How To Clean Your BiPAP Machine Effectively And Keep It Maintained
You’ve likely heard of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, but have you heard about its cousin – the BiPAP (bi-level positive airway) machine?
For many people, a BiPAP is the better option to give them a great night’s sleep and improve their health. However, there are some differences in how they work and how they need to be cleaned. Let’s take a closer look.
BiPAP vs CPAP: Which Is Best For You?
You can treat sleep apnea with both BiPAP and CPAP devices. The machines send pressure into your airway to help prevent any breathing pauses while you are sleeping. Both machines use new technology.
The result is therapy for your sleep-associated breathing issues such as central sleep apnea. BiPAP is an abbreviation for bilevel positive airway pressure. Your machine will have a tube connected to your mask to send air to your airway.
Your BiPAP will provide both exhale and inhale pressure. If you have been unable to tolerate a CPAP, a BiPAP may be recommended. In most cases, a BiPAP offers more comfort than a CPAP.
CPAP is an abbreviation for continuous positive airway pressure. This type of machine will most likely be initially prescribed if you have central sleep apnea. Just like with a BiPAP, the air is sent to your airway via your tube and mask.
Watch: BiPAP Respiratory Therapy Video Below:
According to this article, the most frequent issue for patients using a CPAP is difficulty breathing against the pressure. You may also experience issues when exhaling due to the pressure.
You should be able to breathe much easier with a BiPAP because the pressure is decreased by your machine when you exhale. The result is breathing easier and more comfortably.
The biggest difference between a CPAP and a BiPAP is the pressure settings. Your BiPAP will have two settings. The IPAP controls your inhalation pressure, while the EPAP offers less pressure when you exhale.
When you inhale, the design of your BiPAP machine will increase pressure to ensure the airways in your throat and nose do not close while you are asleep. Your open airway will be maintained when you exhale by the low pressure.
You may discover your BiPAP machine is more comfortable due to the different pressure for inhaling and exhaling as opposed to the single pressure of a CPAP.
Reasons to Use a BiPAP
A BiPAP may be recommended to help you breathe better at night. The device is generally prescribed for individuals with congestive heart failure, central sleep apnea and serious conditions impacting the lungs and heart.
If you are experiencing muscle or nerve issues, there is a good chance a BiPAP will be more beneficial than a CPAP. Your BiPAP will ensure you are breathing a specific number of times every minute.
Due to the different pressures for inhalation and exhalation, you will not need to work as hard to breathe. The result is a much better night’s sleep. If your CPAP machine did not provide effective treatment, you may be prescribed a BiPAP.
A BiPAP may also be prescribed if your have pulmonary issues such as COPD. Due to the difference in pressure, the device will rid your body of excess carbon dioxide gas.
Top CPAP and BiPAP Cleaners
How to Clean a BiPAP Machine Humidification Chamber
Your BiPAP has numerous different parts including filters, tubing, mask, water chambers and humidifier chamber. You may be using a chinstrap or cushions. All of these parts will require consistent cleaning and maintenance.
Your BiPAP probably has a heated humidification system. This system was designed to help decrease your dry mouth in the morning in addition to preventing your nasal passages from becoming dry, inflamed or irritated.
According to SleepApnea.org, you need to clean your humidification chamber daily to prevent calcification and bacteria. To maintain your humidifier, simply take the following steps.
Once each day, carefully remove the humidification chamber from your BiPAP. Make certain no water enters your device. Open your chamber, then rinse well with soapy, warm water.
Watch The Video Below: How To Clean Your BiPAP Parts
Now rise your chamber with warm water and let it dry on a paper towel or clean cloth. Make certain your chamber is not in direct sunlight. Once dry, fill it with either sterile or distilled water.
Avoid using tap water because it may contain chemicals or minerals capable of damaging your machine. Your best option is filtered water. Once per week, use a solution of three parts water and one part white vinegar to soak your humidifier chamber.
Let your chamber soak for about 15 to 20 minutes prior to rinsing it out using distilled water. If your manual states your chamber is dishwasher safe, wash it once per week. You will need to replace your chamber approximately every six months.
How to Clean Your Mask
Your BiPAP is most likely made of a nonirritating and gentle material such as silicone. Although you will find a silicone mask extremely comfortable, you must care for your mask properly or it will require replacement fairly quickly.
To ensure your mask performs at peak efficiency, regular cleaning is critical. Once per day, wash your mask with unscented, mild soap and warm water or purchase detergents and wipes specifically made for your BiPAP.
After rinsing with water, place your mask on a paper towel or clean cloth to dry. Make certain your mask is not in direct sunlight. according to AlaskaSleep.org, you need to take precautions at night as well.
Prior to going to bed, your face should be thoroughly washed. Do not use a moisturizer or facial oil because your silicone may break down quicker. Once per week, use a solution of three parts water and one part white vinegar to clean your mask.
Once clean, rinse your mask using distilled water. If you are using chinstraps or headgear, you will need to wash them with soapy, warm water by hand prior to air drying. Never place either of these items in your washer or dryer.
To clean your tubing, fill your sink once per week with soapy, warm water. Once rinsed, your tubing should be hung to dry. Make certain it is not in direct sunlight. Your manufacturer’s manual for your device should contain replacement schedules.
Another option is to use specially-made mask cleaning wipes which helps to both clean and disinfect your mask. This is much faster than the above process but more expensive.
You will most likely need to replace your mask every three to six months, and your cushions once or twice each month.
Cleaning Your BiPAP Filters
Your filter enables you to breathe in clean air. To properly maintain your device, you must clean or replace your filter. Your filter will be close to the back of your device because this is where air is drawn and compressed according to your settings.
Almost all machines use a white paper, disposable filter. You may also have a grey filter that is not disposable. To ensure your filters function correctly, take the following steps.
Your nondisposable, gray filter requires cleaning a minimum of once per week. If your home draws a lot of dust, you smoke indoors or have pets, you may need to clean your filter more often.
Use water for rinsing your gray filter. Make certain your filter is completely dry prior to putting it back in your BiPAP. When your reusable grey filter start to look worn it needs to be replaced. This is usually in about six months.
Your white paper, disposable filter is generally replaced once per month. If your filter looks dirty, it should be replaced sooner.
General Maintenance and Care
You may feel overwhelmed taking care of your BiPAP in the beginning. Cleaning and maintaining your device will ensure your therapy is smoother. Your best option is to incorporate your BiPAP cleaning into your morning schedule.
Not only will this make the process easier, but you will also have enough time for your machine to dry before you go to bed. You will not need to clean your actual machine, but it is a good idea to dust occasionally with a damp cloth.
You can maintain your BiPAP easier by using the following tips. Your machine will also be more effective and your parts will last longer.
• Do not use bleach for cleaning your accessories.
• Always clean your components using sterile or distilled water.
• Do not submerge your device in water or damage will result.
• To avoid damage, do not place your accessories or machine in direct sunlight.
• You may need to replace data cards or power cards because of equipment malfunction.
You must also take care as to where your BiPAP is placed. Your device should not be near any objects causing potential interference with your air intakes such as clutter or curtains. Make certain you BiPAP is on a level surface.
Making Cleaning Easier
If you are feeling overwhelmed taking care of your device, there are options available. According to Very Well Health, there are a few machines available capable of cleaning both CPAPs and BiPAPs.
These machines will eliminate 99.9 percent of all bacteria and germs contained in your reservoir, hose and mask. You will not need to take your machine apart or use any chemicals or water to get your BiPAP clean.
Most machines will enable you to put your mask right into the device. Once you have chosen the cleaning time, your mask will be sanitized by your machine. You will no longer need to mix anything or scrub to sanitize your mask.
The majority of cleaners available are compatible with every BiPAP and CPAP device, mask, tubing and headgear. In most cases, there is a tubing adapter provided you attach to your BiPAP.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea will cause your breathing to stop and start while you are sleeping. This condition is the result of your brain failing to send the right signals to your muscles responsible for your breathing.
You may develop this condition due to stroke or heart failure or from sleeping at a much higher altitude. The therapy recommended for central sleep apnea is treating your condition with a device to provide supplemental oxygen to help you breathe properly.
According to The Mayo Clinic, the most common signs of central sleep apnea are:
• Issues with remaining asleep throughout the night
• Awakening suddenly with shortness of breath
• Pain in your chest during the night
• Changes in mood
• Abnormal or stopped breathing patterns while you are sleeping
• Headaches in the morning
• Hypersomnia or daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Shortness of breath that goes away when you sit up
• Snoring
If you have central sleep apnea, you may or may not snore during the night. If you are observed experiencing or experience any of the signs of central sleep apnea, you need to make an appointment with a medical professional. These symptoms include:
• Intermittent breathing pauses while you are sleeping
• Unusual drowsiness during the day causing you to fall asleep while watching television, working or driving.
• Awakening from sleep due to shortness of breath
• Trouble remaining asleep
• If you are consistently waking up during the night, you are most likely experiencing fatigue. Central sleep apnea can easily prevent you from achieving restorative sleep. If you have this condition, you are most likely experiencing irritability, fatigue and drowsiness during the day.
• If you have cardiovascular issues in addition to central sleep apnea, you may experience unexpected drops in your blood oxygen levels. This can impact the health of your heart. You best option is consulting with a medical professional.
In Conclusion
Whether you need a CPAP or a BiPAP machine, either machine will help you dramatically with breathing and being more comfortable sleeping at night. Make sure you understand how to maintain and clean your BiPAP so it keeps you happy and healthy for years to come!