Cleaning equipment!! and Distilled Water??

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tigers Fan on July 10, 2011 at 9:27

Warm water and washingup liquid for the headgear (straps) - rinse well.

White vineger or a proprietry scale remover for the humidifier - rinse well.

Distilled watetr not necessary in UK. Brita filtered tap water, supermarket bottled water at about £2 for 12 litres, not the expensive stuff.

Lots of folk do it differently but those items have worked well for me for three years.

 

Come to think of it, Tesco's Ashbeck water is slighhtly acidic so it would keep your humidifier scale free as well as clean what is already accumulated.

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Permalink Reply by Tigers Fan on July 10, 2011 at 9:51

And,  of course - I wsh the mask in baby shampoo solution - keeps the cushion looking clear and clean, like new.

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Permalink Reply by Kath Hope on July 10, 2011 at 12:35

I'm just pasting some info I gave to Suzie on here in another post about cleaning the mask, and whilst I know it looks like a 'plug' I personally swear by these:-

"Regarding the cleaning of the masks (as well as for hygiene issues, it's of vital importance for a good mask seal) I absolutely swear (and hundreds of other customer do by their repeat orders) by the CPAP Cleaning Wipes and Sprays we sell at Hope2Sleep and I personally never soak the silicone/gel parts of the masks in water.   I'm fully aware that some manufacturers advise cleaning in water and detergent, but if you're using something like Fairy Liquid then after a while it tends to build up a coating of residue around the seal, which stops the mask sealing as well as it did when new - maybe that's why the manufacturers want us to use it so they sell more ;)  If funds are low and you must use a detergent, it would be better to buy the cheapest washing liquid out there without all the extra conditioning additives etc.  Never ever use wipes or anything containing alcohol, as these will damage the masks!  What I tend to do is use a wipe every morning when I wake up and leave the mask to dry on my hose lift hook, as no rinsing is required.  Once a week I use the spray which gets into every nook and cranny, and I also spray some into a bowl of hot water and pour it through my hose tube"

 

Like TF says, a drop of white vinegar is good for the water chamber, but do rinse really well or it will stink if you're very sensitive to smells like I am since my nose op.

 

Re which water to use, distilled would always be first choice if you can get it (one day I intend to treat myself to a distiller) but again like TF says, bottled will suffice.  DO NOT use deionised water like I was recommended to do, and used to until I read this:-

"I used to work in a factory that made deionised water. Whilst doing so I had to wear rubber wellies, a full length rubber apron, rubber gauntlets and a full face gas mask. (very alluring I looked too, not!)

It is tap water that has hydrochloric acid and caustic soda passed through it. Lethal fumes each but if the two mix....
it is for car batteries, please please no one ever use it in their humidifiers."

 

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Permalink Reply by Rosemary Kemp on July 10, 2011 at 18:18

Hi Paula,

I hate using vinegar with the mask (we suffer enough and vinegar isn't a great perfume) and detergent isn't brilliant for keeping masks in the best condition. Detergent isn't my favourite thing all round. Some people are even allergic to it.

There are special sprays and cleaning wipes out there. I buy mine from Kath Hope (hope2sleep). You can get the sprays in large size and a small one for travelling with (I use the spray when I have time to clean the mask and leave it to dry in the air after rinsing. The spray needs to be rinsed off and the mask needs to be completely dry before wearing it again) and I use the wipes (they come in big tubs and in individual packets for travelling with) when I want to clean the mask in such a way as to protect the masks with something that doesn't smell like a fish and chip shop (much though fish and chips are truly lovely, it doesn't help me to keep my weight down if I keep on being tempted to go to the chippie!) Some people cut the wipes in half and use them more frugally than I do!

I read the instructions for my humidifier when I started using cpap and it said nothing about using distilled water. I use tap water but never leave it in after use because it is that which seems to encourage scale to develop. Also, I never let the humidifier run dry, because I find that that also makes it scale up. I rinse the humidifier regularly (every day actually) and I de scale it with vinegar occasionally but I have gentle descalent which I also use sparingly and rinse really thoroughly. We shouldn't use really abrasive stuff).

 

There is also a special solution on the market for cleaning inside the hose but I tend to use a little of the cleaning spray mixed with warm water and I pour it down the hose from a little jug and then rinse it out thoroughly about once a week. Apart from that I rinse the hose out with warm water after use daily and leave it to hang up to drain out completely before the next night's use. The instructions didn't tell me to do that but I prefer to clean it daily. The original instructions told me to hang it to dry daily and clean by immersing in water weekly. I prefer my way because I don't have to re-apply the hose huggie so often.   

Hope all of this cleaning advice is helpful. People tend to do different things of course. This is my way.

Rosemary         

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Permalink Reply by paula jones on July 10, 2011 at 18:19

Thanks,thats really helpful..u have spring water r mineral water!1 r these any good,been asda today and they have so many different ones,but most r spring r mineral..iv written the one u said down and i will get some,but just wondering Spring r mineral r none...iv used baby shampoo for my hose,so i will buy some white vinegar..Thanks x x

Tigers Fan said:

Warm water and washingup liquid for the headgear (straps) - rinse well.

White vineger or a proprietry scale remover for the humidifier - rinse well.

Distilled watetr not necessary in UK. Brita filtered tap water, supermarket bottled water at about £2 for 12 litres, not the expensive stuff.

Lots of folk do it differently but those items have worked well for me for three years.

 

Come to think of it, Tesco's Ashbeck water is slighhtly acidic so it would keep your humidifier scale free as well as clean what is already accumulated.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by paula jones on July 10, 2011 at 20:39

yes defo brilliant,im gonna look wot i can buy from this site defo..lots of good advice! from u all,Thanks everyone! (i know wot u mean by the chippy thing!! hard to resist eh! lol)haha! Thanks x x

Rosemary Kemp said:

Hi Paula,

I hate using vinegar with the mask (we suffer enough and vinegar isn't a great perfume) and detergent isn't brilliant for keeping masks in the best condition. Detergent isn't my favourite thing all round. Some people are even allergic to it.

There are special sprays and cleaning wipes out there. I buy mine from Kath Hope (hope2sleep). You can get the sprays in large size and a small one for travelling with (I use the spray when I have time to clean the mask and leave it to dry in the air after rinsing. The spray needs to be rinsed off and the mask needs to be completely dry before wearing it again) and I use the wipes (they come in big tubs and in individual packets for travelling with) when I want to clean the mask in such a way as to protect the masks with something that doesn't smell like a fish and chip shop (much though fish and chips are truly lovely, it doesn't help me to keep my weight down if I keep on being tempted to go to the chippie!) Some people cut the wipes in half and use them more frugally than I do!

I read the instructions for my humidifier when I started using cpap and it said nothing about using distilled water. I use tap water but never leave it in after use because it is that which seems to encourage scale to develop. Also, I never let the humidifier run dry, because I find that that also makes it scale up. I rinse the humidifier regularly (every day actually) and I de scale it with vinegar occasionally but I have gentle descalent which I also use sparingly and rinse really thoroughly. We shouldn't use really abrasive stuff).

 

There is also a special solution on the market for cleaning inside the hose but I tend to use a little of the cleaning spray mixed with warm water and I pour it down the hose from a little jug and then rinse it out thoroughly about once a week. Apart from that I rinse the hose out with warm water after use daily and leave it to hang up to drain out completely before the next night's use. The instructions didn't tell me to do that but I prefer to clean it daily. The original instructions told me to hang it to dry daily and clean by immersing in water weekly. I prefer my way because I don't have to re-apply the hose huggie so often.   

Hope all of this cleaning advice is helpful. People tend to do different things of course. This is my way.

Rosemary         

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Permalink Reply by paula jones on July 10, 2011 at 20:42

thanks i am defo gonna look at wot u sell,good advice,thanks x x

Kath Hope said:

I'm just pasting some info I gave to Suzie on here in another post about cleaning the mask, and whilst I know it looks like a 'plug' I personally swear by these:-

"Regarding the cleaning of the masks (as well as for hygiene issues, it's of vital importance for a good mask seal) I absolutely swear (and hundreds of other customer do by their repeat orders) by the CPAP Cleaning Wipes and Sprays we sell at Hope2Sleep and I personally never soak the silicone/gel parts of the masks in water.   I'm fully aware that some manufacturers advise cleaning in water and detergent, but if you're using something like Fairy Liquid then after a while it tends to build up a coating of residue around the seal, which stops the mask sealing as well as it did when new - maybe that's why the manufacturers want us to use it so they sell more ;)  If funds are low and you must use a detergent, it would be better to buy the cheapest washing liquid out there without all the extra conditioning additives etc.  Never ever use wipes or anything containing alcohol, as these will damage the masks!  What I tend to do is use a wipe every morning when I wake up and leave the mask to dry on my hose lift hook, as no rinsing is required.  Once a week I use the spray which gets into every nook and cranny, and I also spray some into a bowl of hot water and pour it through my hose tube"

 

Like TF says, a drop of white vinegar is good for the water chamber, but do rinse really well or it will stink if you're very sensitive to smells like I am since my nose op.

 

Re which water to use, distilled would always be first choice if you can get it (one day I intend to treat myself to a distiller) but again like TF says, bottled will suffice.  DO NOT use deionised water like I was recommended to do, and used to until I read this:-

"I used to work in a factory that made deionised water. Whilst doing so I had to wear rubber wellies, a full length rubber apron, rubber gauntlets and a full face gas mask. (very alluring I looked too, not!)

It is tap water that has hydrochloric acid and caustic soda passed through it. Lethal fumes each but if the two mix....
it is for car batteries, please please no one ever use it in their humidifiers."

 

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Permalink Reply by paula jones on July 10, 2011 at 21:20

iv found u on ebay,iv added u as a fav seller,so i will be looking..thanks x x ohhh my name on ebay is paulaj5319

Kath Hope said:

I'm just pasting some info I gave to Suzie on here in another post about cleaning the mask, and whilst I know it looks like a 'plug' I personally swear by these:-

"Regarding the cleaning of the masks (as well as for hygiene issues, it's of vital importance for a good mask seal) I absolutely swear (and hundreds of other customer do by their repeat orders) by the CPAP Cleaning Wipes and Sprays we sell at Hope2Sleep and I personally never soak the silicone/gel parts of the masks in water.   I'm fully aware that some manufacturers advise cleaning in water and detergent, but if you're using something like Fairy Liquid then after a while it tends to build up a coating of residue around the seal, which stops the mask sealing as well as it did when new - maybe that's why the manufacturers want us to use it so they sell more ;)  If funds are low and you must use a detergent, it would be better to buy the cheapest washing liquid out there without all the extra conditioning additives etc.  Never ever use wipes or anything containing alcohol, as these will damage the masks!  What I tend to do is use a wipe every morning when I wake up and leave the mask to dry on my hose lift hook, as no rinsing is required.  Once a week I use the spray which gets into every nook and cranny, and I also spray some into a bowl of hot water and pour it through my hose tube"

 

Like TF says, a drop of white vinegar is good for the water chamber, but do rinse really well or it will stink if you're very sensitive to smells like I am since my nose op.

 

Re which water to use, distilled would always be first choice if you can get it (one day I intend to treat myself to a distiller) but again like TF says, bottled will suffice.  DO NOT use deionised water like I was recommended to do, and used to until I read this:-

"I used to work in a factory that made deionised water. Whilst doing so I had to wear rubber wellies, a full length rubber apron, rubber gauntlets and a full face gas mask. (very alluring I looked too, not!)

It is tap water that has hydrochloric acid and caustic soda passed through it. Lethal fumes each but if the two mix....
it is for car batteries, please please no one ever use it in their humidifiers."

 

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Permalink Reply by Kath Hope on July 10, 2011 at 21:27

It's better to buy the products from the website though Paula, as some of them are cheaper due to Ebay's selling charges + you can also pay by Paypal on the website.  The choice is yours though, as I know some people prefer shopping on Ebay (I certainly like my bargains on there lol).
paula jones said:

iv found u on ebay,iv added u as a fav seller,so i will be looking..thanks x x ohhh my name on ebay is paulaj5319

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Permalink Reply by Jackie on July 10, 2011 at 22:53

Hi, I use the wipes and spray available through Hope2Sleep.

I was told by the hospital to use the 'green stuff' never the antibacterial ones though

and white vinegar for the scale in the tank ... but the green stuff never seems to clean it properly and I hated trying to clean it all in the morning so it would dry in time as the morning is when I am at my most unsteadiest ... (is that a real word???)

I love the wipes for my mask as they are quick and easy to use and being disabled and extremely tired most of the time I unfortunately choose to clean my mask just before bed which I couldn't do by washing it - so the wipes are fantastic and leave my mask smelling clean and fresh. No taint which I can detect and I am very funny with stuff like that.

I use the spray everyday after emptying my tank and then a couple of quick rinses and it is ready to refil and also  use the spray once a week when I dismantle my mask to throughly spray and rinse and allow it to dry naturally.

I also use it in my hose - I used to spray loads in until I found the tip of diluting it and pouring it in lol ...

much better now.

We are in a hard water area and my tank does scale up in the warmer weather (doesn't even empty on colder nights)

so I use white vinegar once a week - just leave it a short while and then thoroughly rinse and allow to air dry - that has never given me any problems with odors once rinsed and dried.

Lots of bottled water by the way does have natural minerals and salts etc that can leave a deposit behind, but to be honest ordinary tap water hasn't been a problem as long as I descale once a week (it sparkles as well lol)

 

So personally, since finding the spray and wipes I have never looked back, I think they are marvellous and very cost effective as well.

AND I need more so going off to order while on my computer !

 

lots of hugs all round Jacks xxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Kath Hope on July 11, 2011 at 1:02

I would just go with the cheapest + anything is better than the tap water we have here, which smells of chlorine :(

paula jones said:

Thanks,thats really helpful..u have spring water r mineral water!1 r these any good,been asda today and they have so many different ones,but most r spring r mineral..iv written the one u said down and i will get some,but just wondering Spring r mineral r none...iv used baby shampoo for my hose,so i will buy some white vinegar..Thanks x x

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Permalink Reply by paula jones on July 11, 2011 at 16:34

hahahaha! i know wot u mean,and thanks defo helpful...iv brought some distilled whilte vinegar today and some bottles water,i will get some spray and wipes,when i get the chance..sounds easy enough..thanks again x x

Jackie said:

Hi, I use the wipes and spray available through Hope2Sleep.

I was told by the hospital to use the 'green stuff' never the antibacterial ones though

and white vinegar for the scale in the tank ... but the green stuff never seems to clean it properly and I hated trying to clean it all in the morning so it would dry in time as the morning is when I am at my most unsteadiest ... (is that a real word???)

I love the wipes for my mask as they are quick and easy to use and being disabled and extremely tired most of the time I unfortunately choose to clean my mask just before bed which I couldn't do by washing it - so the wipes are fantastic and leave my mask smelling clean and fresh. No taint which I can detect and I am very funny with stuff like that.

I use the spray everyday after emptying my tank and then a couple of quick rinses and it is ready to refil and also  use the spray once a week when I dismantle my mask to throughly spray and rinse and allow it to dry naturally.

I also use it in my hose - I used to spray loads in until I found the tip of diluting it and pouring it in lol ...

much better now.

We are in a hard water area and my tank does scale up in the warmer weather (doesn't even empty on colder nights)

so I use white vinegar once a week - just leave it a short while and then thoroughly rinse and allow to air dry - that has never given me any problems with odors once rinsed and dried.

Lots of bottled water by the way does have natural minerals and salts etc that can leave a deposit behind, but to be honest ordinary tap water hasn't been a problem as long as I descale once a week (it sparkles as well lol)

 

So personally, since finding the spray and wipes I have never looked back, I think they are marvellous and very cost effective as well.

AND I need more so going off to order while on my computer !

 

lots of hugs all round Jacks xxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

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