Cleaning my Humidifier

gkeenan · Post by **gkeenan** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:25 am

What do you use to clean your water container? I'm beginning to smell mold.

Thanks
G

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 9:02 am

TONS of threads on this. Use the search function and read and read and read.

amos · Post by **amos** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 9:25 am

Ivory Dish Detergent. Only a few drops. Cleans well. Smells fresh.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 9:34 am

Are you using distilled water in your humidifier?
I find it hard to believe that it would smell moldy using distilled water.
I would suggest a vinegar and water solution to kill the moldy smell and then wash with diswashing soap and rinse well. Shouldn't even have to disassemble it to do this, either.
ALWAYS use distilled water.

Den

Missy · Post by **Missy** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 10:46 am

Just to reinforce Den's statement-don't take the humidifier apart-you might start a leak problem!

Dawn

gkeenan · Post by **gkeenan** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 1:54 pm

I have a clear plastic container that has two holes in the top...one to the CPAP machine and one for the mask...taking it apart is not going to be a problem...lol.

G

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 2:48 pm

Taking it apart is not the problem.....getting it back together has been a problem for some (leaks if it ain't right).

Den

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 5:56 pm

gkeenan wrote:What do you use to clean your water container? I'm beginning to smell mold.

Thanks
G

If not a thorough dish detergent cleaning (NOT dishwasher detergent) and 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water soak for a half hour minimum, it might be wise to get as MUCH replaced as possible, i.e. hose, seals for humidifier, seals for mask, hose for mask, nasal interface, etc.

Or, ask your DME provider's RT to clean it for you, training you along the way. PLEASE DO NOT LET THIS CONTINUE! I worked with a man who stuck his head into a heating/air conditioning duct to inspect it. The mold in it caused such a reaction for him (he was previously NOT allergic) that he was permanently disabled because he is now so sensitive to tiny amounts.

Link to Less Serious Cleaning Discussion

Link to Serious Cleaning Discussion

justsharon · Post by **justsharon** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:21 pm

I use a baby bottle brush with a foam end to reach into my humidifier and clean it well. I use Ivory dish soap to clean everything. it smells nice.

Sharon

Cleaning my Humidifier

Cleaning my Humidifier

Re: Cleaning my Humidifier