Current routine:
DAILY
-wash humidifier tub
-wash mask
WEEKLY
-wash hose (and mask)
-wash headgear
-de-scale humidifier tub
-check air filter
-wipe down PAP machine exterior
MONTHLY
-replace machine filter
FYI - my PAP stuff is all ResMed:
-S10 Autosense Autoset w/ humidifier
-ClimateLineAir heated tubing
-N30 and N20 nasal masks
I hate having to clean the mask/tub and change out tub water daily... So sometimes I won't use my machine until I wash everything (I'm a bit of a germaphob). Was thinking of getting CPAP wipes and an ozone/UV sanitizing machine. I know ResMed says using ozone will void the warranty, but I wonder if should get both the Lumin (not bullet) and the Sense8 for my hose only since the Lumin bullet won't work w/ ResMed's ClimateLineAir hoses and the Sense8 won't void the warranty on the PAP machine itself. Only concern is possible ozone leakage and using appropriate pre-wash soap. I'll still have to wipe/clean the mask daily, but do ozone/UV cleaning machines help make this whole process easier and safer?
I've also read about other germicidal cleaners, like Control III, can be used weekly to disinfect. Do I still need to pre-clean the mask and hose w/ soap, or can I just soak them in this cleaner?
What about using drugstore-strength hydrogen peroxide to disinfect? I've read some people disinfect w/ vinegar or sunlight, but those seem really harsh IMO. Peroxide can be harsh, but it doesn't seem any harsher than vinegar. Plus it turns into oxygen and water over time. Seems a little safer than Control III, but I'm not sure it's as effective. I haven't seen a lot of PAP users mentioning disinfecting w/ peroxide. If not, I'd like to use hypochlorous acid. It's gentle -- I use it on my eyes for blepharitis and hospitals use it to clean wounds. I've seen them on DME vendor sites (ie Defense Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser, CleanSmart CPAP Disinfectant Spray, PUROMEDI HOCL Spray Sanitizer). Unfortunately, I can't find it in stock right now due to the pandemic and don't want to use the small (expensive!) amount from my eyelid cleanser to wash my PAP supplies, but it says it even kills coronavirus!! For now, hoping hydrogen peroxide is a safe alternative.
I'm still trying to find a good washing soap. I have ResMed equipment and supplies, and they say to avoid using ozone and harsh/abrasive chemicals, as well as cleansers that are:
- moisturizing
- antibacterial
- glycerine-based
- aromatic; scented oils
- citrus
- alcohol
- vinegar
I saw the recent thread about Dawn dishwashing soap, but I find it leaves a strong soap smell -- even after repeated cleansing. And a lot of other soaps (baby, eco-friendly) contain METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE, which is really bad for you. Someone on the thread mentioned castile soap (Dr. Bronner's). I think I'll try that since it doesn't have glycerine like a lot of soaps do. Only issue is that the scented ones have oils, but they offer a "hemp baby unscented" and a hemp almond soap which I don't think have any aromatic oils.
In short, some questions:
- What soap is best for washing PAP supplies (hose, mask, water tub, headgear)?
- Best brand of CPAP wipes? (not citrus-scented) -- I don't like baby wipes since they smell funky and are linty
- If I get CPAP wipes, will I still need to wash my mask w/ soap/water weekly?
- Do ozone/UV cleaning machines help w/ cleaning (time, efficacy) and are they safe?
- Thoughts on disinfecting w/ Control III or hydrogen peroxide (or hypochlorous acid)?
- Supplies I need (i.e. buckets, hose cleaning hanger, hose brush -- are these really necessary?)
- What's your cleaning routine? I keep my room around 75-83F, so I do worry about bacteria in the hose and water chamber...