Do You Use A CPAP? Why It Is Important That You Clean It And How To Do This

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine helps people that have obstructive sleep apnea breathe easier while they are sleeping. A CPAP machine can also help with snoring. If you have been prescribed a CPAP machine by your doctor, it is very important that you keep it clean. Below are some reasons why this is, as well as tips on how you should clean the machine.

Importance of Cleaning CPAP Machines

When you are breathing through the CPAP machine at night, things like dead skin cells, sweat and oil accumulate inside the mask. A CPAP machine uses water, which makes moisture build up inside the hose and the mask. Moisture allows mold and other bacteria to grow if not cleaned regularly.

If you do not clean the mask, you will breathe in mold spores and bacteria, which will cause you to become sick. Upper respiratory infections are common as well as lung infections. Because you already have problems while sleeping, this can make things much worse for you.

How to Clean CPAP Machine

You should clean your CPAP machine weekly. Change the filter that is inside the machine when it becomes dirty. This generally takes a few months. Rinse the mask and the hose out once per day to keep them clean. There are cleaners that are made specifically for CPAP machines that you can use to clean the mask and the hose. You need to clean the mask, humidifier water chamber, headgear, and hose. Gather a clean cloth, warm water, CPAP cleaner and a clean towel to dry the parts when you are finished. 

Before you start cleaning, unplug the CPAP machine and then remove the parts that you are cleaning. How you do this depends on the type of machine you have. Refer to the owner's manual if you need help. Wipe off the outside of the CPAP machine using a damp cloth. Mix the CPAP cleaner you purchased according to the instructions on the packaging in a sink. Place all the parts that you disassembled in the cleaning solution and let everything soak for a few minutes. Run water through the tubing to clean the inside of it. Rinse everything with warm water, and then use a dry cloth to dry all parts. When you are finished, put all parts back together again and power up the CPAP machine and make sure it is working. 

Your doctor can give you much more information on how to take care of your CPAP machine. Also, be on the lookout for a CPAP cleaner you can use. 

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