I bought some disinfectant from our host and that stuff looked toxic. I had not read the FAQ (my bad) after emailing them they directed me to it.

What's your experiences? Do you do it? Precautions? Mixing it in? Etc.

Thanks!

I have never disinfected and I have been on cpap for 7+ years. I wash my mask pillows/cushions, every day and the hose and the rest of the mask every 2 weeks or so. I used to do it more often but it doesn't seem necessary unless I am sick. I change my machine filters on the suggested schedule as well. In allergy season, I change the white filters more often than suggested.

I have always used Ivory Dishwashing Liquid in warm water for all that. I have not had a problem.

I have read about the disinfecting stuff and am uncomfortable with it since any residual smell would really set off my allergies and I don't like the sound of the warnings with that stuff.

I have never disinfected anything either, and I'm getting close to three years on cpap. I do change the filters as recommended, or more often if it seems necessary. I air things out, wash the cushions/pillows every day (something instead of washing, I use the wipes).

I disinfect basically by washing in in warm water then rinsing in hot water with the soap I normally use. I only do the hot water part when I have been sick. It's not really disinfecting but it makes me feel better.

Gerry

Gerryk wrote:I disinfect basically by washing in in warm water then rinsing in hot water with the soap I normally use. I only do the hot water part when I have been sick. It's not really disinfecting but it makes me feel better.

Like Gerryk, I only rinse my humidifier, hose and mask after I've had a serious cold or lung infection. And only if I am using the humidifier. (I live in a humid part of the country, so it is not always necessary for me). So, that works out to about once a year or so in the 18+ years that I've been using it.

And frankly, I only do that to help clear the smell. Otherwise, since I use distilled water (though someone wisely noted if you dump the tank after every use, even that is not necessary), it just does not need to be disinfected.

Oh, on a side note, I found that using the extra fine filter also helped me keep my lungs clear. It's certainly not a bacterial filter, but it is a cheap way to keep the inside of the unit (and me) clear of dust. It appears to help me.

Disinfection is relative. If you wash pillows, mask etc in Dawn, it is disinfected. Very few bacteria or viruses survive basic washing with soap. I wouldn't suggest it for intervenous use, but good enough for CPAP.

I have gotten slime in my water tank and washed it real good - hot water Joy and 2 paper towels that I slosh around to wipe all sides, then i rinse and fill with diluted Control III solution and let it sit a few minutes. Then rinse very well, with the last one using distilled water. Then fill with distilled water and use. It may be overkill but I feel better about it.

I use Control III. It works great and easy to use. You can run a search here and buy it at cpap.com. It's what they recommend too.

No, I don't disinfect. I'm lucky to get the stuff cleaned once a week! I guess I have to wear my cpap more than twice a week to get it dirty also!

As the last part of cleaning, after rinsing while still wet, I spray the silicon parts, the hard plastic shell, am my humidifier tub with while vinegar and let sit a few minutes before sinsing very well and letting air dry. Vinegar is a disinfectant. It's also great at removing soap residues.