How to clean CPAP Machine more efficiently - Ultimate Guide

A continuous positive airway pressure or a (CPAP) machine is one of the most commonly prescribed devices that literally breathes life into patients who suffer from sleep apnea disorders.

When a person with Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experiences pauses in their breathing due to temporary blockage of throat or airways, a CPAP machine can send a steady flow of oxygen into their nose and mouth to keep the airways open and help them breathe normally when asleep.

Needless to say, A CPAP machine is invaluable, but the responsibility of keeping your CPAP machine clean is far greater because if the cleaning portion is overlooked the risk of contracting a disease or infection is inevitable.

So, here’s why and how to clean CPAP machines efficiently.

Why is cleaning CPAP machines important?

According to thedoctorweighsin.com, a study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School found out that over 2,000 bacteria were present in 48% of the samples from CPAP masks they have collected, just after 48 hours of use. 

Moreover, another study showed that there is over a 32% risk of getting pneumonia from using a CPAP that isn’t maintained properly.

It is crucial to understand that with each use the CPAP mask is accumulated with oil, sweat, and dead skin cells. Likewise, the water in the machine and the moisture that is present in the mask and hose are the perfect places for bacteria growth. 

Oftentimes, the main culprit of having respiratory infections from using a CPAP is the negligence toward cleaning the device regularly. This primarily happens because people think it’s too much trouble. However, when usually they comply with the cleaning process these infections dwindle significantly. The bottom line is you should clean your CPAP mask, air tubing/hose, and humidifier tub on a daily basis. 

The key is to realize that there are handy methods to clean CPAP machines and even CPAP machine cleaners, and CPAP machine sanitizers are around that won’t make this daily cleaning process a hurdle for you.

How to clean a CPAP machine efficiently

Using Soap and Water to clean the CPAP machine

Here’s how to clean CPAP machines with soap and water correctly.

But keep in mind that cleaning your CPAP machine the old fashion way with soap and water consumes a lot of time and requires a great deal of concentration to get to the hard-to-reach surfaces, unlike a CPAP machine cleaner. 

• First, unplug the CPAP machine from the power source, and disconnect the mask and air tubing/hose, and humidifier tub from the CPAP machine.

• Disassemble the mask into 3 parts as headgear, cushion, and frame.

• Use a tub or sink to clean the equipment including mask cushion, headgear, inside and outside the air tubing, the humidifier tub with soap and warm water. Avoid dish detergents and other harmful cleaning products since they might damage or leave harmful residue on the equipment.

• Make sure to rinse them again thoroughly with warm drinking water to get any soap and gunk out.

• Now place the cushion, frame, air tubing, humidifier tub on a flat surface, preferably on a towel to dry completely. 

• Avoid placing the washed equipment in direct sunlight.

Using vinegar and water to clean the CPAP machine

After disassembling the CPAP machine, soak the equipment in Vinegar and water at least for 20 minutes. Then rinse the equipment thoroughly and let them dry. 

This method is also time-consuming and the risk of bacteria introduction is high.

Using wipes to clean the CPAP machine

Many think using specially designed wipes to clean the CPAP machines are the ideal and the most convenient choice. However, it is the opposite and according to the researchers, they transfer bacteria from one surface to another which can be more dangerous.

Using a CPAP machine cleaner 

If you’re thinking of purchasing a CPAP machine cleaner or a CPAP machine sanitizer make sure to steer clear from cheap CPAP Cleaners that will ruin your CPAP machine.

Top-quality CPAP machine cleaners or sanitizers such as Vastmedic CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer VM5 that is specially built for home use will efficiently clean your CPAP using UV Light Sterilization and Ozone Sterilization.

When using a CPAP machine sanitizer, it is mandatory to follow the instructions that are given by the manufacturer on how to clean CPAP machines. Nonetheless, it is quite easy to get the hang of cleaning your CPAP machine with these cleaners.

Imagine you’re using a CPAP machine cleaner like Vastmedic CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer VM5. All you have to do is,

1. Remove and empty the water reservoir from the CPAP machine,
2. Plug-in the cleaner with the USB cord,
3. Put the CPAP mask in the chamber,
4. And finally, start the UV or Ozone sterilization which will be completed just in 5 and 35 minutes respectively.

Activated oxygen or Ozone sterilization has been used for water purification since the 1800s and considered to be one of the safest methods to use in hospitals, by food handlers, and the hotel industry for sanitizing.

The fundamental benefit of using a machine like Vastmedic CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer VM5 over a cheap CPAP Cleaner is that they use this technology in the safest way possible to kill all bacteria in air and water.

UV light sterilization, on the other hand, is known to be far more effective than using soap and water to clean the CPAP machines because it simply does not add moisture to the equipment.

Conclusion

It is evident that the condition of the CPAP machine certainly depends on how you clean it on a daily basis. A poorly maintained CPAP machine can be a focal reason to further deteriorate a patient’s health. 

It is a must to establish a notion in society that daily CPAP cleaning is not a hassle. The key is to educate people on how to clean CPAP machines effectively and guide them to find the best CPAP cleaner to maximize their efforts.

When it comes to cleaning the CPAP machines, soap and water might seem like the most viable option you have. But it has many chances to introduce bacteria into the machine.

Therefore, picking out an affordable CPAP machine cleaner will save time, work better than all the other methods, and will balance both the patient’s and the CPAP machine’s health simultaneously.

References

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-a-cpap-machine
2. https://thedoctorweighsin.com/sleep-apnea-cpap/
3. https://www.resmed.com/en-us/sleep-apnea/cpap-parts-support/cleaning-cpap-equipment/