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After reading this helpful thread, I dunked and swished my Quattro Air cushion into a shallow layer of sub-boiling distilled water/baking soda solution because the package notes that the temperature rating is below 80 C. Also rinsed with distilled water.

That did seem to refresh the silicone, but possibly this caused the silicone to detach from the plastic along one side soon after... Probably should have acquired another cushion before I attempted this maneuver.

Ah well. It was worth a go. I'm only on 20 months on the equipment. It seems other folks have managed to get their gear to last longer....?

Also, I thought I could extend the life of the gear by storing everything in the original packaging and squeezing out the air while not in use -- assumed that oxygen is not the friend of silicone and the headgear...

I've been doing this for 2 years...every 4-6 months with my Quattro silicone. I boil the water with a tsp baking soda..let the silicone soak for 2-3 minutes and rinse. Silicone looks like new. I use my silicone cushions for 12-15 months and then replace..(even though I could probably use them longer).

The cushions and pillows that are 100% silicone can be boiled.
Most of the newer designs are composited with low temperature plastic.
I suspect that "someone" in product development has been lurking the forum.
Too bad they only use the knowledge to mess with us!

How could 02 not be a 'friend' of silicone when it's the standard material used in Cpaps delivering 02 to people?

Really having to restrain myself on this one!

Ah, Julie. I missed the oxygen bit.
Now I have to wipe snot off my tablet.

Julie wrote:How could 02 not be a 'friend' of silicone when it's the standard material used in Cpaps delivering 02 to people?

Really having to restrain myself on this one!

oxygen isn't a friend of many things. it's an uneasy ally at best, oxygen and iron? rust. oxygen and oil, fire. too much oxygen and you, bad things up to death.

that said, Oxygen, or even ozone, is rated 'excellent' in compatibility with silicone.

" . . . Love is like oxygen . . . "

I would wash with mild detergent, then rinse, then boil in distilled water. Baking soda is a good cleaner but can leave a fine powder unless rinsed completely.

another idea wrote:, then boil in distilled water.

practical experience says otherwise.

Just been directed to this thread by Pugsy, I'm receiving a new cushion soon so will definitely try boiling the old one to keep as a back up. Great thread! Many thanks