CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy is used to treat people with obstructive sleep apnoea. It uses a machine which helps the person to breathe more freely and easily while sleeping.
However, when using a CPAP machine, it is very important to maintain the accessories and the various CPAP equipment. You need to regularly clean and replace these accessories to have successful CPAP therapy. All you need is do is to use the best CPAP cleaner tips and tricks mentioned below:
Clean And Replace The CPAP Humidifier:
Most of the latest CPAP machines come equipped with a heated humidification system these days. This system not only reduces the symptoms of a dry mouth in the mornings but also helps to keep your nasal turbinate from drying out or becoming irritated. But it needs daily cleaning to prevent any bacteria build-up. To do so, you need to:
- Remove the chamber from the humidifier while making sure that water doesn’t enter the CPAP machine.
- Use warm, soapy water to clean the chamber after opening.
- Rinse with clean water and keep it to dry on a clean cloth or paper towel. Make sure that it is away from direct sunlight.
- Next, fill the chamber with sterile or distilled water only.
- Soak the humidifier chamber in a solution made of 1-part white vinegar and 3 parts water for around 15 to 20 minutes once every week. Then, rinse it thoroughly using distilled water.
Replace the humidifier chamber every 6 months, or as recommended.
Cleaning And Replacement Of Your CPAP Mask:
It is advisable to always follow the best CPAP cleaner tips provided to you with your equipment. In the case of CPAP masks, they have cushions in them, which are made up of silicone. And while it is a very comfortable material, it cannot last long, especially without proper care. Therefore, it requires an efficient and thorough cleaning, which can do by:
- Wash the mask every day with warm water. Use a non-fragrant soap or one that is specifically made for CPAP masks.
- After washing it, rinse the mask with water and allow it to air dry on a paper towel or a clean cloth. Again, keep it out of direct sunlight.
- It is always advisable to wash your face nicely before using the mask at night. Additionally, you shouldn’t use any facial oils or moisturisers since they can breakdown the silicone faster.
- Also, it is recommended to soak the mask in a 1-part white vinegar and 3 parts water solution once a week.
When it comes to the replacement of the CPAP masks, you should always cross-check with the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, most masks need to be replaced every three to six months.
Cleaning And Replacing The CPAP Filters:
The CPAP filters are situated near the back of the machine. This is where the equipment draws air from the room to compress into your pressure settings. Most CPAP machines come equipped with a disposable white paper filter. Moreover, some even have an additional non-disposable grey filter as well. However, these filters require regular cleaning. And to do so, you have to:
- Clean the grey filter at least once a week. In case you have pets, or your home is prone to dust, you might need to clean it more frequently.
- Rinse the grey filter with distilled water and allow it to air dry.
Make sure to replace the grey filters as soon as they begin to look worn out. Or do so after every 6 months. In the case of white paper filters, replace it on a monthly basis or more frequently if they appear to have collected a substantial amount of dust.
Additionally, use the best CPAP cleaner methods to clean your CPAP machine. At the very least, dust the machine with a slightly damp cloth to make sure it has no dust or dirt on it.
