Reducing the Risk of CPAP-Related Infections

[DaleFL]

I have a problem, which I am going to address with my doctors. But I would love to get some input from anyone with personal experience or knowledge of the issue. I have CLL. I also have sleep apnea. I am suppose to be wearing a full face mask with my BIPAP machine. My problem is how to do I keep the humidifier, tubing, and mask clean? I know I am suppose to wash the tubing in warm soapy water, rinse, and let it air dry. Buy it does not seem like the best way to clean it. Water droplets don’t seem to dry even after a day or two, which can cause mold to grow. I want (and need) to use my BIPAP machine. I also do not want to get sick using it. Does anyone have any suggestions. I heard of a machine that uses ozone technology to clean the machine. But I heard ozone can be dangerous. And it is not FDA-approved for that use.

I appreciate any advice you can provide.

Thanks,

Dale

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

I've never dealt with a C PAP machine, so I don't know what the tubing is like, but could you blow warm air through it with a hair dryer to get it thoroughly dry? Or just on the tubing to warm it enough to dry if the air can't be blown into the tube? My hair dryer is my best friend for lots of things.

[Jm954 Administrator]

It's a really good question! Mine is relatively new and I've not had any problems with mould but I've thought about this quite a bit. I don't want to push contaminated, humidified air into my lungs under pressure, we could definitely end up with an infection. I've got an appointment in November, I'll ask a bit more about it.

[Justasheet1]

After cleaning it, try hooking it back up to the cpap and turning it on. That should dry it out.

Jeff

[MelioraDay]

My friend who uses CPAP was told to soak everything at least once a week in a one part vinegar in three parts water solution at least once a week for half an hour after washing in soap and water. The resevoir is soaked daily in the vinegar water solution. Then hook everything up as Jeff said, turn on the machine and let it dry

[DoriZett]

I use just a nose mask CPAP and had the same concerns. I wash the apparatus weekly in warm, soapy water with vinegar added, and air dry. My sleep specialist said not to be concerned about the water droplets that remain but I still am as he is not a CLL specialist and aware of our sinus and lung vulnerabilities. The advice to run the machine after cleaning to dry it out before use is a good one, just make sure the distilled water resourvoir is empty so all the moisture in the tubing dries out. Run for about an hour. I looked into that cleaning machine, too but it seemed like just another step without a guarantee of safety. Post anything else you find out. Good luck!

[DaleFL in reply to DoriZett]

Thank you for the advice.

[Chloe2057]

Hiya! I do not have sleep apnea however l do have to use a nebuliser with all its pipes and mask. I am not fully conversant with your piece of equipment so am not able to offer comprehensive suggestions. However, the "plastic lines" which remove from the nebuliser l remove, wash through and to remove residual water droplets l hold the line up and having cleaned my teeth and mouth gently blow the droplets out. I then hang it in my airing cupboard which totally dries any remaining droplets. Upon close examination the line is clear and clean. However, if l was you l would contact the manufacturer and ask their advice. It must be a question frequently asked. Good luck! 😊

[DaleFL]

Thank you for the advice. I appreciate it.

[Apeplow]

I bought a SoClean cpap cleaning apparatus for my partner. It uses ozone to clean the hoses. It is very convenient to use, only takes about 7 minutes, and can be used to clean toothbrushes and mouth guards as well. The company has research results to show impressive microbial reductions using ozone as a sterilization gas. She has been using it for a year with no problems.

[kensim9]

I was lucky enough to end up with 2 tubes and 2 head bands, - headband & nose washed daily in morning (my night sweats seem to be mainly head now & left to dry 1+ days. Tube still weekly wash, but week to dry, most important is machine filter, have gone on to replacing every month. Great to have a understanding sleep clinic NHS in Edinburgh! Bought spray from ResMed directly, which is very good on tubes & masks, but prefer soap (simple) for sweaty headband.

Also on tips use micro fibre towel xl size folded over top of pillowcase!

Best tip I ever got was from another patient - if mask leaking air, try LOOSEN straps first- often mask leaks as not allowed to 'float" over nose as mask too tight.

Sleep well!

Ken