Arguably, the CPAP machine along with its accessories serve as the lifeline of apnea sufferers for a better quality of life. Through these devices, you can sleep better because of the continuous flow of air fed into your respiratory system. In this way, too, your bedmate and housemates can sleep better due to your lessened snoring episodes.
In order to take better benefit from the program, you have to regularly clean the CPAP accessories for obvious reasons. To begin with, you can extend the lifestyle of the elements of the CPAP system. For the next thing, you are assured the air being fed though your nose is, well, clean.
Liquids Used – Each of the CPAP accessories needs a different kind of liquid depending on the type of materials used. It is recommended to use specific liquid cleaners so as to ensure that the accessory is actually taken cared of.
Masks, nasal pillows and tubing are best cleaned with baby shampoo. Daily or weekly cleaning is recommended so as to ensure that build-up of dirt, dust and grime is avoided. Just be sure to dilute the shampoo with equal parts water before utilizing them on the CPAP machine accessories.
Once every 90 days, however, you should use white wine vinegar to wash the nasal pillow, mask and tubing. It will help in disinfecting and cleansing the parts from within.
Humidifiers would be best cleaned using distilled water. This goes for cool and heated humidifiers as distilled water works well for the prevention of mineral build-up. Just be sure to blend mild pure soap detergent with the Distilled Water With CPAP, soak the water chamber in the solution for 10 mins, rinse well and then air dry after every use.
Many of these CPAP accessories will be needing defense against sudden surges in electricity, which can be accomplished with the aid of a surge protector. You can either ask your manufacturer for that appropriate unit or else you can just purchase it from your favorite home supply store.
Replacement Schedule – It ought to be emphasized that CPAP accessories will never as long as the CPAP machine itself. As such, you need to have them replaced regularly based on a schedule set through the manufacturer or because the need arises.
* Masks have to be replaced every three months
* Nasal pillows are best replaced every month however some can last for as long as three months
* New headgears should be bought every 6 months
* Tubing should ideally get replaced on a monthly basis depending on the kind of materials
* Disposable filters should be changed every 6 months, too
It must be noted that this schedule for switching your CPAP accessories can vary depending on how well you look after them, how frequently you use them and, more essential, your insurance provider’s schedule of replacements.
In conclusion, proper care of CPAP accessories is essential for many reasons. As a result, you dpxydo ask your medical provider concerning the methods for doing this in a similar manner that you need to ask how to care for your system through lifestyle changes.