with vinegar & let sit 3 mins, rinsed and let air dry. I too have an extra hose; the hose I was using got a double wash, then a 20 min soak in vinegar and water; it's hanging to dry now...might hook it up and run to dry it out tonight as our humidity is high.

Though I don't tend to be a germaphobe, I like your thorough approach. Am thinking I will wash well AND do the vinegar all around.

bdp522 wrote:Another thought...
I would open all the windows and completely air out the house.

Yes, am doing that already as I haven't been to work yet this week and the weather is lovely.

Thanks a bunch for so many quick responses!

magentapolkadots wrote:Just hate to think of rebreathing the nastiness I've spewed in there even if I am immune.

I hear you. If it was a mask that I really didn't care for I might just toss it since I would have a good excuse but being the tight wad I am I probably would do a good cleaning. I don't do vinegar because I can't stand the smell. That is just a personal choice though. I would imagine a good washing is not much different than giving our hands a good washing to remove germs and that seems to satisfy the medical community regarding transmitting germs.

From a contagion standpoint it would be sufficient. Now from our own minds and being grossed out, that would be another story..

magentapolkadots wrote:I'm in the middle of my first upper respiratory virus since starting c-pap last summer. I have coughed all over the inside of my quattro over the past few nights. Usually, I wipe the mask down daily w/ a baby wipe and wash w/ soap & water on the weekend. Since getting sick I've washed it with diluted dish soap every morning. My questions...
When this mess is finally gone, can I still use the mask or will I need to pitch it?
If I don't need to replace it, what's the best way to really disinfect it? Vinegar & water? Soap & water?
What about the hose? Does my cough make it in there too?
I have one spare unused hose, one spare quattro & 1 hybrid besides the quattro I'm using while I'm sick.
Would appreciate wisdom from those who have traveled this road before me.
Many thanks,
-K

I've been the indigent host of H1N1, I just wash my mask every day, sometimes more than once and plan to use it until if has a natural demise!!!!! It must be H1N1 immune by now!!! Be well soon!!!!

elg5cats