CPAPtalk.com

oceanpearl wrote:Every six days I clean my hoses with Dawn dishwashing liquid then soak them for an hour in a vinegar and water solution.
Not really being anal about anything. Just that I have known people with all kinds severe bronchial problems (not particulary from CPAP)and I AIN'T taking any chances with MY lungs. You can all do with yours as you choose.

Let's hope that Dreamstalker has better common sense than to wear a hose for a year without cleaning or replacing it.

"With both the CPAP humidifier and the room air humidifier proper care and cleaning reduces the risk of growing molds and bacteria. You breathe this humidified air into your lungs and some strains of bacteria can cause lung infections."

http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/ap ... 1&month=11

I haven't cleaned my hose since I started therapy 2 1/2 years ago (and I've been using the same one all that time, even though I have a couple of spares).
For about 6 months after starting therapy in 2005 it seemed like I was sick about every other month.....but there were a lot of "bugs" going around that year that everyone else had. I have not had so much as a sniffle or cough since the Thanksgiving week of 2005 (the flu that time)....2 years of being "cold-free".

I don't know what could possibly grow in distilled water, but I would think it would take a LOOOONG time for it to happen. After all, the container is covered and the air coming in should be filtered. Even people using heated humidity would be refilling the humidifer tank almost daily.....which means most of it is being expelled in a relatively short time.

Whatever floats yer boat.

Den (still not worried and ain't about to change my way of thinkin')

Wulfman wrote:

oceanpearl wrote:Every six days I clean my hoses with Dawn dishwashing liquid then soak them for an hour in a vinegar and water solution.
Not really being anal about anything. Just that I have known people with all kinds severe bronchial problems (not particulary from CPAP)and I AIN'T taking any chances with MY lungs. You can all do with yours as you choose.

Let's hope that Dreamstalker has better common sense than to wear a hose for a year without cleaning or replacing it.

"With both the CPAP humidifier and the room air humidifier proper care and cleaning reduces the risk of growing molds and bacteria. You breathe this humidified air into your lungs and some strains of bacteria can cause lung infections."

http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/ap ... 1&month=11

I haven't cleaned my hose since I started therapy 2 1/2 years ago (and I've been using the same one all that time, even though I have a couple of spares).
For about 6 months after starting therapy in 2005 it seemed like I was sick about every other month.....but there were a lot of "bugs" going around that year that everyone else had. I have not had so much as a sniffle or cough since the Thanksgiving week of 2005 (the flu that time)....2 years of being "cold-free".

I don't know what could possibly grow in distilled water, but I would think it would take a LOOOONG time for it to happen. After all, the container is covered and the air coming in should be filtered. Even people using heated humidity would be refilling the humidifer tank almost daily.....which means most of it is being expelled in a relatively short time.

Whatever floats yer boat.

Den (still not worried and ain't about to change my way of thinkin')

oceanpearl wrote:My thought is that the system is not a "closed loop". Mold spores are in the air and the mask itself would allow reverse infiltration into the hose. I have enough problems without the possibility of a lung infection. Did you read the link from Lung Assn??

Yes, I did.....TWICE.....just in case there was something I might be missing.
Hasn't changed my thought process on this at all.

There's been way too much emphasis placed on killing every living organism.....that's why there's so many problems with disease-resistant strains of these "bugs". Every time somebody gets sick, they go to the doctor for a shot or antibiotic. NOW we've got a BIGGER problem.

"That which doesn't kill you will only make you stronger."


Den

http://www.lung.ca/about-propos/who-qui_e.php

Who we are
For over 100 years, The Canadian Lung Association has been dedicated to its mission of promoting and improving lung health for all Canadians. A non-profit and volunteer-based health charity, The Lung Association depends on donations from the public to support lung health research, education, prevention and advocacy.

The Lung Association movement began in 1900 to control the spread of tuberculosis and provide better services for TB patients. Today, The Lung Association focuses on all issues that affect the ability of Canadians to breathe every day.

The mission of the Canadian Lung Association is to lead nationwide and international lung health initiatives, prevent lung disease, help people manage lung disease and promote lung health. Our Provincial and national offices work together to help the one in five Canadians who have breathing problems.

My emphasis.

No info on who wrote the apnea text, and no references to research on that subject.

O.

Den, that explains a lot now! lol You're a result of dirty tubes.

oceanpearl wrote:... snip ...

Let's hope that Dreamstalker has better common sense than to wear a hose for a year without cleaning or replacing it.

"With both the CPAP humidifier and the room air humidifier proper care and cleaning reduces the risk of growing molds and bacteria. You breathe this humidified air into your lungs and some strains of bacteria can cause lung infections."

http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/ap ... 1&month=11

Look!

I already know I have WAY MORE common sense than any mold spore you could ever find (and that includes those terrorized by them or using them to terrorize others).

If you use and maintain the air filter for the PAP machine as directed by the manufacturer, there won’t be enough molds or bacteria in the air flow reaching your humidifier, hose, nose, or lungs to make a squat of difference. Even at that, I think the filters are designed more to protect the PAP machine blower unit than your lungs.

In addition, the Canadian web page has at least one error which could question the credibility of the author … “However, the delicate tissue on the inside of the nose changes when you use CPAP due to the increased airflow.” CPAP does not increase airflow (at least not significantly). Constant Positive Airway Pressure only increases the airway “pressure”, NOT the airflow … two different terms that are not synonymous.

Alfatoxin/mycotoxin health hazards … they are NOT the norm. Life would not have evolved on this planet into the diversity we see today or in the past if they were significant. As I alluded to before in another thread -- you breathe in unfiltered air into your respiratory system about twice as long each day as the HEPA filtered air from your machine during the night. Your respiratory system is a much much more conducive environment for micro-pathogens than the PAP equipment and yet you do not appear to be too overwhelmed with mold spores and bacteria to post on this forum. Sure, a rare few may die of a lung infection from their dirty PAP equipment … but I would guess that you are much more likely to die from a lightning strike.

You accuse me of being a shill for our forum host (which also shows the level of your common sense) … and yet you continue to try and instill fear to the readers of this forum about low level risks of infection by PAP equipment. I think maybe it is you who is the shill … do you by chance have a business selling those PAP inline air filters or do you just sell PAP hoses?

I don't know how to make it more clear, I do not have dirty equipment despite not cleaning the hose or only rinsing the humidifier reservoir once in a while ... I'm not worried about infections as my respiratory system is in perfect health and has been since starting PAP treatment ... and I'm perfectly content with the common sense about me. Clean your stuff all you want, doubt my wits if it makes you feel better, but maybe you should really try and cut back on the fear factor in order to sell your wares!