New User: Cleaning CPAP Machine Humidifier Reservoir

My Question: I have water stains in my humidifier reservoir. The vendor told me to use distilled water and something else to help remove the stains. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you.

Houston_Mike

READ BEFORE SAYING I DIDN'T SEARCH
I'm sure there is another thread dealing with this issue. However, my experience with forums dictates users don't always use a proper subject. Before posting I did search the database using a simple string "cleaning CPAP". A myriad of results came back all having subjects that don't state "How to Clean a CPAP" or anything remotely similar. Futhermore, most people will not dig through more than a couple of pages of results on a search. The reasoning is simple. The results returned by a search are suppose to be weighted according to relevance of the search provided. That means the first item in the returned list has the highest probability of meeting your needs.

I stated the above so nobody goes crazy over not digging deep into the archives to find something I believe should be a sticky.

I just wipe mine out before I refill it but other people will wash theirs out with a mild soap and rinse it out very well. I believe there was something about this in the "our wisdom" section of the forum. Look at the top right of the page and check that area out.

bty...Welcome!

Clean with one part vinegar and 2 part warm water let sit for at least 10 minutes.

Are you using only distilled water in the humidifier? To clean the humidifier (which I do very rarely) I wash with dawn dishwashing liquid and tap water. Then swish with a 1:3 vinegar:water solution, and rinse very very well.

Brenda

Thank you for the replies. I knew about using mild soap and luke warm water for washing my mask. That is how I normally wash everything -- when I remember.

I will admit to finding the information using Google after making the post. The solution called for 1 part White Vinegar and 5 parts distilled water. From what I understand, this should be done once a week to prevent hard water build up and staining. What about disinfecting?

If you use distilled water in the humidifier you will have no hard water staining or buildup. If you use distilled water only all you will have to do is top off the tank. No need for disinfecting because nothing will grow in there. I believe all the manufacturers recommend distilled water only in the tank.

Brenda

I've used tap water for a long time before learning about this.

I was one of those people who did everything on the assignment in school that only required you to place your name and date on it prior to turning in.

Even though I always used distilled water (purchased in the gallon jugs), my humidifier would develop an orange scum after about a month of use. So I'd clean it with hot water and mild detergent. But, afterI bought a water distiller and started making my own distilled water, I never have to clean it. It just stays crystal clear, no slim or discoloration. I think that distilled water we purchase is not always pure!

I am pretty much in line with everyone else here...

Every week (Sunday) I disassemble everything, and soak the resovior, the nasal pillows and the hose in a big pot of soapy water (baby shampoo and water). Let soak for at least 15 minutes, rinse it off, and then do the same thing with white vinegar and water. I do not measure it out, just pour some in... again, rinse everything out, and let air dry.
Once during the week (aim for Wednesday) I drain the resoivior tank and let air dry throughout the day... refill before night time. It has been close to 2 months now and everything looks like new. No sickness, slime or anything else. Everything that I do was from information I derived from this site. Everyone may tell ya something different, you just find what works for ya. Oh and I have not used distilled water yet. I always forget to buy it. I use filtered water from my fridge, but don't tell resmed.

The only time I had any kind of mineral deposits in my tank was when I went to Thailand for 2 weeks. I had to use drinking water because you can't find distilled water there. At home, I use distilled water purchased at Walmart and have never had anything in the tank. I wash it ever other week with soap, water and the vinegar solution.

I wash & soak in a 'you could eat if' (but who'd want to?) soap. Then, after rinsing and still wet, I spray the humidifer with white vinegar (the cheap kind in a gallon container) and let sit for a few minutes (2-4). Then, I rinse very, very well and let air dry.

The ResMed H4i instructions only state that clean, fresh water be used. In the FAQ section it notes that distilled water use will avoid mineral buildup. So either is acceptable.

Cleaning with vinegar is probably overkill for those who use distilled water.

I thought the vinegar was mainly for removing the soap?? I was just cleaning mine today (it's first big cleaning) and I used vinegar because I had read here that many people do. I just thought it was for removing soap residue.

Cassandra

Vinegar kills pathogens. I spray countertops with vinegar and let sit for 60 secs (a la CDC's recommendation), then wipe dry with a clean towel. After rinsing, I spray anything that has touched raw meat or raw eggs with vinegar and let sit at least 60 secs, then wash well.

Being a mild acid, vinegar will also get rid of the slick feel of soap (primarily a 'base' the opposite of an acid) on hands and dishes, etc.

Vinegar, being acidic, also dissolves to one extent or another mineral deposits.

I bought a resmed s9 from someone off Craigslist and when I turn it on it smells like cigar, it works good but how can I get rid of the smell. I've already changed the filter