[Equipment] Cleaning apnea equipment

[lapopessa]

Basic question. When we're cleaning the pieces, what are we looking out for? Certain types of bacteria? When I started, tech said not to use soap, but it seems that many do. What kind do folks think is best?

Thanks,
Nancy

[C0mbe]

I use soap. According to Resmed, who makes my APAP, you should clean in a mild soap and water solution. Yesterday I soaked my gear in control III for the first time (in new to this as well). I'm not sure I agree with no soap advice... this stuff is attached to your face.

[RichardVT]

I use a bit of Dawn Ultra dishwashing detergent to clean my mask. Once a week I clean the fabric headgear and the Pap-Cap Chin Strap I use with a bit of Woolite.

The mask, I have found cleans easiest when I place it, open side up in my left hand and squirt a bit of soap into it. I then run the very warm water into it to fill it up, then place my right hand over the cushioned opening to shake it up and use my fingers to wipe around the inside of the cushion. I let it drain and rinse the same way.

I make sure I rinse everything until there are no more soap suds left.

[Piggles]

I'm new as well but I do:

- Daily: Mask
- Weekly: Mask strap, hose, and humidifier

I use the standard blue dawn dish soap.

[MitchS]

Dawn dish soap for me as well. I clean my mask cushion daily. I soak my hose, mask cushion and frame and water tank for a few minutes in Dawn and water, wash and then rinse well. My head gear and filters (yes I wash the fine filter) are included in the weekly routine once a month. I wipe down my machine with a damp rag as needed.

[trish6hundred]

Hi lapopessa,
WELCOME! to the forum.!


I wash my hose, mask and humidifier water chamber in warm, mild soapy water, (Ivory Liquid).
Good luck to you with your CPAP therapy, hang in there for more responses to your post.

[JustMac]

I soak my nasal pillow, mask, hose, chin strap and water reservoir in soapy (whole foods 365 value unscented dish soap) hot water for 1 hour, and then let everything air dry on a weekly basis. No problems so far.

[Beej]

I use denture tablets. I figure the residue was safe to ingest, so if any was left on the mask, frame, or hose, it would be OK.
Plus there's the slightly minty scent.

[Goldie54914]

I clean mine once a week.
I use vinegar and warm water to clean all items except the silicone parts. I use a kids toothbrush to get the gunk out of humidifier.
I rinse the vinegar off and let the stuff air dry.
I use Dish soap to watch the silicone parts.
Once a month, I hand wash the straps in dish soap and water.
Hope this helps.