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How to care for your CPAP equipment
Positive airway pressure therapy is commonly used by patients with respiratory problems. An example of conditions requiring someone to use CPAP equipment could be obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, a respiratory muscle disorder that affects the movement of the air into and out of the lungs or a problem that affects the lungs themselves (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cystic fibrosis).
Some of this equipment uses continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to keep the airways open. As a breathing aid, other machines give an additional pulse of pressure when you breathe in. Depending on the treatment, the type may vary. To maintain the condition of any piece of equipment you’re using to assist sleep, there are a few things you need to do.
Masks, straps, and tubing maintenance
Masks, straps, and tubing should be cleaned every week. Maintaining good hygiene is important. Additionally, it will extend their lifespan. Make sure the parts are separated before you do this. Make sure the tubing is disconnected from the humidifier and the machine. Hand wash with mild soap and water, then rinse well and let dry. The tubing can be hung over a rail for better drying. Don’t use too warm water, harsh detergents, or direct sunlight when drying. This can cause damage to the elastic and plastic straps.
Use the guidelines provided with your humidifier to clean the humidifier chamber weekly. Take care not to get water inside the machine.
You should check the mask daily for signs of wear, irritation, or hair tangles. It’s thought a good time to do this as you wash your face before bed. You could consider tidying up your hair with a hair comb to prevent tangles if they’ve become a problem.
Humidifier maintenance
These devices are commonly used with humidifiers. This helps to moisten and purify the air. Not everyone needs them. But for those who do, they provide better comfort.
You should follow a few basic hygiene rules if you use one. Your humidifier’s water should be changed daily. In the morning, empty the chamber and rinse it. During the day, the chamber should remain empty. Refill it with fresh water before using it at night. Demineralized or distilled water works best as this stops minerals from building up on the inner wall of the chamber which could slowly eat away at the metal parts.
Along with this daily routine, you should regularly clean the chamber thoroughly. This should be done once a week by washing it with warm soapy water and rinsing it afterwards. A soak in diluted (1 in 10) white vinegar can help remove deposits that remain, but these are not harmful.
Never use undiluted vinegar when cleaning the humidifier chamber. If only warm, soapy water is used to clean this, it will cause less damage to the unit.
Make sure the water chamber is cleaned, rinsed, and refilled every day and remember it’s important not to let water stand for too long.
Checking the filters
You should also check the machine inlet filter regularly. Moisten a cloth to remove surface dust. In some cases, you can wash the filter. Other times, the filter should be changed every six months. You might have to do this more often if it is dusty.
Replace the filter if it appears to be damaged, dirty, or clogged.
Maintenance of the machine
Although most machines have sturdy pumps, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. The pumps can usually be used for several years without any problems. However, they become more likely to malfunction as they age. Some manufacturers suggest a routine check after five years. Naturally, if you notice anything unusual (e.g. noisy operation or change), you should let your supplier know immediately.
Your CPAP equipment should serve you well when it’s taken good care of. If at any time though you feel its performance is not as effective, you should get in touch with your supplier. Of course, if you have any maintenance questions about your equipment, we’re always here to help and can be reached on 1800 717 566.
