cleaning thread?

[cate1898]

Maybe I'm a bit OCD, but I clean my water tank, slimline hose, P10 tube, and of course the nasal pillows every morning and hang to dry. I've read/heard that the hoses and tank do not need daily cleaning. I've heard anywhere from 3 days to 7 for those items. But I prefer to wash them all each morning. I hang them over a towel rod which is over a heat register in the bathroom (which will only have heat weather depending).

[quip]

From http://www.resmed.com/uk/en/consumer/sup...-mask.html
Please remember that you must not use solutions containing vinegar, bleach, chlorine, alcohol, aromatics, moisturisers, antibacterial agents or scented oils to clean any part of the mask system or air tubing. These solutions could cause damage and reduce the life of the product

Hi Zonk,

I really appreciate you answering my question for me. As a new PAPer, I have a quest for knowledge for anything that is pertaining to CPAPs and I read in this book "Sleep Apnea & the CPAP" that the author (of the book) routinely uses either ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol to clean his tubes with!! I think knowing what you told me now about everything like alcohol, vinegar, bleach, etc . . . that the author who wrote that book should rewrite the book without telling his audience to be alcohol in their tubes.

I'm a person that is always on the cautious side of things . .. since I don't know the book author from before and I have much more knowledge about the experienced PAPers around here, I decide to post my question about rubbing alcohol. The only main problem now is I have four huge bottles on rubbing alcohol on hand (that I can't use in my tubes). I think I will use them for my Emergency First Aid kit.

Thanks again for your help, Zonk!

[snoredog]

I use a very weak bleach solution monthly to kill anything. it's about the level in a swimming pool. I don't think that will shorten the life of any of the equipment

[Goldie54914]

Tiny bubbles, in answer to your questions:
1:Once a week
2:I use vinegar and warm water for almost everything, except for silicone parts
3:I use dish soap and warm water for the silicone parts.
4:I air dry everything. I handwash the straps once a month in warm water and soap. Air dry them afterwards.
5: My insurance company will cover mask, hose, etc every three months. But I would get a checklist of when you can order parts from your insurance or CPAP supply person. That gives you a good indication of when to replace items. Some people never seem to replace their parts (as I noticed from past and current forums), They manage to keep them in pristine condition.

[joelrk35]

I have been on cpap for about 7 years. In the beginning I cleaned the mask and pillows/cushion daily with Ivory Dishwashing soap. Washed the hose and humidifier tank weekly with the same soap. Once a month I washed the tank with 50/50 water and vinegar. In the last 5 years I wash the pillow/cushion daily with soap if I am using the Swift FX mask and throw in the rest of the mask sans headgear if I am using my Quattro FX. The headgear I wash in same soap once a month when I remember. I have tried Ivory Dish soap, Baby shampoo and am now using Seventh Generation Natural soap. I cannot see any difference in any of the soaps I used in regard to longevity of the pillows or cushions. I have not cleaned my hose or humidifier tank in years. I use only distilled water and make an effort not to contaminate the tank. I have not had a cold or respiratory infection since I started on the cpap. All that being said, I do not recommend my routine for cleaning as it goes against manufactures recommended procedures. You have to be comfortable with how you choose your cleaning routine which will be predicated on how much of a "germaphobe" you are.

[Davebr60]

I know this is an old thread, but I am new here and don’t know how to start one.

I have my original ResMed (20 years) Swift FX with auto pressure. It is one of the older models with the one piece water chamber which cannot be opened. I am not the best at regularly cleaning my unit, (only once or twice a year ??) so after awhile it builds up a fairly impenetrable sludge (some call it pink mold but mine is clear) on the inside of the chamber. I have tried numerous times to clean it with warm soap and water, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide, but nothing seems to remove it efficiently and effectively if at all, because of the inaccessibility of a majority of the interior of the chamber due to the small openings and awkward angles creating numerous difficult areas to reach.

I finally had an epiphany the last time I was struggling and brought out my teeth cleaning water jet machine (Waterpik or similar brand).  The standard angled, small diameter cleaning tip was perfect for aiming the high pressure water stream to access every nook and cranny and blast the sludge completely out in just a few effortless minutes! You can use it with warm water and hydrogen peroxide or vinegar for a better clean.

This has revolutionized my cleaning regimen now, and I hope this suggested method will help others struggling to clean their water chambers.?

[Crimson Nape]

Hi Davebr60! -
You can find instructions on starting a new thread and general operations you can preform on the forum:
https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread...o-HOW-DO-I

This and many other topics can be found in the Member Private Area - Forum Account Help
https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-...count-Help

- Red

[PaulaO2]

That's just gross. Consider upgrading your machine not just so you have better data collection, but so your health isn't endangered.

[Davebr60]

Thanks for the information!

---

I agree Paula. But my intent was to help others who have one piece water chambers to simplify their cleaning efforts.
Have a blessed day!

[Frankiboy]

I clean the cushion and rinse out the tank every day.
The belts once a month and then a new filter.
I never clean the hose and never will, because only purified air comes through it and it can't get dirty or contaminated.
This is my personal opinion and everyone can do it differently.