Posted by The first and most crucial steps in effectively managing sleep apnea are to become accustomed to wearing your new CPAP equipment while sleeping and to make sure that you are using it in the proper manner each night. You should take the next step, which is to educate yourself on how to maintain and clean the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) mask and hose in the correct manner.
Why Is It Necessary to Clean these CPAP Parts?
The use of dependable machinery is essential to the successful management of the potentially life-threatening symptoms and health implications of obstructive sleep apnea. It is essential to practise proper hygiene with the cpap masks and tubes. In general, doing so is good for removing unpleasant scents, such as musty odours, as well as for extending their life and keeping the guarantee intact. It is important to clean the mask and hose because doing so helps: it helps to reduce the presence of allergens; to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria; to clear away mineral deposits; to maintain the equipment in good working order.
When and How Often Should You Clean Your CPAP Parts?
Regular cleanings are recommended by the makers of CPAP devices. They recommend performing a thorough cleaning of the CPAP mask, tubing, and humidifier chamber at least once every week. Meanwhile, it is also recommended to give the face mask and the hose a quick rinse every day. This helps keep them clean. If you are unwell, experts also recommend cleaning these accessories out with soap and water every day.
How to Maintain Clean CPAP Component
You don’t need to buy expensive cleaning supplies or spend a lot of time cleaning. To properly take care of the CPAP masks and tubes, you probably require less than thirty minutes.
CPAP cleaners, such as those manufactured by the SoClean and Lumin brands, as well as some specific detergents, are available for purchase; however, they are not required.
What It Is That You Will Need
- A piece of fabric or a little sponge
- Water that is warm,
- A soap that is gentle on the skin, free of ammonia, and antibacterial.
- A fresh towel or some paper towels for use in the drying process.
Procedures to Follow When Cleaning CPAP Machine
Before beginning, make sure the device is unplugged from electricity source and remove any components that need to be cleaned. Because every CPAP machine is a little bit different, it is highly recommended that you look through the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Take off the CPAP tubing that is attached to the device output valve, as well as the water chamber that is attached to the device. Remove the mask and put the helmet back on. Take apart any of the other components that can be put back together without much difficulty afterwards.
- Disconnect the CPAP machine before you wipe down the exterior with a damp towel.
- The next step is to create a soapy solution by combining a few drops of gentle dish soap with a cup of warm water. An alternative to using soap is to create a solution with equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Put the various components into the solution. Make sure that the water, soap, or vinegar is allowed to run through the entirety of the hose, and give each component a few minutes to soak. Also, make sure that the water can reach every section of the hose.
- Make use of the cloth or sponge to thoroughly clean all of the components of the CPAP machine’s outside surfaces.
- Wash each component well with fresh water.
- Remove any extra water with a clean towel, then gently dry each individual piece thereafter.
- After that, you should set them aside to air dry for about an hour.
- Once you are certain that all of the components have dried completely, carefully reassemble them. If you are unclear how to correctly reassemble the CPAP elements, refer to the instruction booklet for further guidance.
- Immediately switch on the equipment or gadget to check that it functions properly and that there are no cracks or holes in the seals.
HOW TO MAINTAIN THE CLEANLINESS OF YOUR CPAP MACHINE
By adhering to a few straightforward maintenance guidelines, you may assist your device in working properly for a longer period of time.
Refill with distilled water.
Minerals are present in regular tap water, and these minerals will deposit and accumulate in the machinery over time. When it comes to replenishing the humidifier tank, it is essential to make sure that you only use water that has been distilled and is completely clear. It may also be beneficial to empty the tank of any access water each morning, then fill it with distilled water before using it for the night. This practise is recommended.
Harsh detergents and Hard washing should be avoided
Do not use any cleaning chemicals that are either extremely concentrated or extremely harsh. Additionally, you should stay away from goods that have a strong odour or perfume. Dish soap by Dawn is one brand that comes highly recommended.
Because of the risk of damage, the CPAP machine or any of its components should never be cleaned in the dishwasher or the washing machine.
Maintaining a Routine of Filter Cleaning and Replacement
There are several varieties of CPAP machines, and some of them use filters to clean the air. It is recommended that you consult the owner’s handbook in order to determine the frequency with which these filters should be cleaned or changed. It is important to give them a thorough wash on a regular basis, pat them dry, and then let them air dry fully. It may be necessary to replace the filters on some models as frequently as once or twice a month.
Get it serviced on an as-needed basis.
If you notice that your sleep apnea symptoms are getting worse or that the CPAP machine is not functioning as it should, you should have it checked out by the company who supplied it to you.
Replace Certain Components.
Components of CPAP machines are not designed to stay forever. Make sure you replace the headgear, the mask, and the tube if you see any evidence of cracking or wear. Even when there is no obvious damage, the majority of manufacturers recommend changing these parts once every year.