Disinfect CPAP MACHINE? Any need to?

Hi All,
I'm wondernig - if i manage to pick up a second hand cpap machine cheap, for travel or backup, is there a need to disinfect the thing? i'm not talking about the obvious (or not so obvious) of hoses and masks, but rather, the unit itself? is there even a way or a need?
i imagine if there was dust, you'd want to run it high, possibly without the filter a bit. i imagine spraying stuff in the filter area would just be bad - no lysol! would draping a "breathable" cloth soaked in white vinegar over the air intake do anything beneficial? how about with Control III? is there a way contaminants can get into the air outake which supplies the tubing? or would centrifugal force fling out debris, and any bacteria would die out after a few days or weeks?
lastly, to the masks, etc. - any concerns about a "new" used masked that was lightly tried and disinfected with Control III?
Thanks for any thoughts!!!!!!

CPAP and BiPAP machines were used in hospitals on infectious patient for many years without any internal cleaning of the machines. Most hospitals now use a bacteria filter between the machine and the hose to keep any pathogens from entering the machine. To cause disease, pathogens need to travel from one patient into the machine and then to the second patient. Filter or not, this is a near impossible journey. Pathogens can live for a time outside the body is something like a humidifier, but their lifespan in a machine would be ultra short.

The vast majority of nasal CPAP users have their normal respiratory defenses intact. Any pathogens carried in the inspiratory airflow are subject to the same defenses as during normal breathing. Bottom line is you could use a bacteria filter on the machine outlet if you have any doubts about infection.

sounds great - many thanks!!!!!!

You don't have to worry the machine needs disinfectant, as the air flow is positive and unidirectional. No contagion is possible to cross contaminate in this case.

What I would do regarding sanitation of used CPAP equipment:

Machine: Clean outside thoroughly with alcohol swabs and replace the filter(s). Same for power brick and cords.

Humidifier: Same as for the machine; replace the water chamber (preferred) or thoroughly clean with vinegar solution.

Hose: Wash thoroughly or replace.

Mask: Wash and disinfect with proper disinfecting solution.

For a used mask, I use Control III just to be safe. Sleep labs use something similar to that to use masks on multiple patients.

Mindy

As far as masks goes -- a good washing and you should be good to go.

I have used masks purchased off from cpapauction and have done some trading, etc. and just wash the mask good and it seems to work for me.