CPAP Cleaning: What Method Works Best?

Are you wondering what the best CPAP cleaning methods are? Do you plan on buying a CPAP cleaner but are unsure if it’s worth your money?

As a CPAP user, you need to know how to care for your CPAP machine accordingly. There is a looming danger that comes with using a machine that you did not correctly sanitize.

According to studies, 32% of CPAP users may acquire pneumonia because of poor CPAP hygiene.

So what is the best way to clean CPAP machines? Continue reading below as we break down some of the most effective CPAP cleaning methods.

CPAP Cleaning: The Lowdown

Just like any other health apparatus that you use, your CPAP machine also deserves regular cleaning. There are different ways to clean your CPAP. Each part of your CPAP has a different method and frequency of cleaning.

Cleaning the Mask (Soap and Water Solution)

You need to realize that most CPAP masks feature silicone. Because of its gentleness, it doesn’t have a long lifespan. To extend its service, you need to clean it regularly.

Prepare some warm water in a bowl. Get a mild soap that is non-fragrant and mix it with the water. Apply the solution onto the mask and rinse with clean water before air drying.

Do this on a daily basis after every use. You can also apply the same steps on your CPAP’s tubing.

 

 

Cleaning the Mask (Vinegar Solution)

Apart from the soap and water solution, you also need to clean your mask using a vinegar solution. Prepare one part of white vinegar and mix it with three parts of water. Combine the two in a bowl that can fit your entire mask.

Soak the mask inside the solution for a few minutes. Rinse with distilled water and let it air dry. Do this once a week.

As for the chinstraps and headgear, wash them by hand using warm water mixed with soap. Rinse with tap water and let it air dry. Never put the chinstraps and headgear in the dryer or washing machine.

Cleaning the Humidifier

You also need to clean the humidification chamber every day. This will help prevent the buildup of bacteria in the area.

Take out the chamber from the machine’s main body. Be careful not to spill water that may get inside the machine.

Open the chamber and wash it using warm water mixed with soap. Rinse afterwards and let it air dry on a clean dry cloth. Make sure not to expose the chamber under direct sunlight.

Similar to the CPAP mask, soak the chamber in a vinegar and water solution. Do this for 15 to 20 minutes, once a week.

Make sure to replace the humidifier chambers every six months.

Cleaning the Filters

The CPAP filters are where most of the action happens. It is in those filters where the machine compresses the air.

Your CPAP machine may feature a non-disposable grey filter or a disposable white paper filter. It is the grey filters that you should clean at least once a week.

Rinse the grey filters using clean water. Allow it to air dry before putting them back into your CPAP machine. Replace the grey filters every six months.

As for the white paper filters, replace them monthly. You can also change them with new ones if you see that they are already too dirty.

The Activated Oxygen Technology

Last but not least, there is the activated oxygen cleaning technology. Your CPAP is a potential breeding ground for thousands of germs and bacteria. That is if you fail to clean it thoroughly.

Unfortunately, as much as the water and soap solution cleans, there are areas that they may fail to reach. This is where the activated oxygen technology comes into the picture.

The technology sanitizes the entire CPAP system. This covers the mask, the tubing, and the reservoir. It activated oxygen by pumping ozone through a closed-loop system.

In turn, the ozone seeps into the different areas, including the hard-to-reach ones. It does not require any water. You do not need to use any harsh chemicals either.

Best of all, you do not need to disassemble your CPAP machine just to clean all its different components.

The system effectively reaches the deepest parts of the humidification system’s hoses. This is crucial since germs and bacteria love to accumulate and multiply in these spaces.

Some CPAP users fail to replace their machine’s water. Sometimes, they leave some residual water inside the system.

When it comes to the safety of the activated oxygen technology, you don’t need to worry a single bit. Today, hotels, hospitals, and food handlers use the said technology to sanitize their equipment.

Operating the activated oxygen technology using devices like SoClean is also a breeze. You don’t need to take off the hoses or disassemble anything. You simply put the CPAP mask directly inside the cleaning unit.

Best of all, the cleaning method works with all kinds of PAP equipment. These include BPA, Bi-PAP, and VPAP.

Important Reminders

If you want to invest in a CPAP cleaner, there are several options that are quite affordable. Some of them use the ozone cleaning method, some use UV light.

Regardless of the type of cleaner you buy, you need to consider these reminders first:

• Compare three or four choices. The more options you have, the better.

• Read up on customer feedback. If you see a product that has lots of negative reviews, move on to the next one.

• Don’t go beyond your budget. Stick to something that will not burden you financially.

• Buy from reputable sources.

Don’t forget to ask fellow CPAP users for suggestions as well!

Increase Your Knowledge on CPAP Cleaners

CPAP cleaning is integral when it comes to maximizing your machine. If you are in the hunt for a CPAP sanitizer, we invite you to read our other articles.

We tackle topics from identifying counterfeit CPAP cartridge filters to CPAP cleaners that will not bust your wallet.

Increase your knowledge today and extend your CPAP’s life tomorrow and beyond.

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