Reservoir sanitizing.

johnb2 · Post by **johnb2** » Wed May 31, 2006 12:08 am

When I first got my CPAP the tech told me to rinse and dry the reservoir every morning. Is that something that needs to be sanitized and what should I use? It seems to me if a fungus got growing in there a person would be in deep whatever, since that water vapor goes right into your lungs.

Sleepy John

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

tomjax · Post by **tomjax** » Wed May 31, 2006 4:49 am

This is a topic that will appear very often.
The premise is that bugs may somehow appear in the humidifier and since the user breathes air that comes thru the chamber, then a person can potentially get problems from the bugs.

Try to go back to previous threads to read the inevitable replies from well intentioned, but poorly informed posters. Then read those from informed posters.
The problem is when a dme is uninformed and repeat the warnings.

Bottom line is that there in no fear of infection because the pathogens simply do not leave the water, even if there.
clean occasionally with soap and water and rinse.

Hope this explains it, Bet it will not.
Go back and read up on it.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier, clean

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Wed May 31, 2006 5:34 am

I endorse Tomjax's "bottom line", for what it's worth.

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Wed May 31, 2006 7:52 pm

ozij wrote:But you don't have to be that badly worried:

http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/sleep-dis ... humid9.htm

Humidification in CPAP Therapy
The following information is provided by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it possible for a patient to catch an infection from a humidifier?
A. The environment in the heated humidifier chamber under most operating conditions is such that the majority of pathogens are rapidly killed.
Even if pathogens were able to exist in the humidification chamber, they would not be able to be transported to the patient. The humidity travels from the chamber in vapor form, which is too small for a bacteria or virus to travel in.

O.

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:00 am

Terrific reference, Tooly125! Thanks for the pictures too!
I think this should settle future questions, and be a good ref for newbies.
That endorsement was a relief for some, I'm sure.

johnb2 · Post by **johnb2** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 8:11 pm

Thanks for the replies. They really help clear my head!

Mask

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