2 part question on cleaning and cpap related illness.

[dneves808]

How often should I clean my tubing, face mask, and water reservoir. hola I recently got diagnosed with pneumonia and I'm thinking it's because I waited a month to clean my machine and parts... I feel like I get bronchitis or worse a few times a year do to my C PAP humidifier. Any and all advice and input on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[library lady]

You really should be cleaning them on a regular basis. My opinion is at least weekly, though others do it less often. I actually rinse my humidifier daily, and use cpap wipes on my mask daily as well. Tubing, headgear, filter and mask get a dishwater bath weekly. Everyone does it differently, and there really isn't one right answer, but if you're having respiratory problems or getting sick often you might want to establish either a weekly or daily regimen. You might check your user manuals for recommendations too.

[library lady]

You really should be cleaning them on a regular basis. My opinion is at least weekly, though others do it less often. I actually rinse my humidifier daily, and use cpap wipes on my mask daily as well. Tubing, headgear, filter and mask get a dishwater bath weekly. Everyone does it differently, and there really isn't one right answer, but if you're having respiratory problems or getting sick often you might want to establish either a weekly or daily regimen. You might check your user manuals for recommendations too.

[dneves808]

You really should be cleaning them on a regular basis. My opinion is at least weekly, though others do it less often. I actually rinse my humidifier daily, and use cpap wipes on my mask daily as well. Tubing, headgear, filter and mask get a dishwater bath weekly. Everyone does it differently, and there really isn't one right answer, but if you're having respiratory problems or getting sick often you might want to establish either a weekly or daily regimen. You might check your user manuals for recommendations too.

thank u ma'am

[Drowsy Dancer]

How often should I clean my tubing, face mask, and water reservoir. hola I recently got diagnosed with pneumonia and I'm thinking it's because I waited a month to clean my machine and parts... I feel like I get bronchitis or worse a few times a year do to my C PAP humidifier. Any and all advice and input on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

I have been told that people on CPAP can be somewhat more prone to sinus problems IF they get a cold because of the air being blown up their nose.

The subject of how much cleaning is necessary is the matter of much lively discussion around here. I think the main reason to keep your mask clean is to make sure that you get a good seal. I rarely wash out my tubing. I also rarely actually wash out the water reservoir. Usually I just replenish the water in the tank when it runs out. If I have been traveling I give it a white vinegar soak to remove any mineral deposits caused by not using distilled water.

I would be surprised to find that a machine that was not clean *caused* your pneumonia.

[The Latinist]

I think for a normal, non-immune-compromised CPAP user a weekly wash of mask and hose should be plenty. I'm not sure it's really necessary to wash the humidifier tank that frequently. If I were recovering from a respiratory infection, I would probably want to wash more frequently to reduce the risk of re-infection.

I wipe down the cushion on my mask daily with isopropyl alcohol, but primarily to promote a better seal by removing oils.

[chunkyfrog]

Since using cpap, my previous illnesses have trickled down to practically nothing.
This is with a rather casual cleaning regimen. As long as your immunity is normal and your stuff isn't piggy,
There is no reason to blame the cpap.

[Sheriff Buford]

I wash and soak my mask every Saturday in baby shampoo. On a daily basis, I wipe down my mask with pampers thick wipes for sensitive skin. It contains no alcohol (can deteriorate the mask silicone) or aloe (leaves a film)... though it contains "aloe juice".

Sheriff

[JDS74]

Some manufacturers specifically state not to use alcohol on their silicone mask and parts as doing so will degrade to silicone.
I, too, use baby shampoo to wash my mask daily to remove skin oils, etc.
I only use actual distilled water and dump it daily. On travel, I use bottled water and then need to use the vinegar cleaning when I get home to get rid of the calcium and other deposits that have built up.

On the topic of pneumonia, these are usually viral in nature although there are rare cases of bacterial infections.
One such example years ago was labeled Legionnaires Disease and came from a contaminated air cooling system in a hotel. It occurred in Philadelphia in 1976 and caused by a bacteria Legionella pneumophila.

The CPAP filtration system should block any bacterial contamination but is highly unlikely to stop viruses as they are much to small.

[The Latinist]

It contains no alcohol (can deteriorate the mask silicone) or aloe (leaves a film)...

Some manufacturers specifically state not to use alcohol on their silicone mask and parts as doing so will degrade to silicone.

Yes, I've seen this repeatedly stated; it seems to be the conventional wisdom. But nobody has been able to suggest a mechanism by which isopropyl alcohol could react in any way with silicone rubber, which is essentially chemically inert. I understand that prolonged soaking could cause the silicone to swell and it is therefore plausible that such soaking might cause mechanical damage (although most reading I have done on the subject suggests it will probably just return to shape when it dried), but as long as one is merely wiping down the surface and allowing it to air dry I can't see any way it could hurt a mask.

I am of course willing to change my opinion if anyone can present evidence to the contrary. So far I have not noticed any change in my mask after two weeks cleaning it with isopropyl alcohol wipes; the only difference is that I get far fewer leaks.

[JDS74]

Some manufacturers specifically state not to use alcohol on their silicone mask and parts as doing so will degrade to silicone.

Yes, I've seen this repeatedly stated; it seems to be the conventional wisdom. ...
I am of course willing to change my opinion if anyone can present evidence to the contrary. So far I have not noticed any change in my mask after two weeks cleaning it with isopropyl alcohol wipes; the only difference is that I get far fewer leaks.

Here is a link to the instructions for my mask that specifically states the alcohol is not to be used.
http://www.fphcare.com/CMSPages/GetFile ... 091d55c0a8
And here are the Quattro instructions for cleaning.

Cleaning the Mask in the Home
Notes:
• The mask and headgear can only be cleaned by handwashing.
• The headgear may be washed without removing the headgear clips.
WARNING
• Do not use aromatic-based solutions or scented oils (eg, eucalyptus or
essential oils), bleach, alcohol or products that smell strongly (eg,
citrus) to clean any of the mask components. Residual vapours from
these solutions can be inhaled if not rinsed thoroughly. They may also
damage the mask, causing cracks.
• Do not iron the headgear as the material is heat sensitive and will be
damaged.
Daily/After Each Use
To optimize the mask seal, facial oils should be removed from the cushion
before use.
Handwash the mask by gently rubbing in warm (86°F / 30°C) water using mild
soap or diluted dishwashing detergent.
Do not twist the valve during cleaning as this may damage or tear the valve
membrane or hinge. Take care when handling the valve.
If the vent requires cleaning use a soft bristle brush.
Rinse all components well with drinking quality water and allow them to air dry
out of direct sunlight. Do not soak the mask.

Of course, it is your mask to do with whatever you want to help in your therapy.

[The Latinist]

As I said, that is the conventional wisdom. But I've seen nothing beyond bald assertion to indicate that it's actually true, and it seems implausible in light of what I know of chemistry.

[Sheriff Buford]

it seems to be the conventional wisdom.

Do what you want. When a manufacturer states not to use alcohol... I tend to not use it. By the way... when a cop states "not to do something"... you better not do it, and lose any "conventional wisdom"... just sayin'

Sheriff

[cpappy47]

Try "Scrubbing Bubbles" spray foam it is a bathroom cleaning product and will make your cushion look like new and will destroy any oily build-up on it.
Spray it on and work the product into the cushion with your hands for about 1 min.or until the product dissipates. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and let air dry. Cushion should look like new after 2 or 3 uses. Also cleans your sink at the same time.

[LSAT]

Try "Scrubbing Bubbles" it is a bathroom cleaning product and will make your cushion look like new and will destroy any oily build-up on it.
Spray it on and work the product into the cushion with your hands for about 1 min.or until the product dissipates. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and let air dry. Cushion should look like new after 2 or 3 uses. Also cleans your sink at the same time.

Boiling does the same thing...cheaper and safer