Struggling to sleep at night even with your CPAP put on? An unclean CPAP might be the reason. While it’s crucial to have Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines to manage obstructive sleep apnea for several patients, their cleanliness and maintenance shouldn’t be overlooked. Therefore, in this blog, we will discuss the risks of neglecting CPAP cleaning and share tips for maintaining it with the best cleaning equipment like CleanPAPTᴹ. So, read along!
Risks of Neglecting CPAP Device Cleaning
Here are the major risks associated with neglecting CPAP device cleaning:
Health Hazards: Neglecting CPAP cleaning increases your risks of several health infections. Unclean CPAP machines often invite several pathogens that emit foul smells and spread harmful diseases. The accumulation of bacteria, viruses, etc. in the tubes, masks, and hoses mostly leads to allergies and sometimes serious respiratory infections. All in all, breathing impure air from the equipment can create several other problems rather than treating your sleep apnea.
Reduced Therapy Efficacy: Unhygienic parts of the CPAP machine reduce the overall efficacy of treatment. Accumulated dirt, dust, and microbial growth can block airflow and impair the delivery of the prescribed air pressure. This blockage may result in ineffective treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. This causes symptoms such as excessive daytime drowsiness, weariness, and poor focus.
Potential Equipment Damage: Missing CPAP machine cleaning might cause premature wear and tear on the machine’s different parts. Built-up dirt, oils, and dampness can deteriorate materials over time, creating cracks, rips, and seal deteriorations. This can lead to air leaks, lower pressure delivery, and, in the end, costly repairs or part replacements.
Risk of Secondary Infections: Inadequate CPAP cleaning can elevate the risk of many secondary infections. Bacteria and molds found in dirty equipment can colonize the user’s skin or mucous membranes. This further causes skin irritations, acne, and sinus infections. These secondary infections might jeopardize the user’s health and impair CPAP therapy compliance.
Compromised Device Longevity: The unhygienic condition of CPAP machines is one of the major reasons for their decreased longevity. Microbial growth has the ability to degrade the components of the machine, such as motors, fans, etc. Degraded or deteriorated internal parts can lead to mechanical or electrical failures and malfunctions.
This further necessitates expensive repairs as well as replacements of CPAP devices. So, isn’t it better to get a CPAP cleaning device for your CPAP in the first place?
Expert CPAP Machine Cleaning Tips
To guarantee appropriate CPAP machine maintenance, familiarize yourself with each component’s cleaning and replacement schedule. Here are some recommendations to assist you in arranging the regular cleaning and replacement of worn-out parts:
Tubes:
- Keep tubes out of the reach of pets who may scratch or bite them. Consider utilizing tube covers to provide additional protection.
- Clean tubes of your CPAP cleaner machine using gentle soap, avoiding harsh chemicals such as chlorine, bleach, or alcohol-based cleaners. Use a tiny bottle cleaning brush to carefully wipe the inside.
- Make a mix of three parts water and one part vinegar to disinfect and eliminate soap residue.
- Inspect tubes on a regular basis for microscopic holes that might form over time and interfere with therapy. To maintain adequate air pressure, replace tubes on a yearly basis or as needed.
- It is advised to clean the tubes once a week.
Filters:
- Determine how many filters your CPAP machine has; some may have two.
- Filters gather dust over time and get unclean.
- Clean gray /black filters monthly with a mild soap solution to extend their life, which can last up to a year with proper maintenance.
- White filters are disposable and need to be changed. Check them routinely for discolouration or dirtiness, and replace them every two months.
For CPAP Masks:
- The mask is made up of many components, including the headpiece, frame, and cushion.
- The cushion is delicate, so handle it with care. Remove any makeup before using it, and keep the face clean to avoid dirt and oil accumulation.
- Clean the cushion on a regular basis with a mild soap combination, being cautious to prevent tearing. Avoid direct sunlight exposure.
- Weekly, wash the frame and headpiece with a mild soap combination, then rinse and air dry.
Replacement:
- Clean the humidifier water tub every day with a mild soap combination, then thoroughly rinse and air dry away from direct sunlight.
- Inspect the tub regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or pits. If you see any damage to the tub, replace it.
Some Don’ts:
- Avoid using strong soaps or chemical-based cleaning solutions that may damage sensitive CPAP machine components.
- Do not dry cleaned components in direct sunlight ; instead, air-dry them.
- Do not wash the white filter; it is disposable and should be replaced on a regular basis.
- Do not wipe the machine with a wet cloth or towel; instead, use a damp towel or pre-moistened wipes.
- Remember to contact your CPAP machine supplier if you need replacement components or are contemplating purchasing new CPAP equipment.
Takeaway
CPAP machines are designed to give you the cozy sleep nights you deserve. However, its maintenance and cleanliness are your responsibility. If you are searching for some great CPAP cleaning machine options, try our CleanPAPTM. This amazing product is available on our website and is worth investing in! Can’t believe it? Check it out for yourself.
For more information, contact our expert team today!
