Resmed: What not to clean with...And what I should use instead?

[brightcrow]

I am nursing a bad infection of both nasal mucosa because I thought I was using the appropriate cleaning product. I had been previously using Palmolive Free and Clear up to now, but read the Resmed recommendations which scared me enough to try another product. I used Softsoap with aloe (and Fresh Scent which I didn't realize). I can't use my CPAP until this heals in a few weeks.

What specific product should I use instead, adhering to the Resmed recommendations?

We strongly discourage you from using the products/solutions listed below to clean CPAP equipment, as the residual vapors can be harmful if inhaled.

Aromatic-based solutions or scented oils (e.g. eucalyptus or essential oils)
Antibacterial soaps
Dish Detergent (even if they are mild)
Alcohol
Bleach
Strong-smelling products (e.g. soaps with citrus)
Washing machine or dryer

[LSAT]

I don't wash my items very often, but I have used Dawn when I do. The Resmed Owners Manual says to wash the hose and water tub in mild detergent.

[petee_c]

5 yrs in, I just wash the mask that touches my face with a touch of handsoap while I brush my teeth at bedtime.

I was the hose every 6 months or so...

I wash the headband once every 5 yrs, though I plan to do it more often.

[brightcrow]

I'm 5 years too. I just looked at the manuals and although it says mild detergent for hose and tub, the mask and P-10 pillows are to be washed with mild soap. I still wonder what constitutes mild soap then. Dr. Bronner’s - Pure-Castile Liquid Soap? I'm scared to choose the wrong product now, considering how bad this is.

[Okie bipap]

Over the years, I have used baby shampoo, Dawn and Ivory liquid to clean our equipment without having any problems. It really doesn't matter which brand of dish soap you use, as long as you rinse everything well and remove all traces of the soap before using the equipment.

[brightcrow]

Thank you for your suggestions, but in my case it really did matter which soap I used!

[palerider]

Thank you for your suggestions, but in my case it really did matter which soap I used!

No, it didn't.

I've always used unscented dawn.

Alcohol is *perfectly fine* too, unless you douse the cushion in alcohol and *immediately* slap it on your face, any alcohol is going to be completely gone by the time you are ready to use the machine.

I don't know where you read that list, but I found that exact list on a place selling that socrap scam machine, so take *THAT* into consideration about how much you should trust their advice.

[chunkyfrog]

I'm 5 years too. I just looked at the manuals and although it says mild detergent for hose and tub, the mask and P-10 pillows are to be washed with mild soap. I still wonder what constitutes mild soap then. Dr. Bronner’s - Pure-Castile Liquid Soap? I'm scared to choose the wrong product now, considering how bad this is.

You are not the first person to use Dr Bronners. Go for it.

[brightcrow]

@palerider, the list was directly from ResMed.

I’ve been really sick with this, and seeing an ENT for treatment!

I spent a long time on the phone with them. The owners manuals recommend mild detergent for hose and tub, and mask is supposed to be washed with mild soap. I asked him about that discrepancy and they said they have changed the recommendations to mild soap, and not mild detergent. The problem is with oil degreasers degrading the plastic. I spent a long time on the phone trying to get them to explain exactly what they consider mild soap, since apparently my hand soap nuked my face. They would not give a recommendation.With much wheedling, they said anything that’s good for a baby is fine, and they also said not something with lots of moisturizers and such. As it turns out almost all the baby products are loaded with moisturizers and such. It’s infuriating.

Also I feel like every time I post here I get trolled, so I think I’m done here.

[Pugsy]

the list was directly from ResMed.

Do you happen to have a link to that list from ResMed? I have seen a lot of cleaning lists from ResMed but not that one.

[brightcrow]

@ Pugsy
https://www.resmed.com/en-us/sleep-apne ... equipment/

Scroll all the way down to CPAP cleaning FAQs,
What should I not use?
and
Why can’t I use these products?

[ChicagoGranny]

since apparently my hand soap nuked my face.

Huh? I thought the problem was in your nasal passages?

If you are talking about an infection of the nasal passages, there are serious doubts it had anything to do with the cleaning products you mention. I used Dawn dishwashing liquid on the mask for many years without a problem. It was even the scented kind. A couple of years ago, I switched to wiping down the mask every morning with alcohol swabs.

Sorry, you are having such a problem, but I doubt cleaning products caused it - instead, bacteria or a virus.

[chunkyfrog]

Just use whatever does not hurt your face.
I would urge you to see your doctor about a possible infection on your skin.
Love your face first.
It's the only one you got.

[brightcrow]

I meant “face “ to be in jest. I thought in my first post I made it clear it was my nasal passages.

I’d rather not be too graphic, but my nasal passages are scabbed, bleeding, and raw. My Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist confirmed it was definitely related to the CPAP and nasal pillows.

I’m so tired of sparring with people here. Everybody is so darn sure they know exactly what they’re talking about and that anyone else is wrong. How about looking at this as public service announcement for those who care!

[Pugsy]

@ Pugsy
https://www.resmed.com/en-us/sleep-apne ... equipment/

Scroll all the way down to CPAP cleaning FAQs,
What should I not use?
and
Why can’t I use these products?

Ahhh...I had not seen that little FAQ.

They are mainly talking about products that might emit "vapors" that "might" be harmful. It's a CYA legal disclaimer mostly.
Some aromatic stuff is extremely strong with the vapors emitted and "might" be harmful to the lungs.
Way over kill with the CYA statement. If it were strong enough to harm your lungs or nasal mucosa....it would hurt like hell to breathe it.
Mild fragrances in most soaps or dish detergents aren't going to hurt anything at all.
Heck, for 3 years I used a nice smelling baby cleanser because I liked new baby smell.

Common sense goes a long way.
Unscented Dawn...isn't going to hurt anything...they wash birds with it and use a lot more than you will ever will.
Besides....rinse everything really well and there won't be any "vapors" to breathe.