Why Washing of CPAP Full Face Mask is Necessary?

The first steps for successful therapy for sleep apnea is getting accustomed to your CPAP mask while asleep and making it habitual to wear it every night. The next important step is to have a clean mask every time you use it. Many patients do not know much about the cleaning and proper maintenance of the CPAP machine equipment. In this blog, you will learn some valuable information about cleaning the CPAP gear.

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Why do you need to wash CPAP parts?

To effectively manage and avert the complications of sleep apnea, it is vital to use reliable and top-quality equipment. Maintaining the hygiene of the CPAP equipment is critical. Moreover, it benefits you if you get rid of any smell, extend its life, musty odours, and maintain its quality for warranty purposes. Cleaning the tube and mask is essential as it helps:

● Inhibit microbial growth like bacteria and mould

● Reduce allergens

● Remove the mineral deposits

● Decrease the chances of developing infections like sinus or upper respiratory tract infection

● Keep the machine in good condition

How frequently should you clean the CPAP Equipment?

CPAP device manufacturers and doctors recommend cleaning the CPAP machine intermittently. They advise cleaning the full face CPAP masks, tubes, and the humidifier weekly to maintain hygiene. Experts suggest that it is a good habit to wash the equipment daily to keep healthy.

How to wash CPAP parts?

You do not need expensive accessories or a lot of time to wash the CPAP parts. It will hardly take 30 minutes a day to make sure it lasts long.

Things you require

● Full face CPAP masks, hose, headgear, humidifier tank

● A small cloth or sponge

● A clean and dry towel or tissues for drying

● Mild antibacterial soap

Instructions to clean your CPAP machine

➢ First, disassemble the machine and remove all parts to clean. CPAP machine models vary from each device, so read your equipment manual before removing it.

➢ Next, unplug the device and clean the outside surface with a slightly wet cloth.

➢ Make a soap solution with mild soap and warm water. Using white vinegar instead of soap at 1:1 will also give good results.

➢ Immerse all the parts into the soap solution and soak it for a few minutes. Make sure the entire hose is wholly absorbed in the solution.

➢ Use the dry cloth to wipe the exteriors of the equipment parts.

➢ Later, rinse all the parts with fresh water.

➢ With a dry and clean towel or cloth, wipe off the water by gently rubbing each piece.

➢ Allow it to air dry in sunlight for at least one hour

➢ Once all the components are dehydrated, carefully assemble them back. Use the instruction manual if you find it difficult to reassemble it correctly.

➢ Finally, run the machine to ensure it is functioning correctly.

How to maintain a hygienic CPAP device?

The following simple tips will help you to maintain and prolong the life of your device:

● Refrain from using strong detergents

Avoid using concentrated or strong detergents to wash your equipment. In addition, never put your CPAP equipment or its components in a washing machine or dishwasher as it can severely damage.

● Refill the humidifier with deionised water

Regular tap water contains many dissolved minerals that can deposit in the device over time. So, it is imperative to use clean distilled water to refill the humidifier water chamber. It is also a good practice to remove any leftover water from the chamber each morning and refill it with fresh distilled water.

● Clean the filters regularly and, if required, replace them

Some CPAP equipment models depend on filters for air purification. Contact your supplier or read the device manual to check how often you need to clean and replace the filters. It is advisable to clean them regularly and pat them dry completely. In some models, you may require to change the filters as regularly as twice a month.

● Get it serviced when needed

If you notice your symptoms intensifying or your device is malfunctioning, contact the equipment supplier and quickly get it serviced.

● Mend parts as required

Like every other instrument, CPAP parts can be damaged by wear and tear. In case you see any signs of wearing out or cracking, replace the mask, headgear, and hose. Many manufacturers recommend changing the parts once a year.

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