Tips on Cleaning Your CPAP Equipment

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Tips on Cleaning Your CPAP Equipment

The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is specialized medical equipment that is used to administer treatment to people with obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a medical condition where the breathing of a patient stops and starts mostly while sleeping.

A common symptom of the disorder is feeling fatigued and exhausted in the morning when you wake up after sleeping for the whole night.

Through this article, you will learn about how the machine works, how to clean CPAP, and the benefits of ensuring that your CPAP is sparkling clean.

Principle of Operation of the CPAP Machine 

There are different types of CPAP machines which vary in size depending on the design, cost, complexity, and application. However, despite the variations, these machines serve a common objective; ensuring that air passes through the throat when the muscles of your throat relax when you are asleep. To learn more about CPAP machine and accessories turn on pick my perfect for find out best possible CPAP equipment.

– The CPAP equipment has inbuilt pressure sensors which analyze your breathing system to set the correct pressure for your lungs.

– The kit draws air from the environment, purifies it, passes it through a humidifier to moisten it, and directs it to your nose through a flexible hosepipe. Velcro straps are used to attach the pipe to your nose.

– In this manner, the air pressure along your trachea is maintained within a safe range that prevents your throat muscles from collapsing/closing.

The Step-By-Step Guide on How to Clean CPAP 

Undoubtedly, it is crucial to maintain the CPAP equipment in the cleanest state possible to avoid inhaling dust and hazardous impurities. Since you are inhaling air directly from the device, understanding how to clean it well is equally critical.

Cleaning Requirements 

– Dishwashing soap and vinegar

– A cotton towel

– Small basin

– Warm water

– Cotton cloth

The Washing Procedure 

  1. Disconnect the CPAP equipment from the power source and disassemble the constituent parts. Detach the headgear, the hose tube, the humidifier unit, and any other auxiliary component.
  2. Gently remove any dirt particles from the components by dipping the cotton cloth in warm water and working on the surfaces of the parts of the CPAP machine.
  3. Add vinegar and dishwashing soap to a small basin that is full of warm water. Vinegar is used to enhance the cleansing power of the mixture.
  4. Submerge the hose tube, headgear, and face mask into the water and allow them to soak for approximately 30 minutes.
  5. Gently work on the surfaces of these components with a cotton cloth to eliminate stiff dirt particles.
  6. Rinse the parts with clean warm water and place them on a clean cotton towel to air dry.
  7. Once completely dry, reassemble the components and turn on the CPAP equipment.
  8. Leave the device to run for approximately 5 minutes to eliminate any dirt particles that might be trapped in the interiors of the components.
  9. Your machine should now be sparkling clean to use again. If your CPAP equipment has a humidifier, only fill it with distilled water to avoid illnesses that are associated with inhaling impure air.

Benefits of Cleaning Your CPAP Equipment 

For the efficiency of the CPAP machine to remain at its peak, a regular cleaning routine is vital. Proper hygiene is essential for the following reasons:

  1. A clean CPAP will function at maximum efficiency, assuring you of restful sleep.
  2. A clean CPAP equipment ensures that you breathe safe and purified air.
  3. Cleaning the equipment reduces your chances of exposure to bacteria and disease-causing micro-organisms.
  4. Cleaning the device makes you less susceptible to pneumonia and sinuses infections.
  5. Effective cleaning of the gadget ensures that you breathe air that is free of odor.

Points to Note 

Health practitioners always warn against using scented detergents to clean CPAP. Other substances that should not be used to clean the equipment are chlorine, hand sanitizers, ammonia, and bleaching agents. The doctors argue that scented detergents contain elements that irritate the lungs.

On top of that, it is not advisable to wash the CPAP equipment in a washing machine because it would damage the delicate components.

In addition to that, you should consider disposing of your CPAP equipment safely to the recycling facility after using it for a considerable length of time.

Conclusion

To finalize, it is crucial to understand how to clean CPAP and some of the health benefits that are associated with cleaning it. Understanding how the machine works helps you appreciate the significance of the CPAP medical device.

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