Cleaning hoses, humidifier, and mask

Hi-

I've been a cpap user now for almost three years. And it's made a HUGE difference in my alertness and energy levels, so new users who are worrying or having trouble sleeping with the mask - keep working at it. It's definitely worth it!!! When I first got the cpap, I followed the directions of the company who sold the machine to me and I started by washing the hoses, mask, and humidier every day (they recommended a mild dishwashing soap and water). Then it was every other day. Now it's about once a week, and occasionally a bit longer due to circumstance. I work a full time and a part time job so I'm lucky I get the house clean and dinner done, but I'm usually too pooped to clean the cpap before use everyday. Anyone have thoughts on that? I don't want to give myself sinus infections, or other problems because I'm not washing the humidifier and hoses out often enough. I do tend to wash the mask off evey other day or so, though (morning breath! ugh!), which also helps if you find that using the mask may make you break out (which could also be a latex allergy, so look into the situation if it keeps happening).

In addition, normally, I used distilled water in my humidifier. If you use regular tap water in your humidifier you will eventually get calcium deposits. Upon occasion, when travelling, I will be forced to use tap water in the humidifer. When this happens, after getting home, I clean your humidifier with a mixture of cider vinegar and water, which helps clear any calcium deposits out of the humidifier. (It also works great to clean out your coffee pot too!).

Thought I'd share my experiences here. How often to clean your humidifier, hoses, and mask is one of those things we have to deal with now when using a cpap.

Hi NLS,

Yep, something else to clean (as if we don't have enough to do). It sounds like your cleaning schedule has worked for you since you have been doing this for 3 years now and no problems.

I am new to this ballgame (July 2004) and I wash the humidifier/hose out in soapy water about every 2-3 days. I have a new mask Swife Nasal Pillows and they say to wash the pillows every night but to take them apart once a week to thoroughly wash everything. When I had the Mirage nasal mask, I would wash every other night. I do use the distilled water that they suggest and use Ivory soap.

What does everyone else there do

Judy

I clean my big hoses on Sunday's. I have three of them so I rotate to keep a nice, fresh one ready to go. I use one part white wine vinagar to three parts water for the hoses. It smells a little bit like a salad, but really cleans well.

I clean the nasal pillows or mask that I am using every two days. I have multiple masks, so I use a clean one every night, but wash the lot every two or three days.

I wash out the heated humidifier once per week. I used distilled water so that seems to be ok.

What I use to clean is Planet Dishwashing soap. I bought it off the interent a couple of years ago. It is biodegradabe, no scent, no additives. It really does the trick without prematurely wearing out the cushions or pillows.

There is an old saying... If it's green, its time to clean. lol

Cheers,

T

My DME's instructions are to wash everything once a week in warm water and anti-bacterial dish soap, then air-dry.

I've only had my CPAP a month, but everthing seems to stay fresh and it's easy to do it only once a week.

Since my first post (New on cpap..Help) I have been following this forum daily and have to say I have found many usefull advices, like getting humidifier after I read it here what the purpose of it is. Its been 3 weeks since my first night on cpap and I have to say I feel wonderful, energized, waking up rested and ready to start new day...what a difference from just 3 weeks ago. Some nights are still struggle with mask leaks and pressure on my face but overall its incredible positive experience. I still have only one mask, my first given to me by DME company, but I'm already making plans to get nasal pillows as my finances will allow me to do so. I wish every new user to have good experience like I'm having and to thank you "old" users for your wonderful advices.
Oh, yes I wash my mask daily with mild soap, and I have washed hose once since start of use. Humidifier I just rinse in the morning and use desitiled water. I'm trying to develop good habits and hope it last.