The new ResMed S9 non-dishwashable tank is meltable

[archangle]

I recently received one of the new style ResMed S9 non-dishwashable water tanks.

It was used, so I wanted to be sure it was germ free. Since I had several other tanks available, I tried dropping it into some water I had just boiled that was sitting at 200F/90C or so.

It warped and become unusable.

The "old style" S9 non-dishwashable tank and the dishwashable tanks all seem to be able to stand near boiling water temperature. They appear to be polycarbonate and can stand the heat. The newer non-cleanable tanks appear to be a different type of plastic.

I suspect it would survive the dishwasher, since water temperature is considerably lower, but attempt at your own risk. It might be worth trying if you have a spare non-dishwashable tank.

Obviously, ResMed does not recommend this method of sanitizing a non-dishwashable tank.

[PaulaO2]

Not surprised. My first tank was solid as a rock. They've gotten cheaper made.

[cbramsey]

Did whoever sent you the new tank warn you about it not being able to handle very warm water?

If not, I would go back to them and demand a new one (not used by anyone else). If you had used your medical insurance to purchase this replacement, your insurance should not have paid for a used part.

[archangle]

Did whoever sent you the new tank warn you about it not being able to handle very warm water?

If not, I would go back to them and demand a new one (not used by anyone else). If you had used your medical insurance to purchase this replacement, your insurance should not have paid for a used part.

I clearly violated the manufacturer's instructions for how to clean the tank. I dropped it into boiling water, for goodness sakes.

No big deal, I have other tanks.

The dishwashable tanks (ResMed or Respironics) have all survived the boiling water treatment. If they didn't, I wouldn't be ticked off at that, either.

By the way, by "boiling," I mean "boil the water, turn off the heat, then dunk parts."

So far, I've done a lot of "boiling" experiments. Each time I've done it, it's been with old or "spare" parts that wouldn't be a big inconvenience if they were damaged.

i.e. try at your own risk.

So far, I've done:

12 quart stock pot. Fill with water. Bring to rolling boil. Turn off stove. Wait 30 seconds or so. Drop parts in, cover, leave until the water cools.

Respironics Legacy, M series, and PRS1 tanks - OK
ResMed S9 tank. Dishwashable tank OK. Old style non opening non dishwash tank, OK.
ResMed S9 new style openable non dishwash tank - damaged the lid and ruined it.
ResMed Swift FX mask all parts including short hose except cloth/foam headgear - OK
ResMed Swift LX mask, all parts except the headgear with foam attached. - OK
Respironics ComfortGel Blue and non-blue except headgear - OK.
ResMed slimline unheated hose - OK
Oracle oral mask without headgear or short hose - OK


Respironics style unheated hose. Not ruined, but did seem to be a little bit "crinkly." I no longer do the full "boil" with hoses.

For hoses, I now use a 75C water and try to keep the water around 70C for 30 minutes. This requires running the stove gently and cautiously.

Some of the "short" hoses on masks seem to be less able to take heat. For these, either don't heat sanitize, or try the 75C for 30 minutes process. (At your own risk.)

Some of the manufacturers publish some guidelines for "sanitation" of masks between patients. These often include temperatures for hot water treatment, and lists of parts that can be cleaned.

Note that I don't normally "sanitize" parts with boiling water. I only do this with used equipment or if I have some particular reason to want to kill germs.

When I get used masks, I soak the cloth/velcro/stretchy foam headgear overnight in a sealed container with 90% isopropyl rubbing alcohol. I put in enough alcohol to get everything dripping wet and leave a little in the bottom of the container. No damage so far.

Note that:

1) Even boiling water won't kill all bacteria, but it gets most of them.
2) Alcohol doesn't kill many viruses, some bacteria, and fungus.
3) Alcohol is flammable. (duhhh...)