How to disinfect used equipment

[Lanco]

Just picked up a used S9 Autoset, H5i humidifier, Climateline tubing and Mirage Quattro mask.

I just wiped down the cpap and humidifier casing (inside and out for H5i) with a mix of vinegar and water.

Even though I have the older water chamber I was able to take it apart to clean as shown on youtube. I soaked everything in vinegar and water for a couple hours and wiped and rinsed it.

Climateline tubing I soaked in vinegar and water for a couple hours and rinsed with water.

I'm ok with what I've done with this stuff I think, but the mask I'm not so sure about. I did soak the mask in vinegar and water for and hour or two, hand washed it, rinsed with water. Let dry. Then did the same with Dawn detergent.

I'm thinking I'd like to go a bit further with the mask and considered soaking it in alcohol. But they warn against that. As it was initially the mask looked a bit grungy. And maybe it's ok but being that it was grungy looking and I know the person that used it passed away, (I don't know when he used it and when he passed away and from what) but I'm just thinking I might want to do another step just to make sure. Actually the S9 is from 2011 and was used only 367 hours, I took it the guy passed recently and was probably sitting in the closet for a few years. Even when I turned it on it blew warmish air at first as if things were just being used after sitting and/or clearing the dust out like when turning on the heat in the winter for the firs time. Probably no big deal at all but hey, I'm a little squeamish about it, sure.

I prefer using something that I already have to clean it. This would only be a test to see if I want to consider using it. Otherwise I use a nasal mask but am wondering if this FFM would make it worth while to help stop mouth leaks or if I'd like it if I was having sinus problems occasionally. I guess if I liked it I would get a new cushion and clip as the present one looks to be at the end of it's life and not in perfect shape.

The headgear looked a little grungy too so I washed it by hand in Dawn and water.

What do you think?

[srlevine1]

Just picked up a used S9 Autoset, H5i humidifier, Climateline tubing and Mirage Quattro mask.

I just wiped down the cpap and humidifier casing (inside and out for H5i) with a mix of vinegar and water.

Even though I have the older water chamber I was able to take it apart to clean as shown on youtube. I soaked everything in vinegar and water for a couple hours and wiped and rinsed it.

Climateline tubing I soaked in vinegar and water for a couple hours and rinsed with water.

I'm ok with what I've done with this stuff I think, but the mask I'm not so sure about. I did soak the mask in vinegar and water for and hour or two, hand washed it, rinsed with water. Let dry. Then did the same with Dawn detergent.

I'm thinking I'd like to go a bit further with the mask and considered soaking it in alcohol. But they warn against that. As it was initially the mask looked a bit grungy. And maybe it's ok but being that it was grungy looking and I know the person that used it passed away, (I don't know when he used it and when he passed away and from what) but I'm just thinking I might want to do another step just to make sure. I prefer using something that I already have to clean it. This would only be a test to see if I want to consider using it. Otherwise I use a nasal mask but am wondering if this FFM would make it worth while to help stop mouth leaks or if I'd like it if I was having sinus problems occasionally. I guess if I liked it I would get a new cushion and clip as the present one looks to be at the end of it's life and not in perfect shape.

The headgear looked a little grungy too so I washed it by hand in Dawn and water.

What do you think?

I think you would be better served with new accessories (hose, mask cushion, filter, and headgear), but if this is financially impossible, I would invest in a bottle of Control III, a professional-level disinfectant (use only as directed) and do a more thorough job of cleaning. Vinegar is good for removing water scale from hard water in the humidifier , however, mild soap and water will suffice to clean most surfaces and mask components.

I would also do a pressure check to make sure that the machine is performing up to standards. I have a manometer and check output pressures regularly as my machine ages. Most sleep doctors and DMEs will do this free while you wait if you bring in your machine or make a small purchase -- perhaps a bottle of Control III?

As for cleaning frequency, I clean everything weekly, use distilled water in my humidifier, and empty it each day at let dry thoroughly. Cleaning is a function of your environmental conditions (pets, pollen, dust, etc.), comfort level, and laziness. About that laziness thing -- I am not lazy, just energy efficient!

Best of luck with your therapy and machine.

[DeepBreathing]

I agree with Srlevine - if at all possible get rid of the mask and get a new one, especially as you described it as grungy. Personally I'd get rid of everything on the "wet" side of the system: humidifier tank, lid seal, hose and complete mask. I understand that finances are often an issue, but you will be breathing through this system into your lungs. I don't think it's worth taking chances.

[OpalRose]

I can understand if finances are an issue, but there are some things I just wouldn't use, like the mask that you describe as dingy. Check on Amazon for masks or mask parts.

Also, if possible don't use a hose that someone else used.

And change the filters in your machine.

[Sleeprider]

I'm okay with reusing tubing, especially a more expensive climateline. The cleaning protocol for re-use of equipment is described very well here: http://www.omicsonline.org/cleaning-and-...8-5948.pdf

Control III is a good disinfectant. I use Star-San, which is a food grade acid sanitizer that is odorless and will kill bacteria and viruses. Both product must be very highly diluted. Star San is only 1.5 cc/quart or 1-oz per 5-gallons. Small quantities of the concentrate go a long way.

Personally I would reuse humidifier chambers, hoses, but I draw the line at masks. A mask in good condition can be cleaned and disinfected, so that is more of a personal aversion, and if you don't see it that way, then give it a go. Properly done, it won't harm you.

[archangle]

There's some info in the USEFUL LINKS in my signature line below on the manufacturer's sanitization processes.

If you're ready to throw the existing masks away, disassemble them. Then boil a big pot of water, turn off the heat, and drop the parts into the water and leave them there until it cools down.

If they melt, replace the melted parts. I've had good luck with boiling.

I'd probably not boil the headgear. Unless it's foam, I'd wash it and then wet it down with alcohol. Put it in a sealed container or baggie overnight, then let it dry out.

If you have the older "non-dishwashable" S9 tank that doesn't open easily, you can drop that in boiling water. Well, at least mine survived it. The newer non-dishwash tanks will melt.

I like heat sanitization because it gets into all the cracks and crevices. Even if the germs have migrated deep into the plastic, they'll receive the heat. Chemicals can't do that easily. Note that boiling temperatures won't kill all germs, but they get a large percentage of them.

Hoses are a little more sensitive to heat. It's probably better to limit sanitation water to 70°C temperature and hold it for 30 minutes or so. That's a little tougher, but you can still do it on the stove top with a thermometer and a little effort.

Control III is a good chemical choice. Use it as directed. The undiluted concentrate is nasty, but once diluted, it's much less nasty.

[Spy Car]

Spraying a 50/50 ratio of hydrogen peroxide and distilled white vinegar (from separate bottles) makes one of the most powerful disinfectants available. And is very inexpensive. Dollar stores have peroxide cheap.

Peroxide should remain in the brown bottles (light-proof) but these will take a standard spray top.

And this solution is not toxic or nasty.

Bill

[Lanco]

I guess if I wanted to use Control III I could just get the 2 ounce version for my purposes? This ought to be enough I take it as I only plan on using it for these used items. I see no point is using it for my own stuff and feel vinegar and/or baby shampoo or Dawn detergent is more than enough.

I take it it's pretty much agreed that Control III would do the job I want it to?

Does this sound about right?

[srlevine1]

I guess if I wanted to use Control III I could just get the 2 ounce version for my purposes? This ought to be enough I take it as I only plan on using it for these used items. I see no point is using it for my own stuff and feel vinegar and/or baby shampoo or Dawn detergent is more than enough.

I take it it's pretty much agreed that Control III would do the job I want it to?

Does this sound about right?

Sounds fine to me.
Have you considered "sand blasting?"

[Sleeprider]

What you have already done is probably just fine. I wouldn't worry about this too much unless you got equipment from an Ebola patient. Yeah, the 2-oz will be nice, but I think you're probably going to put this equipment into use sooner than later.