Used CPAP and hygiene

[cortez356]

I often see posters who recommend that you do not buy a used CPAP machine. I began to think of who might have used the machine before me. Did the person have AIDS? Maybe TB or Lord knows what. Are those valid concerns?

Bob

[Stormynights]

I don't have all the answers but I know that you can buy viral filters. Maybe if you let the machine run with one of those and a clean filter in the machine it would clean it out.

[bearded_two]

People buy used CPAP machines all of the time. As long as they work properly, the only real hygiene problem with a used CPAP involves odors, most notably tobacco smoke in the machine - you are unlikely to be able to get cigarette smoke smell out of a CPAP machine. Another potential odor problem is from the use of air freshers or incense near the machine. The filters of a used machine should be changed, and outside if the machine should be cleaned.

Remember that the machine and masks used during sleep lab titrations were most likely used by several people before you -- the mask is sanitized between patients.

It is extremely unlikely that viruses or bacteria would get from a user into the machine, because it blows out out, and there isa 6 foot hose between the user and the machine, so that even a cough wouldn't reach the machine. Used masks do need to be sanitized with a medical equipment sanitizing solution before they are used by someone else. CPAP hoses/tubes are cheap enough to discard rather than reusing, although they could be sanitized and reused using the same sanitizing solution as masks.

BTW, even though it wouldn't get into the CPAP machine, the HIV lentivirus doesn't survive very long outside of the body (less than about 30 minutes).

[chunkyfrog]

It seems like the biggest concern would be environmental--pet dander, smoke, pollen, dust.
Does any place check out, clean, or repair used machines for those who can't afford new?

[cortez356]

chunyfrog:

Second Wind does all of that. Check out their website. Great prices and the owner is a very accomodating fellow.

Bob

[nanwilson]

My friend received a used machine from an estate and the previous user was a smoker. His wife washed everything she could find to wash with disinfectant then he put in a fresh filter and put the machine in the garage and turned it on. Left it on for 4 hours, did this for three consecutive days then put a fresh filter in, bought a new hose, wiped down everything again and voila he now has a spare machine that he uses in their motorhome. No smoke smell whatsoever and the machine itself is squeaky clean.
Cheers
Nan

[cortez356]

I must apologize for my comments re the AIDS virus. I should have known that this virus cannot be transmited via countertops, glasses and even a CPAP. I was reading the info on the CPAP cleaner that Cpap.com sells and the aids virus was listed . Shame on me!!!

Bob

[chunkyfrog]

GOTCHA!
sorry about that--advertising really is evil. . .

[Bikersguide]

I found the cpapguardian.