Required Maintenance of CPAP and BIPAP Equipment, Masks and Accessories

Innovations Could Make this Process Simpler, Quicker and More Effective

Checking required maintenance of CPAP and BIPAP supplies are in working order is an ongoing part of your successful sleep therapy. There are 3 main areas types of the equipment that must be maintained on an ongoing basis by the user if you do not use an automatic CPAP cleaning device:

1. The tubes

2. The mask or nose pads

3. The non-disposable and disposable filters

If you experience equipment failed, or unusual mechanical noises, do not attempt to fix yourself, call your provider for assistance.

Additionally, it is important to disinfect your equipment and a required to prevent bacteria and mold build up. This build up over time is inevitable and can lead to infections in the body. Proper cleaning also helps remove any dirt and oil that may become trapped on your skin and transfer to the devise. Oil and dirt will cause the supplies to break down and need to be replaced much more quickly than if the all parts of the devise is kept clean and bacteria/mold free therefore it is maintenance of CPAP.

CPAP and BIPAP Tubing is of Special Concern

Avoiding unwanted moisture build-up when maintaining your CPAP supplies is the most important part of this process. Regardless if it is from the equipment, humidity in the air or from your body, bacteria are more likely to grow where there is an excess of moisture. For this reason, it is important maintenance of CPAP to clean and air-dry all your supplies regularly, not just the mask and nose pads.

Your Daily Cleaning Schedule Should Include These CPAP and BIPAP Items

Mask and Cushions Must be Cleaned Daily

• Use a mild soap and warm water to clean the mask and cushions. Ivory or even Dove brands of soap (unscented) should be used. You can also use baby shampoo

• Use a cloth to wipe well.

• Rinse and place in a location where it can air-dry.

• Avoid direct sunlight. Sunlight will damage and discolor the mask and cushions.

• You will want to do this on a daily basis

Your Weekly CPAP and BIPAP Supplies Cleaning Schedule Should Include:

Additional CPAP and BIPAP Tube Cleaning:

• Be sure to remove the CPAP tubing from the PAP machine and mask before cleaning

• Use a specialized cleaner or mild soap and warm water to clean the tubing. Avoid scented soaps.

• Rinse and hang to air-dry.

Additional Cleaning for the CPAP and BIPAP Mask:

• You will want to separate all components of the mask at least once a week and wash each individual piece.

• Rinse and air-dry as with other instances.

• Note: The headgear does not have to be removed from the rest of the mask for cleaning purposes. This is an option left to the user. However, it is important to be aware that the dye in the headgear may run during the first few cleanings. This is normal.

Non-disposable (gray) filters:

• Be sure to clean this filter at least once a week using warm soapy water (a mild soap of course). You can simply use your hand to create a nice lather then rinse well and air-dry.

• Make sure the filter is completely dry before inserting into the machine. Remember, unwanted moisture leads to bacteria and mold build up.

WARNINGS – DO NOT DO THESE THINGS

About Disposable filters (white or white and blue):

• DO NOT wash these filters and place back in the machine. These filters are to be discarded because their filtration breaks down with use much faster than the non-disposable filters.

Dangers of a Dirty Filter

If your filters are not changed regularly (if disposable) or washed regularly (non-disposable), the build-up of dirt and other debris can cause the machine to overcompensate for the lack of airflow. This extra work is similar to a central air unit that operates with a dirty filter. The flow of air is less and the operating temperature of the unit rises. The possibility of machine or unit failure is much greater as a result so it is maintenance of CPAP.

DO NOT Use These Supplies to Clean CPAP Equipment

• Vinegar

• Antibacterial wipes

• Antibacterial soaps

• Clorox Bleach

• Ammonia

• Chlorine

• Alcohol

• Scented soaps

• Moisturizers and lotions

• Hand sanitizers

• Oil based products

DO NOT use any of the above items to clean any part of the supplies. Not only will these products shorten the life of the supplies but may also cause allergic reactions when the CPAP system is in operation. In addition to this, be sure to avoid direct sunlight to prevent further damage, discoloration, and distortion of the supplies.

Manufacturers recommend using distilled water in the CPAP humidifier. If you do need to use tap water, you might notice a buildup in the humidifier’s reservoir.

And now – do not forget to totally disinfect all parts of the device that are to have human contact!

Do you want a much easier way to totally maintain your CPAP and BIPAP system?

If you don’t want to wash and maintain your CPAP or BIPAP equipment by hand and worry about what to wash and when as part of maintenance of CPAP, what you can and can’t use to clean your system with, and even what water to use in order not to damage your expensive equipment – there is another answer!

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