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Washing my Headgear
Can I harm my headgear if I remove the clips, wash it by hand, then put it in nylon bag and run it through a waterless spin/extraction cycle. Then hang to dry.
Views: 245
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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Well everyone is different -- but I have thrown mine in the washer before and haven't had any problems. I mean throwing it in with a load of clothes and then running it through the dryer - it isn't recommended and probably the life span of the headgear might be compromised. I don't wash my mask very often and so I don't worry about the wash cycle wearing it too quickly.
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Permalink Reply by Mike on
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also, while we're on the subject of maintaining equipment and cleaning it, keep in mind that if you have decent insurance, they probably will replace the headgear on a fairly regular basis. so if it is filthy after months of use, you might be able to get a brand new one. check out this article on replacing old cpap supplies.
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Permalink Reply by Daniel on
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New headgear is usually once every six months, which is kind of ironic since new masks are usually once every three months. By the way, don't check with your DME about the frequency of supply replacements - check with your insurance company, since they are the ultimate gatekeepers in these matters.
As for washing the headgear, it sort of depends on the type of headgear/mask involved. For most people, washing the headgear need only be done when it picks up the oils from your hair and becomes smelly. After all, you don't breathe through it at all, so it isn't nearly as critical as the rest of the system.
Joe, your profile says you're using the Mirage Quattro. Your method sounds fine. I don't think you'll be shortening the lifespan of the headgear. However, it means you're guaranteed to go through a refitting process after each cleaning. If you leave the lower clips on the headgear and slide the upper straps off the mask, you can seperate the headgear completely from the mask with undoing any Velcro or changing any settings. You may be able to hand wash it without altering any settings. I don't think you'll harm the clips by sending it through the extraction cycle.
I like your nylon bag method. Many people want to throw their headgear in with their laundry, but with all the Velcro, you'd spend alot of time seperating your socks from the headgear.
Daniel
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Permalink Reply by Melinda Hertel on
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I don't think you will harm your headgear this way. But, it should dry quickly if you wring it out and hang it too.
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Permalink Reply by bonesigh on
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I have the Quattro Mirage too and I put my headgear right in the wash. I tie it inside a sock and in it goes. I also put it through the dryer still within it's sock. I've had no problems doing this.
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We have a lot of humidity in the spring, summer, and fall and the last time I tried handwashing my headgear it took forever for it to dry simply hanging it up. The reason I end up just throwing it in the washer and dryer.
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Permalink Reply by Danny Heller on
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I was told not to detach the headgear, but just to soak it with the mask and let it dry. I tried that, but when I went to put it on that night, it was still damp.
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HI All,
How do you get the tubing to dry, I've tried all kinds of things. Thanks.
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What about a hand-held hair dryer on a low setting, blowing it into the tube?
I've also hooked it up to the machine, turned off the humidifier and let it run (not hooked to the mask) for a little bit.
Also, try washing it first thing in the morning and hang it over the shower head with both open ends down and open.
Hope that helps!
Bonesigh: LOVE the sock idea! I don't have a mesh bag on hand but socks are always in plentiful supply. :o)
Rette Tyrrel said:HI All,
How do you get the tubing to dry, I've tried all kinds of things. Thanks.
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Just keep it simple.I wash the mask , head strap & tubing , by hand, with baby bath solution & hot water. Rinse well & allow to dry. I do this weekly or more often =if needed.
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Rette Tyrrel said:HI All,
Hello RETTE----- Once the tubing is cleansed and rinsed with very hot water-- I hang it over the shower nozzle with one end facing upward towards ceiling &the other end hanging down towards the tub. I do this in the morning & by night its dry.( there is a chrome rack that is used to hold shampoo that fits over my shower nozzle which allows the end to fit into)
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Thanks Diane and Adrienne, will give it a try, appreciate the tips.
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