Cpap mask cleaning

[Riyadh136]

What is the proper method of cleaning a cpap mask between patients

[ChicagoGranny]

This is scary.

[Julie]

Do you mean you have a mask used by one other person previously, or are you e.g. a nurse asking what to do with a mask used by many patients?

[palerider]

What is the proper method of cleaning a cpap mask between patients

instructions are in the back of most mask manuals, it's typically quite simple.

[OkyDoky]

http://www.resmed.com/int/assets/html/s ... clinicians
If it is for your personal use I would look online for the user Guide for the mask and follow those instructions.

[LSAT]

If you are a DME or a doctor you should not be reusing masks.

[OkyDoky]

If you are a DME or a doctor you should not be reusing masks.

Very likly your sleep study used a reprocessed mask. That is why ResMed gives the Mask Disinfection and Sterilization Guide that I posted the guide to above.

[Riyadh136]

[quote="Riyadh136"]What is the proper method of cleaning a cpap mask between patients[/quote

I'm an rt working for a DME company, we typically fit pts with several different mask, were told wiping mask between patients with a cleaning pad with Benzalkanium Chloride is sufficient, I'm not comfortable with this procedure. Looking for and info to disprove this policy.

[JDS74]

I've seen this done in sleep labs and thought it not as effective as I would like.
In my case, no way would I accept a lab or DME providing me with a used but cleaned Oracle mask. Unlike other masks, the Oracle gets inserted into the mouth.

I think that the procedures published by ResMed and Respironics would be sufficient for other types of masks.
Here is a reference to Respironics procedures for various Respironics masks.
http://creative.alliancehealth.com/em/p ... gGuide.pdf

Note the comments on the right-hand side about the total number of cycles that are acceptable. I assume that means the mask is to be discarded after the prescribed number of cleanings.

[Julie]

Well, I think you can find info from individual mfgrs and from e.g. hospital protocols (if you ask them), which are pretty well laid out and specific.

[Mudrock63]

I got a new nasal mask from my DME yesterday. Tried on the large, then the extra large. She gave me both to take home. LOL. Similarly, the technician at my titration study sent me home with the mask I used that night. Very reassuring. I would be very leery and kind of grossed out to be using a used mask. Ugh.

[palerider]

I would be very leery and kind of grossed out to be using a used mask. Ugh.

why? every time you go to a restaurant, you eat with used utensils, and used plates.

when you go to a hotel you sleep on used sheets, on a used mattress, (that hasn't even been cleaned) with a used bedspread (that probably wasn't even cleaned)

a used mask, that's been processed according to the instructions in the mask booklet, is just as sanitary and safe as a new one, just like those plates and utensils.

[Mudrock63]

I would be very leery and kind of grossed out to be using a used mask. Ugh.

why? every time you go to a restaurant, you eat with used utensils, and used plates.

when you go to a hotel you sleep on used sheets, on a used mattress, (that hasn't even been cleaned) with a used bedspread (that probably wasn't even cleaned)

a used mask, that's been processed according to the instructions in the mask booklet, is just as sanitary and safe as a new one, just like those plates and utensils.

I don't eat out much, I sleep in a hotel when I HAVE to, and, I don't know, reusing someone's mask strikes me about the same as would buying underwear at a garage sale. LOL

[palerider]

reusing someone's mask strikes me about the same as would buying underwear at a garage sale. LOL

it's cleaned, and sanitized... there's no *actual* problem other than personal preference.

[DeadlySleep]

buying underwear at a garage sale

Keep a low profile and stick to men's underwear.