Cleaning

[Driver1814]

Ok so what is the cleaning protocols and timing for mask, hoses and machine? Really have to empty humidity pan and dry that puppy out daily???

Thanks!!

[Pugsy]

I wish I had a dollar for every time I see this question.

Do what makes you happy or don't do what makes you happy.

Some people are clean freaks or germophobes or always follow someone's directions.

I top the water chamber off nightly and maybe wash it every couple of months when I think about it. Which isn't often.
Now I do use distilled water primarily because I am on a well and our water has a very high mineral content. When I use tap water I get a bit of mineral deposit in the water chamber and I am lazy and don't want to do the extra work to get rid of the mineral deposit.
Now the extra work is a soak in vinegar or lemon juice solution but I just don't want to take the time unless I have to. I am lazy...I admit it.

The hose...I never wash...it doesn't get dirty...all it has go through it is filtered air.

The mask...it depends on the mask. Since I use the Bleep and part of it is disposable it doesn't get washed very often at all.
When I used the P10 nasal pillow mask...it got washed maybe once a month...when I thought about it which again wasn't often.
A lot will depend on just how oily your skin is...my skin isn't very oily. If it was more oily I might wash the mask more often or at least the nasal pillow part.

When I first started cpap therapy back in 2009 I bought into the once a week routine for everything and it only took a few months for that routine to get old and I adopted a less is more mind set.
It's all in your mind as to what you want to do and are comfortable with. I am sure some people roll their eyes when they see my lack of cleaning routine but I figure that is okay because I roll my eyes when I see the extraordinary measures some people feel they just have to use.

Whatever floats your boat...that's what you need to do.

Now if you use tap water a lot and it has a lot of minerals in it.....I would recommend dumping in the mornings and letting the chamber air dry and then refilling at bedtime but that's because of the mineral build up thing.

Distilled water...is just recommended because of the mineral build up potential and cleaning thing. You don't have to use distilled water. It won't hurt the machine to use tap water or bottled water. Distilled water isn't easily available sometimes or in some parts of the world. It's not a critical issue.

[Driver1814]

Perfect! Thanks thought some of the stuff they were telling me was over kill. I have well water but buying jugs of distilled water is a pain. I'll just clean pan out periodically.

[SDBud]

Ok so what is the cleaning protocols and timing for mask, hoses and machine? Really have to empty humidity pan and dry that puppy out daily???

Thanks!!

I change my humidity tank every 6 months, same with the hose (VA gives me new ones that often). I DO NOT clean them unless I detect a smell or see something that shouldn't be there. I clean my AirFit F20 masks about once a week, with a cpap wipe. My AirTouch F20 masks don't last more than about 3 weeks, so I don't even bother cleaning them.

I've been on 'the pap' for 2.5 years, and NO problem with not cleaning.

[Goofproof]

I wish I had a little OCD in me, I really want a Ultrasonic Cleaner 6L, but one, I don't have space for it, too much other stuff, and I know I'd use it a few times then it would sit in the way. I find cleaning cpap unnecessary for the most part, but would like it to clean the mask and headgear, I no longer use a HH, I don't need it. I doubt Santa will bring one as I didn't write a letter to NewEgg!

If I did get it, this is the one I would get, https://www.newegg.com/p/334-00HH-00003 ... -_-Product . Cheaper than Ozone and it cleans what you put in it. (Dawn and H2O)... Jim

[LSAT]

Ok so what is the cleaning protocols and timing for mask, hoses and machine? Really have to empty humidity pan and dry that puppy out daily???

Thanks!!

Ever think of reading your Owners Manual?

[Driver1814]

Inevitable there's always got to be the asshat in the group!

I'll bite on your troll. Reading the manual and it has you cleaning everything 2x sometimes 3x daily;). My post was targeted at what's the consensus for cleaning protocols for actually users not manufacturers recommendations. Read the owner's manual and it's a bit overkill according to most here.

Merry Christmas.


[/quote]

Ever think of reading your Owners Manual?

[LSAT]

Inevitable there's always got to be the asshat in the group!

I'll bite on your troll. Reading the manual and it has you cleaning everything 2x sometimes 3x daily;). My post was targeted at what's the consensus for cleaning protocols for actually users not manufacturers recommendations. Read the owner's manual and it's a bit overkill according to most here.

Merry Christmas.

Ever think of reading your Owners Manual?
[/quote]

You didn't ask for a consensus...you asked what the "protocol and timing for cleaning was.' It's in the Owners Manual. If you want to see an asshat...look in the mirror. I don't know of any manual that tells you to clean anything 2-3 time a day.

[chunkyfrog]

Actually, if one but READS related topics ALREADY POSTED, one will soon get the answer.
No reason to start a useless new thread to repeat the same inane question as a thousand others have.
Obviously the troll is driver1814.
We see what you did there.

[Pugsy]

Please....in the spirit of the holidays and how we like to think we treat newbies....knock off the bashing...PLEASE.
So what if the question has been asked and answered a gazillion times before....this isn't the first time and it sure as hell won't be the last.

If someone doesn't want to answer a question....then just don't answer the damn question. If you feel they should had searched the forum more or read the manual...so be it...just don't answer the question. Why be hateful about it?

This sort of crap isn't needed...isn't helpful and just puts a bad taste in my mouth.

Is this really what we want to be known for here? I have worked really hard to get our reputation cleaned up here at this forum.

If you don't want to help...how about just STFU?

[bierhere]

I never clean my hose, replace it every 6-9 months
I typically use a mask wipe every other day to wipe the gasket and inside of the mask. I found the seals get too slimy if I don't get remove the oil. I prefer the CitrusII mask wipes
Humidifier tank is topped off every night with distilled water and when I see stuff floating in it, it's time to drain/rinse/clean it.
Air filter is replaced every 3 months when the machine reminds me to do it.

[Driver1814]

Well I guess the sarcasm was lost in translation.

Please do forward the list of questions new CPAP users should never ask. <Sarcasm

Merry Christmas




Ever think of reading your Owners Manual?
[/quote]

You didn't ask for a consensus...you asked what the "protocol and timing for cleaning was.' It's in the Owners Manual. If you want to see an asshat...look in the mirror. I don't know of any manual that tells you to clean anything 2-3 time a day.
[/quote]

[ups4]

Please do forward the list of questions new CPAP users should never ask. <Sarcasm

The point the others were trying to make is, as with any forum or group such as this the "Search" function is your friend.

[Okie bipap]

We all clean to the level we are comfortable with. Some clean everything every day, and other say they never clean. Most of us just pick a cleaning schedule we are comfortable with. I have always cleaned on a weekly schedule. When I first started, the respiratory therapist I worked with said she cleaned her and her husband's equipment once a week. That sounded like a reasonable schedule, so that is how often I clean our equipment (my wife also uses a machine). The only thing that doesn't get cleaned are the hoses. I don't clean the hoses since the only thing going through them is filtered air.

[Driver1814]

I get it! Buuuut even if the question has been asked 1000 times what's wrong with a new user to ask questions he or she may want a fresh take on?? Or even just to strike up some dialogue with some members. These forums wouldn't exist if it weren't for dumb, stupid, annoying questions.

By asking "annoying" questions led me to saving me from having a average heart surgeon to perform average heart surgery on me( which greatly reduces success rate). Asking annoying questions led me to afibbers.org which then led to me finding arguably the best electrophysiologist on PLANET to fix my heart once and for all.

So I for one would welcome all question good, bad, and ugly.

Merry Christmas!

The point the others were trying to make is, as with any forum or group such as this the "Search" function is your friend.
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