"please keep me updated about oximeters "
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Cleaning CPAP equipment
I continue to hear totally conflicting instructions/ideas re: how to clean all this equipment we're responsible for. Everyone, both experienced patients and professionals, has a different recommendation. And it seems as though everyone is adamant about his/her opinion of what's correct.
It's confusing. I thought I knew what I was supposed to do. It's making me a little nutty at the moment!!
Anyone have thoughts about this BESIDES defending your own personal view?
Having watched several threads by now, I think it's all been talked about sufficiently to clarify the confusion. At least for me. SOMEONE must know the appropriate way to do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OR, does it really matter anyway???
Susan McCord
It's confusing. I thought I knew what I was supposed to do. It's making me a little nutty at the moment!!
Anyone have thoughts about this BESIDES defending your own personal view?
Having watched several threads by now, I think it's all been talked about sufficiently to clarify the confusion. At least for me. SOMEONE must know the appropriate way to do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OR, does it really matter anyway???
Susan McCord
Views: 800
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by susan mccord on
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Hi Michael! I think I recall your saying you wear a full face mask. I know NOTHING about cleaning a full face mask, so I'm not judging your way of cleaning it. Nor do I judge your respect for your sleep doc's recs. You obviously have a strong positive relationship with him. I envy you that. I still have NO sleep doctor--have not seen a sleep doctor before or during 2 sleep tests, or following that. Have been unable to schedule an appointment until September1st., so I don't have the luxury of having that medical relationship in regard to cleaning or anything else. If I did, believe me, I'd have called him a LONG time ago.
My concern in writing this reply to your last comment is this: both of the past two replies you've given have come across as pretty sarcastic. I'm not convinced that you MEANT to be sarcastic but that's the way it came across to me. With all the different types of equipment and masks being used by folks on this site, there very well may be different recs for each one of them. However, I must say your reply to me saying, "why don't you just ask your doctor if this is so hard?" sounds, to me, somewhat sarcastic and judgmental.
As I said, I have no sleep doctor to turn to at this point. My sources of info are SleepGuide, & my PCP, who would be the first to say he's not a sleep expert but is a very good doctor who I've been seeing for 34 years. I DID ask him and he said his best judgment would be to use mild dishwashing liquid like Ivory or Dove and rinse thoroughly with clear water. My cardiologist who is a superb cardiologist--he saved my life 4 years ago--also stated this is not his area of expertise and referred me to my DME. Unlike some people on SG, who have been mistreated or underserved by their DME, I have NO reason to mistrust mine. He's been extremely helpful--kind, good explanations of equipment and care, is readily available for assistance, always returns phone calls in a timely manner and, as an aside, has had sleep apnea and CPAP treatment for the past 26 years. HE recommended mild liquid dishwashing liquid and warm water for cleaning. I attended Dr. Park's teleconference on 8/16 titled, "10 Tips for CPAP Success"--he was working together with a CPAP manufacturing rep who clearly said to use mild soap and warm water, NOT antibacterial soap, and to rinse thoroughly. All have said to be certain all equipment is completely dry before re-using it, so I always wash it in the a.m.
All that was left was SleepGuide for info. There were so many SG patients insisting that their way was the correct way with very little agreement, that it wasn't really any help to me--and I'm ONLY speaking for myself--so I've decided to rely on the other 3 reputable sources that agree with each other completely. And I'm comfortable with that decision FOR MYSELF. I wouldn't, for one minute, tell someone else what they should do because I'm right or my doctor is "right". Perhaps, for you, your MD IS correct. That doesn't mean he's right re: ALL equipment in ALL situations which is what you kind of implied, as did a few others on SG.
My only point in all this is to say, it's very difficult, as I'm sure you well know, to be newly-diagnosed and trying to navigate the shock of diagnosis and what it means, learning to handle the stress of unwanted, unfamiliar kinds of masks, equipment, etc., managing fears, etc., etc., etc.,--we've all been there. Some are further along in the process than others. In that newly-diagnosed time there's a great deal of confusion and upset for many people, and I'm one of them. I know now that not everyone experiences beginning treatment as extremely difficult and slide right into a new lifestyle. Others just don't, for a variety of reasons.
Again, speaking ONLY for myself, this is the second time in less than 4 years that my life has been seriously threatened. I'm not used to that. (Who is, for that matter?!!). I've always been healthy (?) and successful and used to handling my own life. Now, not so much. So when someone comes across, to me at least, sounding sarcastic or condescending about my effort to do the correct thing for my own health, it annoys me in significant ways. NOW, I have to say, Michael, that the only reason YOU are the one getting this message is because I was caught off-balance by the few other people on SG who chose to be judgmental with those of us who were trying to deal with what should be a pretty straightforward issue re: cleaning equipment. (Why there is no universal recommendation for cleaning this equipment is beyond me, but that's another conversation). At any rate, I've now solved the problem for my OWN self, and you just happened to be the unfortunate guy who ruffled my feathers today. Ad I SINCERELY apologize for singling you out when you're not the only one. But you and I are SG friends, I know you're a Marine, and I figure you'll survive some old woman bitching about your choice of words!!
Well, I guess by now you either have some insight into what I'm trying to say here, OR you're totally pissed off at me. Either way, assuming you've read this message in its entirety, thank you for doing that. It ain't easy to listen to someone spout off!!, especially when it's directed at you, I know. But please know you're not the only one who's irritated me about this silly issue. I take full responsibility for being over-sensitive these days because I know I am.
Again, I hope I've helped in some way to make it clear to you, and whoever else may read this, that we all need to take care to be respectful to each other in the way we support and offer suggestions. I think that will go a long way toward building an internet community that's growing like wildfire. And for good reason. The people on here, and I include YOU in that, are incredibly courageous and kind. I can't imagine where I'd be without any of you who I've had the opportunity to speak with, or listen to, online. Everyone, at one time or another, has given me enough hope to get through another day, and today I can say I'm making some real progress.
So thank you for being part of that. If you're mad about this email, feel free to let me know. If I've hurt your feelings, PLEASE let me know because that is totally not my intent here.
Hoping you still consider us to SG friends. I certainly do.....
Susan McCord
michael patterson said:My doctor told me how to do it ..Why don't you ask yours ..If this is so difficult..Makes since to me you wouldn't want to taste soap while you were breathig take it as you will just trying to help inexpeience sorry
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susan mccord said:Hi Michael! I think I recall your saying you wear a full face mask. I know NOTHING about cleaning a full face mask, so I'm not judging your way of cleaning it. Nor do I judge your respect for your sleep doc's recs. You obviously have a strong positive relationship with him. I envy you that. I still have NO sleep doctor--have not seen a sleep doctor before or during 2 sleep tests, or following that. Have been unable to schedule an appointment until September1st., so I don't have the luxury of having that medical relationship in regard to cleaning or anything else. If I did, believe me, I'd have called him a LONG time ago.
My concern in writing this reply to your last comment is this: both of the past two replies you've given have come across as pretty sarcastic. I'm not convinced that you MEANT to be sarcastic but that's the way it came across to me. With all the different types of equipment and masks being used by folks on this site, there very well may be different recs for each one of them. However, I must say your reply to me saying, "why don't you just ask your doctor if this is so hard?" sounds, to me, somewhat sarcastic and judgmental.
As I said, I have no sleep doctor to turn to at this point. My sources of info are SleepGuide, & my PCP, who would be the first to say he's not a sleep expert but is a very good doctor who I've been seeing for 34 years. I DID ask him and he said his best judgment would be to use mild dishwashing liquid like Ivory or Dove and rinse thoroughly with clear water. My cardiologist who is a superb cardiologist--he saved my life 4 years ago--also stated this is not his area of expertise and referred me to my DME. Unlike some people on SG, who have been mistreated or underserved by their DME, I have NO reason to mistrust mine. He's been extremely helpful--kind, good explanations of equipment and care, is readily available for assistance, always returns phone calls in a timely manner and, as an aside, has had sleep apnea and CPAP treatment for the past 26 years. HE recommended mild liquid dishwashing liquid and warm water for cleaning. I attended Dr. Park's teleconference on 8/16 titled, "10 Tips for CPAP Success"--he was working together with a CPAP manufacturing rep who clearly said to use mild soap and warm water, NOT antibacterial soap, and to rinse thoroughly. All have said to be certain all equipment is completely dry before re-using it, so I always wash it in the a.m.
All that was left was SleepGuide for info. There were so many SG patients insisting that their way was the correct way with very little agreement, that it wasn't really any help to me--and I'm ONLY speaking for myself--so I've decided to rely on the other 3 reputable sources that agree with each other completely. And I'm comfortable with that decision FOR MYSELF. I wouldn't, for one minute, tell someone else what they should do because I'm right or my doctor is "right". Perhaps, for you, your MD IS correct. That doesn't mean he's right re: ALL equipment in ALL situations which is what you kind of implied, as did a few others on SG.
My only point in all this is to say, it's very difficult, as I'm sure you well know, to be newly-diagnosed and trying to navigate the shock of diagnosis and what it means, learning to handle the stress of unwanted, unfamiliar kinds of masks, equipment, etc., managing fears, etc., etc., etc.,--we've all been there. Some are further along in the process than others. In that newly-diagnosed time there's a great deal of confusion and upset for many people, and I'm one of them. I know now that not everyone experiences beginning treatment as extremely difficult and slide right into a new lifestyle. Others just don't, for a variety of reasons.
Again, speaking ONLY for myself, this is the second time in less than 4 years that my life has been seriously threatened. I'm not used to that. (Who is, for that matter?!!). I've always been healthy (?) and successful and used to handling my own life. Now, not so much. So when someone comes across, to me at least, sounding sarcastic or condescending about my effort to do the correct thing for my own health, it annoys me in significant ways. NOW, I have to say, Michael, that the only reason YOU are the one getting this message is because I was caught off-balance by the few other people on SG who chose to be judgmental with those of us who were trying to deal with what should be a pretty straightforward issue re: cleaning equipment. (Why there is no universal recommendation for cleaning this equipment is beyond me, but that's another conversation). At any rate, I've now solved the problem for my OWN self, and you just happened to be the unfortunate guy who ruffled my feathers today. And I SINCERELY apologize for singling you out when you're not the only one. But you and I are SG friends, I know you're a Marine, and I figure you'll survive some old woman bitching about your choice of words!! Well, I guess by now you either have some insight into what I'm trying to say here, OR you're totally pissed off at me. Either way, assuming you've read this message in its entirety, thank you for doing that. It ain't easy to listen to someone spout off!!, especially when it's directed at you, I know. But please know you're not the only one who's irritated me about this silly issue. I take full responsibility for being over-sensitive these days because I know I am. Again, I hope I've helped in some way to make it clear to you, and whoever else may read this, that we all need to take care to be respectful to each other in the way we support and offer suggestions. I think that will go a long way toward building an internet community that's growing like wildfire. And for good reason. The people on here, and I include YOU in that, are incredibly courageous and kind. I can't imagine where I'd be without any of you who I've had the opportunity to speak with, or listen to, online. Everyone, at one time or another, has given me enough hope to get through another day, and today I can say I'm making some real progress. So thank you for being part of that. If you're mad about this email, feel free to let me know. If I've hurt your feelings, PLEASE let me know because that is totally not my intent here. Hoping you still consider us to be SG friends. I certainly do.....Susan McCord
michael patterson said:My doctor told me how to do it ..Why don't you ask yours ..If this is so difficult..Makes since to me you wouldn't want to taste soap while you were breathig take it as you will just trying to help inexpeience sorry
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Permalink Reply by Christine C on
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Christine C said:I have a question about the hose that goes to my machine. I cleaned it this morning and hung it over the shower bar to dry. As of 7:25 p.m this evening it still have a very small amount of water in it. What should I do if it is not complely dry before I go to bed? I wanted to make sure what to do before I did something wrong...Thanks a bunch!
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Permalink Reply by Tim on
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Christine C; Don't worry about using a wet hose, it will dry when you use it.
I have been on CPAP for over 14 years and I no longer clean my mask or hose -- ever. I don't use a humidifier, so that isn't an issue. I used to clean my mask and hose on rare occasions, but I have stopped even doing that. I wipe my machine down on occasion with a damp cloth to remove dust, but that is all I do. I use a ComfortGel mask that I replace about once a year when a strap anchor breaks; my face is not greasy and I don't use gunk on my face, so the mask stays clean. My hair is clean and I don't use "product" in it, so the headgear stays clean. The outside of the hose only contacts my bed clothes, which are washed weekly, so it stays clean. Nobody smokes in my home, and the inside of the hose is never touched by anything other than micron filtered air, so it stays clean. Nothing really gets gets dirty enough to have to clean it.
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Permalink Reply by Don O'Bryan on
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Hi ... this is great... I have been using Nutregena bar soap, but it seems to leave a residue. everyone talks about a soapy warm wash, I'm wondering what soap is the best?
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Hi great topic... what type of soap does everyone use?
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Hi Don--I struggled with this one for awhile when I first started CPAP this summer. THE best thing I've found is Dawn Original dishwashing liquid and warm water. Dawn cleans fast so you don't have to soak stuff (soaking ruined one of my masks)--Dawn rinses easily and completely--just use a lot of lukewarm water--and most important, if rinsed well, Dawn leaves no smell or residue.
If you want to try it, be sure to get the regular original blue stuff, nothing antibacterial regardless.
Susan McCord :-)
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Permalink Reply by 99 on
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i used to be an electroplater
that is a person who would chrome metal items
it is the same principle
1 you degrease the item EG soapy water as germs can live under any grease or oil present
2 you get rid of the germs by the reccommend way as outlined in the manual
that way there should be no residue
in effect you wash the appliaces twice in two diffrent solutions
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Well, here's a problem-solver!! Thanks, Thomas.
BTW, my DME told me to wipe the inside of my mask carefully with a soft cloth as soon as I take it off. That seems to help with keeping it clean longer. I use a new Kleenex each time and it works fine. I can tell a big difference.
Susan McCord :-)
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Permalink Reply by Brian Katzung on
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I use fragrance-free vegetable glycerin soap by "365" from Whole Foods. The label only lists two ingredients, but I don't have it anymore (vegetable oil and glycerin?). It rinses clean easily and doesn't seem to leave any residue or residual smell as far as I can tell.
Don O'Bryan said:Hi great topic... what type of soap does everyone use?
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That's a new one, Brian! Where do you live? I'm in Indianapolis and am not certain we have that particular store here. I could be wrong.
Wonder if it can be bought online? For anyone who'd rather go completely organic, this would be a great option, 'specially since you've already tested it out for us!
Thanks!
Susan McCord
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Don, I've had really good luck with Dawn Original dishwashing liquid (the blue stuff!). It cleans quickly so no swishing (not soaking) works well, it rinses easily and leaves only a really mild fresh smell and no residue. It doesn't take much at all, very small amount works well.
There are a lot of different ideas and recs from patients on SG--general rule of thumb = mild soap, NOT antibacterial, no bleach--there's a difference of opinion re: vinegar. I think probably a really thorough rinsing is the key.
Susan McCord
Brian Katzung said:I use fragrance-free vegetable glycerin soap by "365" from Whole Foods. The label only lists two ingredients, but I don't have it anymore (vegetable oil and glycerin?). It rinses clean easily and doesn't seem to leave any residue or residual smell as far as I can tell.
Don O'Bryan said:Hi great topic... what type of soap does everyone use?
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