Sleep apnea, a serious breathing problem, is commonly treated with CPAP machines, which provide continuous positive airway pressure (pressure that keeps the airway open while you sleep). CPAP devices are an effective treatment for sleep apnea, but they do necessitate regular cleaning and maintenance.
The cleanliness of the mask, tubing, and other components might be a severe health problem because they are breathed in and deliver air throughout the night. Your CPAP machine should be cleaned on a daily basis to remove hazardous bacteria, mold, dust, and debris that might cause you to feel ill as a result of therapy. Daily cleaning may seem like a daunting task at first, but it is actually rather quick and simple to incorporate into your daily routine.
You are reading: Why to Clean Your CPAP? How To Clean A CPAP Machine?
Why to Clean Your CPAP?
Keeping the CPAP machine clean should be the first priority. As you inhale, you’re taking in the machine’s purified air directly. The air is humidified and filtered, but it should be kept as clean as possible.
The following threats and issues can be avoided with regular cleaning:
- Bacteria exposure2
- Mold exposure
- Symptoms of allergies
- Sinus infections and pneumonia may be more common.
- Smell of decay or rottenness
- Mineralization of the apparatuses themselves
- Premature failure of machinery
- voiding the warranty on the gadget
When it comes to cleaning, what methods should be used? Fortunately, it’s a simple process that doesn’t cost a lot of money.
How Often to Clean Your CPAP?
Routine cleaning of your equipment may be recommended by your equipment provider or a sleep medicine physician. Durable medical equipment vendors and manufacturers frequently recommend that patients clean their masks, tubing, and water chambers on a daily basis. 2 Perhaps it’s a tad over the top. As a result, there is a very low chance of infection or exposure to mold.
Equipment should be cleaned at least once a week for optimal hygiene.
If you have an upper respiratory illness, this is a good opportunity to clean up the equipment around the house before you become ill. It’s also not a good idea to share the equipment with anyone else in case an infection is spread that way.
How to Clean a CPAP Machine?
Cleaning your CPAP machine’s components on a daily basis is recommended by manufacturers and experts, and users should aim for weekly cleaning at the very least. Unclean CPAP machines have been linked to serious disease, and CPAP users who don’t clean their machines on a regular basis may have congestion, coughing, and other respiratory symptoms.
Your CPAP machine’s lifespan may also be shortened if you don’t clean it on a regular basis. Every day, or at least every other week, you should clean your CPAP machine to ensure that this critical piece of medical equipment is in peak condition.
CPAP Cleaning Supplies
- An unscented, mild soap that does not contain any hydrating components would be ideal.
- Vinegar with a hint of white (if you use a humidifier tank)
- Water that is fit for human consumption, heated to a comfortable temperature
- Sink, tub or bucket large enough to contain your hose or tubing
- a soft, clean towel
CPAP Cleaning Steps
Disassemble:
- Always make sure that your CPAP machine is completely disconnected from any power source before disassembling or cleaning it. An integrated battery in your CPAP machine should come with instructions on how to safely disassemble it and clean it, according to the manufacturer.
- Before cleaning, make sure to remove the air hose and tubing from the mask and the CPAP machine. Remove the water tank from your humidifier and store it somewhere safe.
- The headgear, cushion, and frame of most CPAP masks can be detached for simpler cleaning and drying.
Clean:
- The majority of tubing may be cleaned using a warm, soapy water wash, which works well for most applications. To ensure that the soapy water completely fills the tubing, be sure to immerse it for a sufficient amount of time.
- As with tubing, some hoses can be washed in the same manner. But when it comes to cleaning heated hoses and other electrically-powered hoses, extra care must be used. Check the manufacturer’s instructions if you’re using a heated hose for extra information on how to keep it clean.
- Use a mild soap to wash the various components of your mask one at a time. Make sure the cushion and headpiece are oil-free before moving on.
- Equal parts warm water and white vinegar can be used to sanitize humidifier tanks. While you clean the other parts of your CPAP, you can leave the tank to soak in vinegar.
Rinse and air dry:
- After washing, make sure to thoroughly rinse all CPAP components in cold, fresh water. Before allowing them to dry, make sure they are clean and free of any soap or soap residue. When using thin tubing, it is especially vital to be aware of soap bubbles that may be trapped inside.
- Set out your components on a soft, clean towel to air-dry after they have been cleansed and cleaned.
- Hoses and tubes that don’t dry properly on a towel might benefit from being hung up, so give it a try.
Reassemble:
- Once the mask and CPAP components have dried completely, reassemble them. This could take many hours, depending on the component and the local conditions.
- The CPAP machine should be unplugged for re-assembly, and outlets should be kept clear. Your mask and CPAP machine should be assembled in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Other Considerations
- For the duration of the night, you use a CPAP machine to help you breathe more easily. When you’re unwell, the CPAP machine itself becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Your sickness could be exacerbated or even reinfected as a result of this contamination. Even if your CPAP isn’t working, you should avoid using an old tissue to filter your breathing.
- Even the greatest CPAP machines are difficult to use for allergy patients, especially those with dust allergies. In addition to working with your healthcare staff to select the best settings and mask, cleaning your equipment everyday will help speed up the process.
- There are filters in most CPAP devices that need to be updated frequently. Reusable filters, on the other hand, should be washed every two weeks and replaced every three months, as opposed to every two weeks for disposable ones.
- A good time to examine the condition of your CPAP components is when they are being cleaned. A new CPAP mask, for example, should be purchased every few months or so. Additionally, you should repair any parts that begin to show signs of wear and tear.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting
It’s generally acceptable to clean your equipment once a week, but if you’re sick with something like an upper respiratory infection or are having allergies, you should clean your supplies before each usage until your ailment is over.
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Cleansing the area thoroughly is sufficient to remove most pathogens, while vinegar can be used to prevent mold and fungal risks on a regular basis.
Cpap users who don’t follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning schedule may want to investigate CPAP sanitizing machines in order to prevent hazardous bacteria and viruses from building up in the device between cleaning appointments.
You should still wash your CPAP machine and its parts on a regular basis to eliminate body oils, skin cells, and mineral buildup, even if you use a sanitizer.
CPAP Cleaning Hacks
Cleaning your CPAP can take some time, despite its many advantages. Fortunately, there are a few shortcuts that can help speed things up.
- Clean 99.9% of germs and pathogens in just five minutes with the Lumin Cleaner for the CPAP machine.
- RespiSoak, an alcohol-free CPAP machine cleanser, is safe for all of your CPAP equipment.
- Take a look at this spray cleaner for masks! Quickly disinfect and deodorize your CPAP tubing, as well as your mask and other equipment.
- Quickly disinfect your mask by wiping it clean of dirt, grease, and bacteria with some CPAP cleaning wipes. In addition to CPAP masks and tubing, wipes can be used on various CPAP components.
- Your CPAP mask will be less likely to come into contact with oils and dead skin cells if you wash your face first.
What Happens if You Don’t Clean Your CPAP Regularly?
Mold, bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous germs thrive in humid and warm CPAP machines. In order to keep your CPAP machine clean, you need to clean it on a regular basis. If you don’t, you risk developing both acute and long-term respiratory illnesses.
Regardless of your personal hygiene, your mask’s cushion and headband will quickly accumulate skin oils. Acne and skin irritation can quickly develop around your mask if the oil it contains attracts debris and bacteria.
And last but not least, an unclean CPAP machine will last significantly less time than an uncluttered one. Mold and hazardous bacteria can damage the hose or humidifier tank, leading to cracks or cloudiness, and ruin the materials in your mask.
CPAP Cleaner And Device Warnings?
The FDA has now issued a warning against the use of any at-home CPAP cleaners because of the potential health hazards they pose. Toxic gases generated by at-home cleaning products may raise the risk of a respiratory infection, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, UV light therapies have been shown to raise the risk of skin cancer, burns, and harm to the eyes.
Philips Respironics has also issued a recall on some of their medical devices, as a device component can be compromised as a result of improper cleaning or other environmental factors. If you are currently using a CPAP cleaner, consult your physician before continuing in order to avoid any long-term side effects.
How to Maintain Clean CPAP Equipment
Another recall has been issued by Philips Respironics, as a device component may be compromised due to poor cleaning or other environmental variables. Consult your doctor before continuing to use a CPAP cleaner to avoid any long-term side effects.
Avoid Harsh Detergents & Cleaning Processes
Don’t use any items that are too concentrated or harsh when cleaning. Moreover, steer clear of goods that have a strong aroma or perfume in them. Dawn dish soap is the preferred choice of many of our customers.
Dishwashers and washing machines can damage CPAP equipment, so never put it in one of those machines.
Refill with Distilled Water
Over time, minerals from regular tap water will build up in the equipment. When refilling the humidifier tank, pure, distilled water is essential. It’s also a good idea to empty the tank every morning and then re-fill it with distilled water before using it at night.
Wash and Replace Filters Regularly
Filters are used in several CPAP device models to cleanse the air. Find out how often these filters need to be cleaned and replaced by reading the instruction manual. Rinse them frequently, blot them dry, and then let them air dry completely before storing. As many as two replacement filters may be needed every month for some models.
Have It Serviced as Needed
If your sleep apnea symptoms develop or your CPAP machine appears to be malfunctioning, have it checked out by your equipment supplier.
Replace Parts as Needed
CPAP components are not made to last forever. If you see signs of cracking or wear, change out the headgear, mask, and tube. Most manufacturers recommend replacing these parts every year, even if they appear to be in perfect condition.
Tips and Precautions
It’s critical that you keep your tools spotless. Remember that you are breathing whatever is growing in there. These guidelines can help you get started:
- Clean your equipment more frequently if you’ve been ill recently.
- It is important to constantly follow the directions provided by your medical and CPAP providers as well as those provided by the manufacturer.
- Do not clean your equipment with anything other than mild soap and water. If you breathe in these, you may become unwell. To avoid mineral buildup in the water chamber, the humidifier can only hold distilled water.
- Dishwashers and washing machines can cause damage to your equipment, so it’s best to avoid using them for cleaning.
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Symptoms of sleep apnea may reappear or your machine may not be working properly, so bring it to your equipment provider or sleep specialist for an evaluation.
Do I Need to Use a CPAP Cleaner?
CPAP cleaners and SoClean sanitizers are widely touted, however they are not required to keep your CPAP equipment clean. According to reports, these sanitizing systems disinfect the equipment using ozone or, in the case of Lumin, UV light.
Aside from the guidelines provided here, they often cost hundreds of dollars and do not provide any further safety or cleanliness. The use of CPAP equipment carries essentially no risk of transmission of an infection.
There is no insurance coverage for the CPAP cleaning products and sanitizers. There is a strange medical justification for a costly cleaning equipment after more than 35 years of CPAP use.
CPAP cleaning FAQs
Can I continue to use my CPAP machine if I’m diagnosed with COVID-19?
Your sleep apnea diagnosis and need for CPAP therapy will not be altered by a coronavirus infection. In order to maintain optimal health, you should continue to utilize your CPAP machine. It is imperative that you heed the medical advise of your healthcare practitioner if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Consult the American Thoracic Society’s daily mask cleaning recommendations if you’ve recently been diagnosed with COVID-19. You can find further materials for COVID-19 diagnosis and PAP treatment use by using this guide. For detailed cleaning recommendations for your device and mask, consult your ResMed user guide.
What should I NOT use to clean my mask?
Our recommendation is that you do not use the products/solutions listed below to clean your CPAP equipment, since the leftover vapors can be dangerous if inhaled.
- perfumed oils or solutions with an aromatherapy foundation (e.g. eucalyptus or essential oils)
- Soaps that kill germs
- Dishwashing Liquid (even if they are mild)
- Alcohol
- Bleach
- Products with a pungent odor (e.g. soaps with citrus)
- A washing machine or a drying machine
Can I use an ozone device with my ResMed machine?
A rise in motor noise has been reported by ResMed as a side effect of using an ozone device over an extended period of time. Damage to ResMed machines due to the use of ozone devices is not covered by the ResMed limited warranty.
Why can’t I use these products to clean my mask?
Skin sensitivity and poor mask performance may result from using antibacterial soaps, among other things.
Cpap equipment can be damaged or need to be replaced when cleaned in a washing machine or dryer. Headgear made of heat-sensitive material should never be ironed.
Which CPAP parts do I need to clean and how often?
Daily:
- Cushion for the mask
- The use of air ducts
- Tub with humidifier
Weekly:
- The mask frame is a system
- helmets with masks
Can I Clean My CPAP With Vinegar?
Yes, but not in place of a soapy water cleanse. There is no need to worry about using vinegar to clean your CPAP equipment because it is completely safe. Once a month, you can disinfect your mask and tubing by using a vinegar solution of 1 vinegar to 3 parts water.
- For around 30 minutes, immerse each portion in the vinegar solution.
- Each item should be thoroughly rinsed and then hung to dry completely in the open air.
- The vinegar and water solution should not be re-used. After each use, toss it away.
- Vinegar should not be used to clean fabric things like your helmet or filters.
Can I Clean My CPAP With Hydrogen Peroxide?
Maybe. As long as this strategy hasn’t been thoroughly studied, it’s best to avoid using it altogether.
To sterilize goods such as cutting or stainless steel, hydrogen peroxide can be used. However, how you utilize it is critical to its effectiveness. Typical retail concentrations range from 3 to 4%, which is relatively low. Peroxide burns easily if used in excess. It could also be harmful at certain temperatures and when exposed to particular surface materials, thus caution is advised when using it. Oxidation in this form can also be dangerous.
Simply put, cleaning your CPAP with hydrogen peroxide could be harmful to both you and the machine.
Can I Clean My CPAP With Bleach?
Not even consider it! Although bleach is safe to dilute, cleaning your CPAP machine with it could be damaging to your health. Even after rinsing your gear thoroughly, the vapors could hurt your lungs. As a bonus, any bleach on your skin could cause burns and corrosion to your equipment.
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Category: Sleep Advisors
