Unfortunately, you can get sick from your CPAP mask if you don’t take care of it. Since it fits over your mouth and nose, it comes into contact with any germs you breathe out. The good news is, as long as you clean your mask according to recommendations, you can eliminate the risk of infection.
3 Ways To Keep Your CPAP Machine Clean
Experts suggest cleaning your machine at least once a week, though you may want to clean it more often if you’ve been sick. While this chore may sound complicated, it’s actually pretty easy and doesn’t take too much time. To sanitize your equipment, follow these three steps.
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Use Gentle Cleansers
You breathe in air that passes through the tubes, and the mask has contact with your face, so you don’t want to use any harsh chemicals that make it hard to breathe or irritate the skin. Dish soap doesn’t leave harmful residue, and it’s gentle on the skin, so it’s a good choice for cleaning your machine.
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Soak the Parts
CPAP machines come with several removable parts:
- Connectors
- Tubing
- Headgear
- Mask
To ensure these components are thoroughly sanitized, you should soak them in a mixture of warm water and soap. After 30 minutes, wipe everything down to absorb excess moisture and allow it to air dry.
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Wipe Everything Down
The exterior of your machine may get dusty, so make sure you wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth. You don’t need to use soap unless you’ve been sick and are worried about lingering germs.
Prevention Is Key
Cleaning your CPAP machine is vital to staying healthy, but it’s not the only thing you can do. Here are a few tips to avoid getting sick while using your mask.
Just like you wouldn’t share your toothbrush, you shouldn’t share your CPAP mask. Using equipment that someone else has used can pass on germs, especially if the person you’re borrowing it from doesn’t clean their equipment regularly.
Replace Supplies Regularly
Certain parts of your machine, such as filters and masks, need to be replaced after a while. You should replace filters at least every month and masks every three months.
Why are these two components so important? Filters ensure your air is clean and free of bacteria. Masks touch your face, which means they accumulate dirt, dead skin cells and bacteria over time.
Use Distilled Water
Some water supplies have bacteria or amoebas growing in them. Inhaling these organisms can make you seriously ill. To ensure your air is safe, use distilled water.
Dry Equipment
You should always wipe your equipment down before you let it air dry. Otherwise, moisture may accumulate and become a breeding ground for mold. Breathing in mold is hazardous, and all moldy equipment should be disposed of.
Learning as much as you can about your CPAC machine is essential to keeping it in working order. Don’t be afraid to read a ResMed N30i review or ask your doctor questions.
