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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: 779
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Christine C on
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I too have heard conflicting instructions...The instruction booklet that came from the medical supply store say to soak the hose in a vinegar/water solution (3 parts to 1). I thought about actually calling Resmed and asking them to clarify the proper way to clean it. Even the person that fit me for my mask gave conflicting info. He said to use water and a mild soap and to just swish it in the tube rinse it and let hang it from my shower barto dry. Like I said the instructions say to soak in a vinegar/water solution. It states that it should be cleaned/disinfected every 3 days along with the mask. So, needless to say..I'm really not 100% either. I'm just a new user of the CPAP machine. I just got mine last week, so any info would help...
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Permalink Reply by susan mccord on
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I was told the exact same thing by MY DME tech. Soapy water, rinse well, hang to dry.
Christine C said:I too have heard conflicting instructions...The instruction booklet that came from the medical supply store say to soak the hose in a vinegar/water solution (3 parts to 1). I thought about actually calling Resmed and asking them to clarify the proper way to clean it. Even the person that fit me for my mask gave conflicting info. He said to use water and a mild soap and to just swish it in the tube rinse it and let hang it from my shower barto dry. Like I said the instructions say to soak in a vinegar/water solution. It states that it should be cleaned/disinfected every 3 days along with the mask. So, needless to say..I'm really not 100% either. I'm just a new user of the CPAP machine. I just got mine last week, so any info would help...
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Permalink Reply by Rock Conner RRT on
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Resmed says daily soap & water on the chamber, mask, & tubing, then weekly vinegar & water soak for the chamber. It's all clearly laid out in the Resmed users manual. I'm reluctant to advise anything less than the manufacturer's recommendation. How would one defend such a thing in court? There's a balance yet to be officially achieved between overburdening new CPAP users & exposing one's organization by making up your own cleaning guidelines.
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Christine, I was told the very same thing by my DME tech. He's also had apnea for 26 years and told me not to use vinegar as it was acidic and hard on the mask and hoses. The same thing was said in an apnea teleconference I attended this past Tuesday, sponsored by Dr. Park, one of our consulting sleep MDs on SG and by a manufacturing rep. The thing was titled "10 Tips for CPAP Success" and lasted for an hour and about 20 mintues. Well done and informative. Same recs for mild soap *not antibacterial", swish tubing and mask in mild soapy water, rinse well, and hang over shower rod to dry. I'm pretty new to this as well, and find the differing opinions expressed by different DMEs, manufacturers, and even on SG somewhat disconcerting. As newly-diagnosed apnea patients, treatment and adjustment is hard enough without so much confusion as is generated around something as basic as cleaning equipment. I've decided, after a lot of confusion personally, to GO with basics and stick with the mild soap and warm water routine. Otherwise I'm gonna drive myself nuts. I always resort to back to basics when I don't know what else to do. There's a reason why they remain basic, in my experience! I'm only speaking for myself (repeat that twice!!), NOT ADVISING you what to do. I'm in no position to advise anyone. I'm just trying to get through right now. So use your best common sense and do what seems appropriate to you. Everyone has an opinion, and yours is the one that matters. Just my personal opinion, not meant to judge anyone else's opinion.
I'm glad you're on SG! It's a great site to place your trust in!! I'd have been bonkers by now without the huge amount of support and info I've gotten here in the past 6 weeks or so. I was just diagnosed the end of June, on CPAP for about 5 weeks, I think, and have had a lot of upper respiratory side effects too. Very distressing. Mine now seem to be resolving with increased humidification--I keep mine at 4 or 5 all the time now, and I'm feeling better. Again, not saying you should do that, but everyone says (and agrees) that stuffiness and runny nose are signs of too little humidity on CPAP. In my case, that's proven to be true. It seems like it took forever to resolve, but it's much better now. My voice still sounds a little like I have a cold but I can live with that. Just keep jumping in like you've been doing. It's a great way to get acquainted, and more importantly, to get immediate support and feedback. We all need that, I think, to keep moving through treatment at an optimal level. I know I do.....
Talk to you soon! And again, welcome to THE best apnea online support around!! And that IS the truth, according to Susan!!!
Susan McCord :-)
Lala said:Yep, the respitory therapist that fit my mask told me to use a mild soap (cant be anti-bacterial) and water, swish it around, and then rinse with water. Hang the hose up and let hose, nose pillow, and water chamber dry out completely. I think the vinegar would be quicker, dont have to worry about getting all those bubbles out of everything. Just my opinion.
susan mccord said:I was told the exact same thing by MY DME tech. Soapy water, rinse well, hang to dry.
Christine C said:I too have heard conflicting instructions...The instruction booklet that came from the medical supply store say to soak the hose in a vinegar/water solution (3 parts to 1). I thought about actually calling Resmed and asking them to clarify the proper way to clean it. Even the person that fit me for my mask gave conflicting info. He said to use water and a mild soap and to just swish it in the tube rinse it and let hang it from my shower barto dry. Like I said the instructions say to soak in a vinegar/water solution. It states that it should be cleaned/disinfected every 3 days along with the mask. So, needless to say..I'm really not 100% either. I'm just a new user of the CPAP machine. I just got mine last week, so any info would help...
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~Smacks self in head~why didn't I think about reading the manual?? I just looked at itand you are right. There is black and white It says to clean with soap and water. Why is it that the medical suppliers don't read the manuals themselves and decide that they will print out their own instructions. Grrrr...Thanks for opening my eyes Rock!
Rock Conner RRT said:Resmed says daily soap & water on the chamber, mask, & tubing, then weekly vinegar & water soak for the chamber. It's all clearly laid out in the Resmed users manual. I'm reluctant to advise anything less than the manufacturer's recommendation. How would one defend such a thing in court? There's a balance yet to be officially achieved between overburdening new CPAP users & exposing one's organization by making up your own cleaning guidelines.
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Permalink Reply by michael patterson on
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I have the best doctor in the world and he told me vinegar and to tell the truth he is right I tried soap and rinseing and rinseing and rinseing and still had the taste of soap the manual really doesn't always mean i't's right my doctor is rihgt in my own opinion and I have been on the cpap a year now but you try what ever you like ......
susan mccord said:Christine, I was told the very same thing by my DME tech. He's also had apnea for 26 years and told me not to use vinegar as it was acidic and hard on the mask and hoses. The same thing was said in an apnea teleconference I attended this past Tuesday, sponsored by Dr. Park, one of our consulting sleep MDs on SG and by a manufacturing rep. The thing was titled "10 Tips for CPAP Success" and lasted for an hour and about 20 mintues. Well done and informative. Same recs for mild soap *not antibacterial", swish tubing and mask in mild soapy water, rinse well, and hang over shower rod to dry. I'm pretty new to this as well, and find the differing opinions expressed by different DMEs, manufacturers, and even on SG somewhat disconcerting. As newly-diagnosed apnea patients, treatment and adjustment is hard enough without so much confusion as is generated around something as basic as cleaning equipment. I've decided, after a lot of confusion personally, to GO with basics and stick with the mild soap and warm water routine. Otherwise I'm gonna drive myself nuts. I always resort to back to basics when I don't know what else to do. There's a reason why they remain basic, in my experience! I'm only speaking for myself (repeat that twice!!), NOT ADVISING you what to do. I'm in no position to advise anyone. I'm just trying to get through right now. So use your best common sense and do what seems appropriate to you. Everyone has an opinion, and yours is the one that matters. Just my personal opinion, not meant to judge anyone else's opinion.
I'm glad you're on SG! It's a great site to place your trust in!! I'd have been bonkers by now without the huge amount of support and info I've gotten here in the past 6 weeks or so. I was just diagnosed the end of June, on CPAP for about 5 weeks, I think, and have had a lot of upper respiratory side effects too. Very distressing. Mine now seem to be resolving with increased humidification--I keep mine at 4 or 5 all the time now, and I'm feeling better. Again, not saying you should do that, but everyone says (and agrees) that stuffiness and runny nose are signs of too little humidity on CPAP. In my case, that's proven to be true. It seems like it took forever to resolve, but it's much better now. My voice still sounds a little like I have a cold but I can live with that. Just keep jumping in like you've been doing. It's a great way to get acquainted, and more importantly, to get immediate support and feedback. We all need that, I think, to keep moving through treatment at an optimal level. I know I do.....
Talk to you soon! And again, welcome to THE best apnea online support around!! And that IS the truth, according to Susan!!!
Susan McCord :-)
Lala said:Yep, the respitory therapist that fit my mask told me to use a mild soap (cant be anti-bacterial) and water, swish it around, and then rinse with water. Hang the hose up and let hose, nose pillow, and water chamber dry out completely. I think the vinegar would be quicker, dont have to worry about getting all those bubbles out of everything. Just my opinion.
susan mccord said:I was told the exact same thing by MY DME tech. Soapy water, rinse well, hang to dry.
Christine C said:I too have heard conflicting instructions...The instruction booklet that came from the medical supply store say to soak the hose in a vinegar/water solution (3 parts to 1). I thought about actually calling Resmed and asking them to clarify the proper way to clean it. Even the person that fit me for my mask gave conflicting info. He said to use water and a mild soap and to just swish it in the tube rinse it and let hang it from my shower barto dry. Like I said the instructions say to soak in a vinegar/water solution. It states that it should be cleaned/disinfected every 3 days along with the mask. So, needless to say..I'm really not 100% either. I'm just a new user of the CPAP machine. I just got mine last week, so any info would help...
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Hi Rock--thank you! I'm so glad you're back.....
Susan McCord :-)
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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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Hi Christine--you might want to check Rock Hinkle's recs just posted. (we have two "Rock" guys!! and they both rock!!!) The thing that interests me about Rock Hinkle's response is that he cleans for Universal Precautions, which are the required hospital standard for cleaning bodily fluid spills, etc.
Susan McCord :-)
susan mccord said:Christine, I was told the very same thing by my DME tech. He's also had apnea for 26 years and told me not to use vinegar as it was acidic and hard on the mask and hoses. The same thing was said in an apnea teleconference I attended this past Tuesday, sponsored by Dr. Park, one of our consulting sleep MDs on SG and by a manufacturing rep. The thing was titled "10 Tips for CPAP Success" and lasted for an hour and about 20 mintues. Well done and informative. Same recs for mild soap *not antibacterial", swish tubing and mask in mild soapy water, rinse well, and hang over shower rod to dry. I'm pretty new to this as well, and find the differing opinions expressed by different DMEs, manufacturers, and even on SG somewhat disconcerting. As newly-diagnosed apnea patients, treatment and adjustment is hard enough without so much confusion as is generated around something as basic as cleaning equipment. I've decided, after a lot of confusion personally, to GO with basics and stick with the mild soap and warm water routine. Otherwise I'm gonna drive myself nuts. I always resort to back to basics when I don't know what else to do. There's a reason why they remain basic, in my experience! I'm only speaking for myself (repeat that twice!!), NOT ADVISING you what to do. I'm in no position to advise anyone. I'm just trying to get through right now. So use your best common sense and do what seems appropriate to you. Everyone has an opinion, and yours is the one that matters. Just my personal opinion, not meant to judge anyone else's opinion.
I'm glad you're on SG! It's a great site to place your trust in!! I'd have been bonkers by now without the huge amount of support and info I've gotten here in the past 6 weeks or so. I was just diagnosed the end of June, on CPAP for about 5 weeks, I think, and have had a lot of upper respiratory side effects too. Very distressing. Mine now seem to be resolving with increased humidification--I keep mine at 4 or 5 all the time now, and I'm feeling better. Again, not saying you should do that, but everyone says (and agrees) that stuffiness and runny nose are signs of too little humidity on CPAP. In my case, that's proven to be true. It seems like it took forever to resolve, but it's much better now. My voice still sounds a little like I have a cold but I can live with that. Just keep jumping in like you've been doing. It's a great way to get acquainted, and more importantly, to get immediate support and feedback. We all need that, I think, to keep moving through treatment at an optimal level. I know I do.....
Talk to you soon! And again, welcome to THE best apnea online support around!! And that IS the truth, according to Susan!!!
Susan McCord :-)
Lala said:Yep, the respitory therapist that fit my mask told me to use a mild soap (cant be anti-bacterial) and water, swish it around, and then rinse with water. Hang the hose up and let hose, nose pillow, and water chamber dry out completely. I think the vinegar would be quicker, dont have to worry about getting all those bubbles out of everything. Just my opinion.
susan mccord said:I was told the exact same thing by MY DME tech. Soapy water, rinse well, hang to dry.
Christine C said:I too have heard conflicting instructions...The instruction booklet that came from the medical supply store say to soak the hose in a vinegar/water solution (3 parts to 1). I thought about actually calling Resmed and asking them to clarify the proper way to clean it. Even the person that fit me for my mask gave conflicting info. He said to use water and a mild soap and to just swish it in the tube rinse it and let hang it from my shower barto dry. Like I said the instructions say to soak in a vinegar/water solution. It states that it should be cleaned/disinfected every 3 days along with the mask. So, needless to say..I'm really not 100% either. I'm just a new user of the CPAP machine. I just got mine last week, so any info would help...
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I use a full mask too so there is a difference in prefference
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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