Used machines

I've been browsing used BIPAP STs or ASVs after developing mixed apnea following CPAP, and wanted to ask whether it is at all recommended using a used machine? Particularly, is it possible to catch something from it, from a pathogen point of view? After discussing this with some family members, they expressed their concern for the possibility of pathogens being transferred between users, especially as each user would exhale into those machines. Their worst concern was that I could potentially catch something that may compromise my already compromised lungs, with something like tuberculosis. Just being super careful due to my health problems and wanted to hear what other people thought. Ty.

I would worry more about tobacco use in the house (even if not by the patient). Pathogens can be eliminated by proper cleansing, but tobaccos poisons can never really be cleaned.

Pathogens need something to feed on...there's nothing in the machine to really keep them alive even if some were to make it all the way down the 6 ft hose against air pressure from a sick patient.
Most people simply can't exhale against that air flow enough to move any pathogens into the long hose...much less back to the machine.

Get a new hose, new filter and new water chamber with the used machine.
Wipe the outside down with an alcohol wipe or similar disinfectant.
That's all I have ever done with my used machines that I have bought over the years.

If you are sensitive to odors...make sure it not only comes from a non smoking household but also check for aroma products. I have heard of heavy incense use causing residual odors in machines.
Odors aren't pathogens though...they just stink. You can't smell germs.
If buying used from reputable business...they should have already checked for residual unpleasant odors.

Thanks for replying. Okay, check cigarette/incense odors. Though we are exhaling into the cpap+, good point about exhaling all the way to the machine. I'm just thinking of picking one up from private sellers. Just curious, how do hospitals disinfect cpap+ machines? Does anyone know?

kismetsct wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 27, 2019 10:38 am

. . . how do hospitals disinfect cpap+ machines? . . .

They clean the tank, hose, frame and reusable headgear.
They might wipe down the outside of the machine
The filter and silicone interface are replaced.
Same as you would do at home.
Likely less than Secondwindcpap.com does.
But more than most of us do at home--at least, not as often.

kismetsct wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 27, 2019 10:38 am

Thanks for replying. Okay, check cigarette/incense odors. Though we are exhaling into the cpap+, good point about exhaling all the way to the machine. I'm just thinking of picking one up from private sellers. Just curious, how do hospitals disinfect cpap+ machines? Does anyone know?

There's instructions in the back of all the clinician manuals or reprocessing between patients.

Look it up for yours.

I will start with an observation: When you do any sort of sleep lab study where they try pap therapy, it was almost certainly with a used machine. That is less common than it used to be as many studies are done outside of the lab (lots of in-home tests followed by a script for a new auto machine).

If my immune system was truly compromised, I would consult you doctor. If I was especially vulnerable to infections (post organ transplant, etc.), I would absolutely purchase new.

Most germs are not especially hardy outside of a host. There are a few -- I think noro can go a few weeks, Hanta maybe a week, a few can last months. But most are a matter of hours...

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 27, 2019 10:47 am

kismetsct wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 27, 2019 10:38 am

. . . how do hospitals disinfect cpap+ machines? . . .

But more than most of us do at home--at least, not as often.

hahah for sure! Woah so what does secondwindcpap do on top of basic cleaning? I'm thinking private sellers probably won't do much more than basic cleaning.

palerider wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 27, 2019 11:24 am

kismetsct wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 27, 2019 10:38 am

Thanks for replying. Okay, check cigarette/incense odors. Though we are exhaling into the cpap+, good point about exhaling all the way to the machine. I'm just thinking of picking one up from private sellers. Just curious, how do hospitals disinfect cpap+ machines? Does anyone know?

There's instructions in the back of all the clinician manuals or reprocessing between patients.

Look it up for yours.

Oh great point. Will def check it out

TropicalDiver wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 27, 2019 8:37 pm

I will start with an observation: When you do any sort of sleep lab study where they try pap therapy, it was almost certainly with a used machine. That is less common than it used to be as many studies are done outside of the lab (lots of in-home tests followed by a script for a new auto machine).

Ikr! That's what I was thinking.

TropicalDiver wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 27, 2019 8:37 pm

If my immune system was truly compromised, I would consult you doctor. If I was especially vulnerable to infections (post organ transplant, etc.), I would absolutely purchase new.

Most germs are not especially hardy outside of a host. There are a few -- I think noro can go a few weeks, Hanta maybe a week, a few can last months. But most are a matter of hours...

Yeah, some health probs so def trying to be super careful. I'll def have to think about it some more. Want to be 100% sure in my decision either way. Thanks for weighing in!

If it's going to bother you..and you are going to think about it every time you use it, You best get a new machine. It's a struggle for most people getting adjusted to the mask and pressure without worrying about germs too. Just a side note...When you are in the hospital and you need a CPAP, the Respiratory Department brings you one that most likely has been used by dozens of people. When you take a machine in for repairs, the DME may give you a loaner that may have been used by several people. If there are germs, they will be on the outside of the machine and can be cleaned with a disinfectant.

kismetsct wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 04, 2019 9:34 pm

Yeah, some health probs so def trying to be super careful. I'll def have to think about it some more. Want to be 100% sure in my decision either way. Thanks for weighing in!

I tend to get colds fairly easily and have delicate lungs (asthma -- with several flares a year requiring oral steroids). My primary machine was purchased new (with very good insurance).

When I wanted to buy a back up machine (all out-of-pocket), I purchased a low hours used machine. I remain very happy with that choice.

All of that said, I agree with LSAT.

You can logic this topic to death, but if the idea of a used machine squicks you out,
it may be easier to just spend the money to be comfortable.
It's your body, your money, and your brain.
Please yourself.

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:27 pm

You can logic this topic to death, but if the idea of a used machine squicks you out,
it may be easier to just spend the money to be comfortable.
It's your body, your money, and your brain.
Please yourself.

All the machines I've bought, for myself and others, have been used.

There are more important things to worry about than the provenance of a glorified FAN.

When insurance is involved, I INSIST on new--that is what they are paid for.
I am a thrift shop regular, so I invest in used things all the time.
New is a treat--and I reserve it for medical stuff, (and underwear).