The Importance of Cleaning Your CPAP Regularly

If you’re just starting CPAP therapy, one of the first questions you likely thought of was “Can CPAP therapy make me sick?” Today, we’re going to take a look at why you need to regularly clean your CPAP machine and what issues you will run into if you don’t. Though it may seem like a hassle, keeping your CPAP system clean won’t just help you avoid illness, it will also extend your system’s lifespan and ensure you’re receiving the therapy you need to sleep soundly. Check out CPAP Liquidators for our large inventory of CPAP, BiPAP, and accessories, all from brands you know and trust.

-Risk of Infection

When you first purchase a CPAP device, it will be sterile, without any germs present. Additionally, the plastic and metal parts of the device will not cause illness on their own. However, once you start using it, germs will enter the device through your breathing. Due to the humid nature of a CPAP machine, germs and bacteria can grow within the device. Depending on how you store your device, it may also pick up bacteria from the air within your home. When you don’t properly clean the device, you put yourself at greater risk of respiratory infections and pneumonia. Other possible issues that can arise when using a dirty CPAP machine include:

-Cleaning Recommendations

The best way to ensure your device is clear of germs and bacteria is with a regular cleaning schedule. You should clean your mask and tube once a day, as they are the pieces of the device that will be in the most contact with germs, along with being in the most contact with you. Your humidification chamber and headgear should be cleaned at least once a week to keep them in good condition.

There are some options available to you for cleaning your CPAP system. The easiest option is washing them with some warm water and an unscented, mild soap. You can also utilize CPAP wipes if you’re away from home to clean it quickly. One of the most easy and effective ways to ensure your device is cleaned properly is through the use of a CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer. There are a few different models on the market that automatically clean and sanitize your CPAP machine with the touch of a button, making your upkeep much easier and faster than other options.

It is absolutely imperative that you never clean your CPAP machine or any of the accessories with vinegar or bleach. Due to the sensitive nature of the therapy, using these solutions can cause health issues and damage your system. There are chemical cleaning options available, but more often than not, water and soap will clean it properly without requiring you to purchase something special.

-Other Dangers

CPAP machines are often designed with special features, such as a heated humidifier or heated tubing, which make the air you’re inhaling more warm and moist. This helps decrease the dryness of the mouth and nose that is present in CPAP devices that don’t have these features. However, with the introduction of a warm, humid environment, there are organisms that are sure to follow. Some of the organisms that thrive in a humid environment include fungus, yeast, and mold, all of which pose health risks to you.

When you breathe these organisms in, you can develop irritation of your throat, nasal passage, and lungs, along with infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, and an inflammation of the lungs called pneumonitis. The air pressure from the CPAP machine can even blow these organisms directly into your lungs. While the risk of these issues developing is relatively low, the only way to be sure you don’t run into these risks is by regularly and properly cleaning your device and all attachments. You owe it to yourself to get the best night’s sleep possible, without any uninvited guests wrecking the party.

Though it does require dedication and some elbow grease, keeping your CPAP machine clean will help keep you healthy. Stick to a regular schedule of cleaning and you can be sure you’ll breathe easy going forward. For an amazing selection of new and low-hour refurbished CPAP and BiPAP machines, look no further than CPAP Liquidators. We have everything you could need for a good night’s sleep.