Have you been using the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) equipment for your sleep apnea? If yes, then you must be aware of the knowledge we will share in this article. It is a machine that helps you with your sleep issues and various other conditions that are impacted by the airways.
Whenever you have your coffee or tea, do you see some little moldy stuff left out in the container? Even though it was not your purpose to collect germs in your containers, it automatically gets introduced there. The same thing happens with your CPAP machines. It is essential to regularly clean your continuous positive airway pressure equipment and other daily items to avoid getting sick.
For some people, the CPAP machine is a life-saving device. However, when it comes to cleaning it, that can be a difficult task to be done with the help of your hands. And when this equipment remains unclean, it can cause various skin infections, respiratory problems, etc. So, if you cannot do it yourself, we will suggest you take help from the CPAP cleaner from cleancpap.net.
Why Is It Important To Clean CPAP Equipment?
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Before we move on to the tips by which you can clean your CPAP machine easily, let us first understand the importance of cleaning it. When you use this equipment, you breathe the air that is circulated by it. The air you breathe comes to you after getting filtered, which must be cleaned as much as possible.
When you don’t care about cleaning your CPAP, then many dead skin cells, oils, and dust get accumulated inside it. This becomes the breeding place for bacteria and germs, which is why you tend to get sick frequently.
Therefore, to avoid these problems, it is essential to clean your device regularly and adequately. Apart from this, cleaning your device will make it last even longer, and you don’t have to get it replaced with the new one so early. This means you are eventually saving your money by taking care of your equipment.
How Often Should You Clean CPAP Machine?
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Your physician or the person from where you get your equipment will advise you to clean it regularly daily. Cleaning of the tube, water chamber, and mask is often recommended by most manufacturers and suppliers. By doing such, the risk of getting any infection becomes very low.
However, sometimes you don’t get enough time in your daily routine, and this may be something excessive for you to do every day. That is why we suggest you clean the machine at least once a week properly. When you are suffering from a respiratory infection, then you can consider cleaning it more often. Also, you should remember one thing not to share your CPAP device with anyone else as it may transfer infections.
Steps To Clean The CPAP Equipment
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1. Cleaning the mask
The mask of your CPAP machine is something that is in contact with your face. The accumulated dead cells of the skin and the bacteria are something that you have to get rid of because they can transfer to your skin. Let us check how you can take care of your mask:
- The first step should be disassembling all the parts of your equipment, including disconnecting the mask from the tube.
- Removing the headgear is also required unless and until you are done with cleaning your mask.
- Get some warm and soapy water to place all the mask parts in it. Now for about five minutes, keep them swirling in this soapy water.
- Now it’s time for you to rinse all the mask parts and let them completely air dry before assembling.
2. Cleaning the filters
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If your CPAP machine contains disposable filters, you have to throw them away and replace them with new ones. It depends upon your replacement schedule when you need to replace the used filter with the new one.
However, if you have reusable air filters, you need to wash them at least once a week to get rid of all the dust and pollen accumulated inside them. If you clean your filters properly, you can avoid various irritants from getting inside your equipment. Let us check how you can do this task properly:
- Take some warm water and rinse the filter in it. After this, squeeze the excess of the water or the moisture out of it.
- Use a towel to dry the filter, and after that, let it air dry completely before fitting it into the equipment again.
- If your grey or the white-colored filters have become faded, then it’s probably time for you to get its replacement.
3. Cleaning the humidifier
Does your CPAP machine contain a humidifier? If yes, then you should consider cleaning it every alternate week. Let us now see how you can take care of the humidifier of your machine:
- Empty all the amount of water that is left in the water chamber.
- Pour five parts of water and 1 part of vinegar in it and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- After this, rinse it with normal water and let it air dry completely.
- You can also use a dishwasher to rinse and dry the humidifier, depending upon its types.
- It’s time to fill it with water again. Remember that you should always use distilled water in it to avoid getting minerals building up in it.
4. Cleaning the CPAP
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Cleaning the actual CPAP machine is relatively easy. Always remember to unplug it before starting to clean it. Take a damp cloth and remove the dust from its outer body. After this, use a clean towel to dry it down. Make sure that it is completely dried out before using it again.
To Sum Up
Washing your CPAP machine parts is necessary as many dead skin cells, germs, and bacteria accumulate inside them. This may bring infections to the person who is using it. Use the steps mentioned above to clean your device and ensure that you stay away from infections or any other disease.
