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http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> cleaning a non-rebreather mask? http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1282610917 Message started by Peter B on Aug 23^rd, 2010 at 8:48pm

Title: cleaning a non-rebreather mask?
Post by Peter B on Aug 23^rd, 2010 at 8:48pm

How long should one use an individual mask? Is there a best way to clean the mask and tubing?

Title: Re: cleaning a non-rebreather mask?
Post by coach_bill on Aug 23^rd, 2010 at 10:42pm

Pete,

I've had mine 3 years now, and outside of wiping out the inside of the mask with my shirt right before, that's it for me.

But i will follow this post... I will get to know alot about our cluster brothers and sisters by how clean they keep their stuff,,

Coach Bill

Title: Re: cleaning a non-rebreather mask?
Post by Brew on Aug 24^th, 2010 at 7:46am

I have purchased three O₂ptimasks from the ch.com store - one for home, one for the car, and one for the office. I use the mouthpiece and never exhale back through the valve apparatus. The only part I have to wash is the mouthpiece itself.

Title: Re: cleaning a non-rebreather mask?
Post by Bob P on Aug 24^th, 2010 at 8:01am

I just wipe it down with a handi-wipe once in a while.

Title: Re: cleaning a non-rebreather mask?
Post by wimsey1 on Aug 24^th, 2010 at 8:01am

A mild detergent and warm water can be used according to the instructions I received on one of my masks. It can get a little grungy in there. lance

Title: Re: cleaning a non-rebreather mask?
Post by Katherinecm on Aug 24^th, 2010 at 10:34am

O2 doesn't work for me but I do have some nursing experience. I don't remember ever needing to do much more to O2 except wipe down the outside of the tubing occasionally with an anti-microbial wipe.

If something needs cleaning though, I think the plastic is probably the same as what's used in catheters. Catheters are cleaned by soaking them in white vinegar. Vinegar kills germs, yeasts and molds, and also dissolves mineral deposits. If you've got a really nasty situation following vinegar with a hydrogen peroxide soak is said to kill a wider amount of germs than bleach.

Soak it for ten minutes or so, then hang it up to dry out.

edited to add: DON'T use toxic stuff like bleach- you don't want to inhale that stuff.

Title: Re: cleaning a non-rebreather mask?
Post by Brew on Aug 24^th, 2010 at 4:09pm

Keep in mind, too, that the majority of masks you get from your O2 supplier are deemed to be disposable. If it gets too grungy, ask your supplier for a new one and throw the other one away.

Title: Re: cleaning a non-rebreather mask?
Post by Lettucehead on Aug 25^th, 2010 at 1:48pm

Brew wrote on Aug 24^th, 2010 at 4:09pm:

Keep in mind, too, that the majority of masks you get from your O2 supplier are deemed to be disposable. If it gets too grungy, ask your supplier for a new one and throw the other one away.

Ditto to the above.
I've wiped the mask down with a soft cloth, but I find that with the fairly constant use of high cycle, I need a new one every cycle of two - usually because the little flexible coverings on the side of the mask holes become brittle and break or the bag pops...