Cleaning the headgear of Philips Respironics Masks

The most popular mask according to cpap.com is the ComfortGel Nasal Mask by Philips Respironics. Its headgear is shared with other PR masks. I just want to know how I should maintain the headgear for such masks. I washed an old headgear and it disintegrated within a month after. I read in the manual, particularly in the part wherein it was describing how to boil and shape the ComfortGel, that you are supposed to avoid getting the headgear wet. Considering that sweat, among other things, accumulate on to the headgear, how should the headgear be sanitized without water?

I hand wash mine. I fill a pail with soapy water(Dawn dishwashing liquid usually). Just a few drops of soap to a gallon of water. I soak the headgear in the bucket for a few minutes. Then I swish it around a bit, Then rinse, rinse, rinse. When I'm sure it is rinsed thoroughly I roll it up in a towel to get rid of as much water as possible, and hang to dry. Had the same headgear for years with no problems.

Brenda

Thanks for the reply Brenda. Am just wondering though, the headgear you are using for your ComfortLite 2 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask may be of a different material from that of the ComfortGel.

Best regards,
Tsubs

Tsubs,
I use a Comfortgel nasal and have the original and the newer blue. I use the same soap and water technique and air dry. No deterioration yet.

One thought is to buy some comfort covers. Don't really know what they're called but have seen them advertised. They slip on over the straps. so then you wouldn't actually have to wash the headgear...just the covers.
Jamis

Thanks Jamis. I shall look into those covers. I never thought of them as hygienic covers for my headgear, but I think you're on to something.

Best regards,
Tsubs

I have a comfortgel original nasal mask and I have washed it...by hand with Johnsons baby shampoo...no problems.
If you wish to find strap covers go to padacheeks.com...Karen is a member here and has helped all of us with comfort using our cpaps.

Mask--hand wash --mildest unscented soap I can get--rinse w/distilled H2O--hard water here.
Headgear: lingerie bag--front loader--delicate cycle--only when really needed.

I have been doing this cpap stuff for a while now, and have used a lot of masks. I have cleaned them all the same way with no ill effects to the mask or headgear.

Brenda