Necessary to "air out" humidifier daily? Opinions?

Twilightcat · Post by **Twilightcat** » Sat May 17, 2008 11:39 am

Hi there,

I've read threads on humidification, but I don't recall seeing this.. Is it a healthier idea to disconnect the hose from the humidifier and cpap machine daily for several hours, so that air can enter (rather than staying a "closed atmosphere")? Or is that unnecessary?

(I use low humidity, and "top-off" every couple days, and clean all equipment weekly).

Opinions?

Thanks,
Twilightcat

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sat May 17, 2008 12:07 pm

My opinion after 2 years on cpap and being healthier than I was before by far, is that 99.9% of the cleaning information provided by the manufacturer is unnecessary and only there for CYA purposes.

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Twilightcat · Post by **Twilightcat** » Sat May 17, 2008 1:04 pm

Thanks snoregirl,

It would be good to save wear-and-tear on my hose, handling it less often.

I don't mind cleaning my mask and filter once a week, but how often do folks think other equipment should be cleaned, possibly less often? I wouldn't mind saving time by cleaning other things less often, if it's ok ( humidifier, hoses). Opinions?

Thanks,
Twilightcat

Panhandler · Post by **Panhandler** » Sat May 17, 2008 1:21 pm

I think Snoregirl is right. I started out cleaning humidifier and hose weekly and the seal in my first humidifier chamber failed in about 8 months. I've had the second one about that long and have only had it apart 2-3 times. I still flush it out with soap and water or a dilute vinegar solution every couple of months, but don't take it apart. I clean the hose when I get 'a round tuit' and am still on the first one, though I've got a spare in the drawer.

RipVW · Post by **RipVW** » Sat May 17, 2008 2:45 pm

Agreed. I wouldn't do that. Weekly rinsing/cleaning should be sufficient, with periodic disinfecting, in my view.