LOL, Lynne...your sign-off was good.
Will be interesting. Do please ask your friend and share what she says. As I said, the pics and short statement from Fisher and Paykel looked "too simple" to me - plus had that magic CYA qualifying statement in it: "under most operating conditions".
Don't know if this helps matters any, but I do always unhook the air hose from the humidifier each morning and place a little cap over the open connection of the humidifier. To keep dog/cat hair from drifting in.
Suddenly I have an overpowering urge to go wash my hands... even if I don't wash out the humidifier!
More-Sterile/Easier-Cleaning Process?
Cleaning rituals of cpap
Hello everyone,
Really interesting to me to see how differently we all do things.
I for one follow all of the rules as closely as I can.
I clean all of the equipment every Sat. morning.
I do not hang the hoses to dry in the bathroom,that is a no no in my instructions. I've not seen anyone mention that.
The instructions were to use vinegar as a cleaning solution,but I was told I could just use a diswashing liquid,did not have to be antibacterial.
So, I alternate cleaning my humidifier with both of those.I do change the distilled water daily,let the humidifier dry out all day.
When I have a cold I wash my nose mask more often.
It really doesn't take much time to do this,I'm pretty much used to the routine now.
Marie,who tries to follow the rules.
Really interesting to me to see how differently we all do things.
I for one follow all of the rules as closely as I can.
I clean all of the equipment every Sat. morning.
I do not hang the hoses to dry in the bathroom,that is a no no in my instructions. I've not seen anyone mention that.
The instructions were to use vinegar as a cleaning solution,but I was told I could just use a diswashing liquid,did not have to be antibacterial.
So, I alternate cleaning my humidifier with both of those.I do change the distilled water daily,let the humidifier dry out all day.
When I have a cold I wash my nose mask more often.
It really doesn't take much time to do this,I'm pretty much used to the routine now.
Marie,who tries to follow the rules.
If you have sinus problems and/or are prone to infections, I would make sure your equipment is clean. I can only speak from my experiences.
I clean my mask cushion every day (Ivory hand soap) Lather up hands, gently rub the mask cushion then rinse with warm water.
Clean water chamber, hoses, headgear and washable filter about once every 6 weeks. (Ivory soap/warm water) AND that's it ! I've never had any problems with sinus infections etc.
(My opinion) >> Over cleaning can cause the mask to wear out too quick. The material used in the manufacturing of the mash cushion has a certain amout of natual moisture built into the material. Over-washing can deplete that moisture base, thus causing the material to break down quicker. In other words......the mask will wear out after 2 months instead of 4-5 months.
I clean my mask cushion every day (Ivory hand soap) Lather up hands, gently rub the mask cushion then rinse with warm water.
Clean water chamber, hoses, headgear and washable filter about once every 6 weeks. (Ivory soap/warm water) AND that's it ! I've never had any problems with sinus infections etc.
(My opinion) >> Over cleaning can cause the mask to wear out too quick. The material used in the manufacturing of the mash cushion has a certain amout of natual moisture built into the material. Over-washing can deplete that moisture base, thus causing the material to break down quicker. In other words......the mask will wear out after 2 months instead of 4-5 months.
[quote="rested gal"]
Will be interesting. Do please ask your friend and share what she says. As I said, the pics and short statement from Fisher and Paykel looked "too simple" to me - plus had that magic CYA qualifying statement in it: "under most operating conditions".
Ok, RG, back to the subject of cleaning the reservoir... Out to dinner last night, right in the middle of the Cajun Catfish, I asked my microbiology prof friend about the Fisher and Paykel illustration. She said, unfortunately, the water molecules piggy-back on each other so that they are then large enough for the bacteria or virus to "ride" on them in the vapor. She would suggest washing and drying the humidifier reservoir no less than every other day, change distilled water daily, and she liked the idea of putting it in the top rack of the dishwasher once a week. She said if you became lax about this, she'd be concerned about pneumonia or who knows what.
By the way, I did have dessert -- capuccino cheesecake w/ chocolate to die for (in honor of Valentines Day). Yum!
lynn, who's hoping she's recalling the scientific details correctly through the delightful haze of Gordon Brothers Merlot last night.
Will be interesting. Do please ask your friend and share what she says. As I said, the pics and short statement from Fisher and Paykel looked "too simple" to me - plus had that magic CYA qualifying statement in it: "under most operating conditions".
Ok, RG, back to the subject of cleaning the reservoir... Out to dinner last night, right in the middle of the Cajun Catfish, I asked my microbiology prof friend about the Fisher and Paykel illustration. She said, unfortunately, the water molecules piggy-back on each other so that they are then large enough for the bacteria or virus to "ride" on them in the vapor. She would suggest washing and drying the humidifier reservoir no less than every other day, change distilled water daily, and she liked the idea of putting it in the top rack of the dishwasher once a week. She said if you became lax about this, she'd be concerned about pneumonia or who knows what.
By the way, I did have dessert -- capuccino cheesecake w/ chocolate to die for (in honor of Valentines Day). Yum!
lynn, who's hoping she's recalling the scientific details correctly through the delightful haze of Gordon Brothers Merlot last night.
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Lynn, thank you for the information!
I think I'll just continue doing what I do (don't do, actually) and continue to take my chances.
If pneumonia or worse lays me low someday, I'll definitely come crawling back off my sick bed to post about it and start the dumping/sloshing/soaking routine that most do. Won't be the first time I've locked the barn door after the horse was stolen.
I do appreciate your pausing with fork en route to ask the question and now posting the answer. Makes sense.
I think I'll just continue doing what I do (don't do, actually) and continue to take my chances.
If pneumonia or worse lays me low someday, I'll definitely come crawling back off my sick bed to post about it and start the dumping/sloshing/soaking routine that most do. Won't be the first time I've locked the barn door after the horse was stolen.
I do appreciate your pausing with fork en route to ask the question and now posting the answer. Makes sense.
Re: More-Sterile/Easier-Cleaning Process?
I always keep checking my humidifier tank to see if its clean and if there are any odd smells or anything but for the most part i just refill what i used each night before i go to sleep...I use about 1/4 to 1/2 a tank per night with my setting on the highest setting (5). Using distilled water reduces the chance of it getting slimy or growing visible bacteria...my tank is perfectly clean i usually rince it out every now and again with soap and water.
I have no idea what my tank looks like microscopically but then again if you were to see what microscopic things are crawling around on your house and bed that you cant see you would never go to be either and we all dont wash or buy a new mattress every night...
I have no idea what my tank looks like microscopically but then again if you were to see what microscopic things are crawling around on your house and bed that you cant see you would never go to be either and we all dont wash or buy a new mattress every night...