How to Clean Your CPAP Machine?
If you are a newbie and just has started using a CPAP machine suggested by your sleep clinic, you must-have tips and guidance on cleaning the same. Under this circumstance, nothing would be better than a detailed guide on CPAP machines. Here are the instructions that you must follow. Without visiting the machine supplier, you would learn and know your machine that will help you in the long run.
Why Do You Need to Clean CPAP machine?
First, there is no need to explain why you need to keep your medical devices clean. You are breathing through the machine and air is circulated. Keeping the poor health of the device will affect your sleep apnea condition. This machine keeps the air filtered and humidified and you should keep it as much as clean possible.
When not cleaned these can happen –
Bacteria exposure
Fungus growth
Allergen growth
Risk of sinus and pneumonia
Foul odor
Premature breakdown of the machine
Cleaning Tips for the Machine
For Tubes
Keep your pets at home away from the machine. Do not keep the machine on their reach. Cats or dogs can destroy the tube with their claws and teeth. Keep the tubes in tube covers.
Clean the tubes using a mild soap. Do not use anything harsh, bleach or chlorine, aromatic or alcohol-based products. Pour your solution in a spray bottle and use it to clean the tube covers.
Make a solution with three-part of water and one part of vinegar. You can use it to disinfect or remove the soap residue.
Over time, tubes may get tiny holes that can leak air. So, it is better to check and replace the tubes annually.
Filters
First, check how many filters are there in your CPAP machine.
As filters block the dust, with time they can become dirty and dusty.
You can use mild soap to rinse filters. Typically, filters have a long life and cleaning them will enhance their longevity.
CPAP Mask
A CPAP mask has three components – a headgear, a frame, a cushion.
Among all these parts, the cushion is the most vulnerable and fragile. Put off your makeup and everything on the face before placing the cushion as it stays against the face. Make it a practice to clean your face before using the machine.
You must clean the cushion every day with a mild soap solution. Rinsing it will make sure there is no residue left. Take care of it with great attention as it is a delicate component.
Do not expose it under direct sunlight.
If taking care of the CPAP mask seems difficult for you, ask OKOA. In our sleep clinic in OKC, we will guide you for it.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of the patient-doctor relationship.