Wife and I have been using the SmokeStik since the beginning, which is an RN4081, and have tried cleaning and not cleaning the atty. I always cleaned. Used hot water, soaked, dried well, and attys didn't last nearly as long as hers, which she NEVER cleaned in any way. I got several weeks work from mine. She has one or two that have been going strong for a couple of months. Needless to say, I am no longer cleaning my new ones. Speaking of no respect, the SmokeStik receives very little mention in the forums and we can't understand why. Didn't cost a fortune to start, parts aren't that expensive, and we refill our carts.