The cloth nasal cushion should be replaced once every three to six months.
SleepWeaver Elan Cleaning Instructions
DO NOT wash in a dishwasher or clothes washing machine or dryer in a clothes dryer.
- The Elan cushion should be washed daily.
- The headgear should be washed weekly.
- Hand wash using warm water. Do not use hot water to clean the Elan.
- Use mild, low oil detergent that is not abrasive or anti-bacterial.
- The manufacturer DOES NOT recommend the use of baby shampoo to clean SleepWeaver mask products.
- Rinse the cushion well.
- Air dry, laying flat out of sunlight.
Acceptable Cleaning Products:
- Regular laundry detergent
- Non-abrasive hand soap
- High-level chemical disinfectant such as Control III Disinfectant CPAP Cleaning Solution
- If desired, a small amount of mouthwash after washing and before rinsing.
UNACCEPTABLE Cleaning Products Do Not Use
- Baby Shampoo
- Oil-Based Soap and Shampoo
- 2% Glutaraldehyde
- Hot Water Pasteurization
- Bleach
- CIDEX
- Solvents
- Autoclaving
- Ethylene Oxide Gas Sterilization
The manufacturer recommends using a mild, non-abrasive detergent that is low in oil content and is not anti-bacterial to wash the SleepWeaver masks and headgear. Liquid Tide is one example of a mild, non-abrasive detergent product, however, there are many other appropriate products available for use.
Low oil soap must be used to maintain the SleepWeaver cushion. The manufacturer does not recommend using baby shampoo to wash SleepWeaver masks. Further, most hand and pump soaps contain a high level of oil or lotion. See the specifications tab of this product page for a complete list of manufacturer-approved cleaning methods.
The Elan and headgear should be hand washed using warm (never hot) water and a mild, non-abrasive, low oil, non-antibacterial soap. Remove the elbow and rings before washing. After washing and rinsing, allow the mask to air dry, laying flat. Do not lay the mask in sunlight to dry. Do not place the mask in the clothes dryer. The manufacturer suggests washing the Elan cushion daily and the headgear once a week.
Fit & Use Tips
- First step: Watch the product video on the "Videos & FAQ" tab of this page. Produced by the manufacturer, the video guides you through the steps required to put the mask on and addresses common fitting problems. The Elan is not like a silicone or plastic mask. The cloth cushion inflates like a balloon, if a leak occurs it is generally due to the cushion not inflating as intended.
- Fitting around the nose: The Elan cushion should completely cover the nose to create a seal. A leak around the nose is likely caused by the cushion not being positioned around the perimeter of the nose. To address, pull the mask out away from the face and slowly bring the cushion back onto the nose. Next, wiggle the cushion from side to side to re-seat the mask correctly around your nose. Refer to the video to see the process.
- Fitting the top of the cushion at the eyes: When the cushion is inflated the black material should show along the top of the cushion. A leak at the eyes generally means the mask is not completely inflated causing the cushion to droop and slightly lift the top of the cushion. Using a heavy tubing that is going down across the chest and starting with a lower pressure or low ramp pressure can contribute to eye leaks. To help with those leaks, we suggest wearing the featherweight tubing in the up position using the tether strap. This will take the excess weight off the bottom of the mask and lifts it up, reducing the pull at the top of the mask which can cause leaks around the eyes.
- Assembling the elbow connection: After cleaning or changing the cushion the connections must be securely made to ensure the mask cushion inflates. Make sure the fabric is centered on the threaded connector as you place the wash and elbow in place. There should be no fabric edges showing. The fitting video shows easy steps to assemble the cushion to the swivel elbow. Experiencing a leak around the elbow connection is generally due to the washer being loose. Take the mask off and re-tighten the washer. If you continue to hear air leaking, remove the swivel elbow from the cushion and reassemble the cushion to the elbow.
Where do I find the size?
To find the size of the SleepWeaver Elan™ Soft Cloth Nasal CPAP Mask, turn the mask to view the bottom of the cloth mask. With the cushion flaps facing the user, the information can be found by looking to the left of the mask seam. The word "S M A L L," "R E G U L A R," or "L A R G E" will be written out depending on the size of the cushion. By purchasing the single-size mask, the user will receive only one cushion in the size selected.
Cushion Orientation - Which Way is Up?
The size of the cushion is printed on the bottom of the cushion. Also, the adjustment tab is on the bottom of the cushion. Looking at the inside of the cushion you see a stretch adjustment insert, it is also at the bottom of the cushion. The printing, adjustment insert, and tab should all be on the bottom and worn nearest to the upper lip.
The CPAP.com product page includes an image that shows the cushion from the inside, the side the nose enters, to illustrate up and down for the Elan cushion.
