How Often Do You Clean Your Machine and Accessories?

[Sleepster]

Thanks for the info everyone, it seems to vary quite a bit. I think I need to get in the habit of cleaning everything more often. Thanks

The manufacturers of all the gear make recommendations on how often it should be cleaned or replaced. You should be able to get a schedule from from your DME supplier, too. It seems we all vary as to how seriously we take that schedule.

I have such a schedule written down, but haven't really figured out how religiously I want to follow it. One thing I have noticed, though, is that I don't like the odor I get when the hose gets dirty. I find I have to clean it with hot soapy water at least once a week to keep the smell well.

[greatunclebill]

just remember to not use anti-bacteriel soap. it's bad for the stuff.

[zonk]

Hi ndstate

When did you get the machine in your profile REMstar Plus
It only shows hours used, if you want data you need the Pro or Auto.
http://respironicsremstars.respironics.com/

[sailor4you]

Clean my mask, hose and water container every two days. Use dishwashing soap and hot water. The air filter on back of the machine gets cleaned about every 90 days. Don't wash the filter, just brush off the dust.

When putting water back in the container to use at night I add a small amount of white vinegar. Nice smell when using mask.

[Fosco]

just remember to not use anti-bacteriel soap. it's bad for the stuff.

I'd like to know why this is a bad idea. I have been using anti-bacterial soap daily for 4+ years on the nasal pillows and have been very satisfied with the results. I seem to get about 2 to 4 months use out of each pillow.

[greatunclebill]

just remember to not use anti-bacteriel soap. it's bad for the stuff.

I'd like to know why this is a bad idea. I have been using anti-bacterial soap daily for 4+ years on the nasal pillows and have been very satisfied with the results. I seem to get about 2 to 4 months use out of each pillow.

if you're happy, keep doing what you're doing.

i'm just repeating what i hear from others and what my sleep doctor specifically told me in his office. my sleep doc is triple board certified, works in a teaching hospital seeing only sleep patients for 20+ years and is himself an apnea patient. he also is a professor in the medical school. if he says it's bad, it's bad. i'm not a chemist or doctor so i can't explain why it's bad.

type why is anti bacterial soap bad for silicone products in your browser. theres nothing about silicone but there are several articles written by medical professionals talking about the bad side of anti-bacterial soaps.

from resmed:

Daily
Wash the mask system with warm, soapy water.

Do not use soaps with added scents. We recommend plain Ivory® liquid soap or baby shampoo. Rinse well and allow to air dry out of direct sunlight.

Weekly
Separate and hand wash the mask components and headgear in warm, soapy water. Do not use soaps with added scents.

Rinse the components well and allow them to air dry out of direct sunlight.

Cautions

•Do not use solutions containing vinegar, bleach, chlorine, alcohol, aromatics, moisturizers, antibacterial agents or scented oils to clean any part of the system or air tubing. These solutions may cause damage and reduce the life of the product
•Do not expose any part of the system or tubing to direct sunlight as it may deteriorate the product
•If any visible deterioration of a component is apparent (cracking, tears, etc.) the component should be discarded and replaced.
Note:
•The headgear may be washed without being taken apart.
•The dye used in the headgear may run during the first wash

[Sleepster]

My DME told me to use antibacterial soap!

[mckevin32]

Tank, pillows, and everything in between every Sunday in hot water with dish soap.