[Equipment] Daily Cleaning of Resmed Mask

[SleepyGreg]

Quick question if anyone can help - regarding daily mask cleaning....

I have a pack of Coles Antibacterial wipes for use on a Resmed nasal mask.
The active ingredient is Benzalkonium Chloride 1.0% W/W.

Anyone know if this is safe, or unsafe, to use please?

Thanks
Greg

[zonk]

I wash my mask in soap and water but some people use unscented and alcohol free mask wipes and available from on-line suppliers. Not sure if available in Aus. Its not recommended to use antibacterial soaps, detergents, alcohol or vinegar to clean CPAP masks as it can damage mask cushion and might cause skin irritation

Benzalkonium chloride
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzalkonium_chloride

[mjbearit]

Just a little bit of dish soap in a sink full of water for me! I know that won't damage my equipment...or me!

[trish6hundred]

Hi again SleepyGreg, Soap and warm water is what I use but I don't do it everyday. I try to avoid soaps with alkahol or antibacterial agents in them. There is a solution called Control III that I have used and that's good too. You just put a little bit of that in warm water and you can get it from some of the suppliers on the list here on the forum.

[jdireton]

Greg,

If you read the manufacturer's recommendation they recommend avoiding anything with perfumes, antimicrobial components, etc. Many people have commented on what they use in various discussions on this forum over time. Mild soap and water are favorites, check the vendors on the list for some CPAP specific wipes and cleaning concentrates (I've had real good luck but they're expensive), vineagar and water, Control III, et al.

Does it hurt the mask? Most mask material is silicon rubber which is fairly impervious to most common chemicals. If you see the mask starting to turn cloudy or brown, or crack or dry, I'd switch to something else.

Does it hurt your face? The issue may not be the mask but your skin. If you develop irritation, sores, etc., I's switch to something else.

Does it smell? When you're pumping air straight into your nose even minor smells can be very irritating.

I've switched to unscented, uncolored baby wipes and baby shampoo for my cleaning. They seem to work great and are fairly cheap at my local grocery store.

Whatever works for you! I do clean my mask daily to remove facial oils and most other stuff weekly.

[SleepyGreg]

Lol. Anyone want to buy an unused pack of Antibacterial wipes? <grins>

I dont think I will even try them after all that....

Thanks, everyone for all your assistance, Ill stick with the soap and water alternative I think.