loaner machine safe?

[acordeon]

There's a mechanical problem with my Airsense 10 and my doc that I got it through thinks we should send it in for service, and has offered me a loaner machine to use in the meantime.  They have confirmed this is a machine that others have used before.

I've read several times that you should never share your CPAP machine with anyone else, and I understand the basic reasons.  So is it safe to use this loaner?  Is there anything you'd recommend I check with them about how they clean it, etc?

I would still use my own hose and mask, so it would just be the machine itself that I'd be borrowing.

Thanks!

[DreamerDude]

Hospitals use CPAP machines for patients that need them. Ask me how I know. I'm not sure if they go through any special type of sterilization. At a minimum I would think they put a new filter in and clean and sterilize what they can get to.

[Big Guy]

I'd like to think that you'd be safe with one. Surely it will be clean and disinfected. I took an in-lab overnight sleep test before starting CPAP Therapy. The machine I used was used. 

I also used a used full face mask (AirFit F20). They wiped it all down right before my eyes with a disinfectant cloth. No problems.

[DreamerDude]

Disinfect not sterilize. That's what I meant. I guess you can't boil a CPAP machine.

[Big Guy]

You'll be okay. 

[Narcil]

ResMed has specific instructions for "Preparing the device for use between patients" in the clinical guide. Here's the beginning of it

When the device is used for multiple patients, for example, in a sleep lab, clinic, hospital or at a health care provider, the outlet connector, air tubing , cleanable humidifier tub and device enclosure should be reprocessed between each patient.

And they have details on how to disinfect each part of the device. As long as it is from a serious organization i wouldn't be worried about a loaner, in fact i am using one right now. Just like after an endoscopy or any procedure, they have to sterilize tools between patients, this is essentially the same.

[Phaleronic]

You should be fine, the air that's being pulled through the machine is not the air being pushed out of the mask-if your room is very humid and filthy then your motor airchamber and motor housing could become dirty as well, but if it's used normally a machine will be relatively clean. I'd replace the filter and the water chamber and wipe down all the intakes on the machine.

I break down and clean machines and replace failed motors, the inside of motor housings are almost always clean.

[HalfAsleep]

Use your own of everything but the machine. For sleep studies on site, everyone uses the same machine, but they issue new tubing and masks to everyone. So, you should be okay with this set up. I would use your own humidifier, too, if you can.