Anyone bought a CPAP Cleaner?

[Jas_williams]

I know how to clean the exterior but I was wondering about other ways to possibly clean it / air it out? I tried looking for a post about how to just make it run on it's own for a while? I thought I remembered you could do that to dry a wet mask but I can't remember how now? I was thinking I could put some minty scent on a cotton ball near the intake. Probably kill as many germs as a faux-clean and will smell better.

Replace the filters and humidifier tub (or buy the endcover)

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... side-cover

To air it out turn off smartstart in the clinical menu then just let’s the machine run

[palerider]

I looked at one of the machines and how it was tested. A known sample of microorganisms was placed on a filter paper, which was then placed in the machine. After the machine completed it's "cleaning" cycle, the filter paper was then checked for microorganisms.

Aye, there's the rub... If I wanted to disinfect filter paper, then the soclean would be a contender.

But, I don't, and neither does any other cpap user.

[palerider]

My cousin just got me a backup cpap. It has really high hours (10k) but is the same model as mine, an autoset. The previous owner passed ( I don't think while wearing it though). I feel a little skeeved out because I am a germaphobe. However, I also know how much I'd appreciate a spare if mine broke or if I forgot it (since I never seem to sleep three nights in a row in the same house).

I know how to clean the exterior but I was wondering about other ways to possibly clean it / air it out? I tried looking for a post about how to just make it run on it's own for a while? I thought I remembered you could do that to dry a wet mask but I can't remember how now? I was thinking I could put some minty scent on a cotton ball near the intake. Probably kill as many germs as a faux-clean and will smell better.

Any other thoughts or suggestions?

My cousin thought putting it in the freezer would freeze kill germs but that sounds crazy to me?

Guess I also need to buy one of those end caps so I can take the humidifier off. I don't use the humidifier and that's probably where any germs might be ~~~

I would suggest getting over your germophobia, by definition, a phobia is an IRRATIONAL fear.

As to what to do to the machine, I suggest the procedure the manufacturer recommends for cleaning the machine in a hospital or clinic situation between patients. (people in the hospital might have had bad illnesses, of course).

Manual: https://www.respshop.com/manuals/ResMed ... %20her.pdf

Procedure starts on page 22, and *ALL* that's required for the machine itself is 'wipe down the exterior with a mild antiseptic, such as 70% ethyl alcohol, 70-90% Isopropanol alcohol, 10% bleach, isopropyl wypes, or window cleaner (wet a cloth, don't spray the unit). Replace the filter.

There's instructions on how to reprocess the water tank and hose if you want to, or you can just toss 'em, (or toss the tank in the dishwasher).

I'd vote crazy on the freezer thing too, though the storage specs on the machine do say down to -4f, (I would put it in a ziplock bag first, so that water doesn't condense all over, and inside it when you took the thing out of the freezer, but I'd recommend just not doing the freezer bit.

[jnk...]

. . . I'd recommend just not doing the freezer bit. . . .

+1

[rionoirble]

Freezing doesn't kill bacteria

[Grace~~~]

Thanks Guys ~~~

Got it. Freezing is out. My cousin is from NYC and is always teasing me with his crazy ideas about our bug filled swamp here in Florida needing a good freeze. LOL

I plan on changing the filter, wiping everything down on the exterior, and throwing away the hose. I think he said there were some unopened masks too? So maybe this will be a chance to try something I'd never buy?

On a related note, I wondered how many blower hours an autoset could last? Will it simply stop blowing or would it more likely no longer be able to adjust to the varying pressure needs and I would notice my AHI shoot up?

What should I expect at the end of a CPAP machine's life?

...and Palerider, I can't give up my germophobia. It's a part of my irrational whole.

Fortunately that same trait allows me to be able to light candles and /or "clear" spaces with smudge sticks or use the "dot dot cootie shot" that's been protecting me since second grade.

[palerider]

...and Palerider, I can't give up my germophobia. It's a part of my irrational whole.

At least you can recognize it, and try to control it to a manageable level

[Goofproof]

I'd clean the HH and filter cover with soap and water. then gently spray Lysol Spray into the air intake with it running, TAKING MUCH CARE TO NOT GET THE WET SPRAY INTO THE XPAP. The spray does come out WET, but with care you can control, small sprays short bursts. If you can't control it don't do it.

If you do keep the XPAP running 15 minutes after spraying. Lysol Spray is supposed to kill 99.7%, Then use new filters and hose on cleaned mask. It is probably not necessary to go to these lengths, but I'm not too worried about germs, I do use the spray a lot, Bathroom, Bedroom, and phone cleaning, door knobs ect. Jim

[palerider]

I'd clean the HH and filter cover with soap and water. then gently spray Lysol Spray into the air intake with it running, TAKING MUCH CARE TO NOT GET THE WET SPRAY INTO THE XPAP. The spray does come out WET, but with care you can control, small sprays short bursts. If you can't control it don't do it.

If you do keep the XPAP running 15 minutes after spraying. Lysol Spray is supposed to kill 99.7%, Then use new filters and hose on cleaned mask. It is probably not necessary to go to these lengths, but I'm not too worried about germs, I do use the spray a lot, Bathroom, Bedroom, and phone cleaning, door knobs ect. Jim

I would absolutely NOT, no way, no how spray *anything* into the inlet of a machine.

You're spraying liquid that will be going *through* the motor in a Resmed machine, and may adversely affect the flow and pressure sensor electronics.

I have to say this is *absolutely* a "DO NOT DO" thing, or if you do, realize it *may* destroy the device.

[Goofproof]

I'd clean the HH and filter cover with soap and water. then gently spray Lysol Spray into the air intake with it running, TAKING MUCH CARE TO NOT GET THE WET SPRAY INTO THE XPAP. The spray does come out WET, but with care you can control, small sprays short bursts. If you can't control it don't do it.

If you do keep the XPAP running 15 minutes after spraying. Lysol Spray is supposed to kill 99.7%, Then use new filters and hose on cleaned mask. It is probably not necessary to go to these lengths, but I'm not too worried about germs, I do use the spray a lot, Bathroom, Bedroom, and phone cleaning, door knobs ect. Jim

I would absolutely NOT, no way, no how spray *anything* into the inlet of a machine.

You're spraying liquid that will be going *through* the motor in a Resmed machine, and may adversely affect the flow and pressure sensor electronics.

I have to say this is *absolutely* a "DO NOT DO" thing, or if you do, realize it *may* destroy the device.

Could be bad, care is needed (Common Sense). I could do it safely. Another way would spray on rags, place them in a container, (3L coke bottle comes to mind) squirt the fumes (Vapor) into the running intake. No liquid, should ever be allowed in your XPAP. Vapor should be safe, I don't think XPAP pressure sensors react to mild chemicals, but not sure. O2 sensors yes they will but none are in XPAPs.

To be 100% safe, Do Nothing! That's what I did on my used one I bought, I don't know if the person I bought it from died from the creeping crud or not, if they did the crud died too or my crud killed it off. Jim

[jnk...]

Using a used machine does not gross me out in the least.

Being on an airplane rebreathing the same air for hours as 100 other people . . .

[palerider]

Using a used machine does not gross me out in the least.

Being on an airplane rebreathing the same air for hours as 100 other people . . .

Only 100? where'd you find such a tiny airplane?

[Lucyhere]

Being on an airplane rebreathing the same air for hours as 100 other people . . .

Gee, thanks! Going out of state in a few weeks... on a AIRPLANE!

[remstarcpap]

Don't worry, dead people don't have germs

[PaulKTF]

All I ever do is change the filter once in a while and use mask wipes. I see no reason to wash the hose or do anything else.

SoClean etc is a scam. I've seen it turn people's mask cushion and other stuff yellow...no thanks

Ditto. That's all I do as well and I've never had any issues. I always use distilled water which probably helps (or at least doesn't hurt).