Maintaining clean CPAP masks and machine is very necessary if you want to be sure that your device is risk-free to use and will continue to assist you in breathing through the night. In the absence of frequent cleaning, the mask is more likely to get contaminated with germs, viruses, and different types of debris, and the equipment is more likely to become damaged. However, you need to make sure that the mask is cleaned properly, which involves doing it by hand.
The high temperatures and rapid temperature shift that occur throughout the cycle of a dishwasher are too much for cpap mask to handle, thus they cannot be cleaned in a dishwasher. This may lead to the plastic being worn down and eventually breaking. Cleaning the mask and the tubing by hand in water that has been soapy, or vinegar added is recommended for the best results. Learn more can CPAP masks be recycled?
This article will explain why it is not advisable to clean your CPAP masks in the dishwasher and will also provide information about the most effective methods for cleaning your mask.
Reasons Why CPAP Masks Should Never Be Cleaned in the Dishwasher
Your CPAP masks is constructed of a softer plastic that is less durable than materials that can be cleaned in the dishwasher. If you put your CPAP mask or tubing in the dishwasher, it will almost certainly cause degradation, which will eventually lead to leaks. This is because dishwashers operate at such a high temperature. If you are still considering giving it a go, you should first look over the user instructions for your CPAP machine.
The Appropriate Methods for Cleaning CPAP Masks
If you clean your CPAP mask manually once a day, either with a towel and some soapy water or with mask wipes like the ones sold by Kinship Comfort Brands CPAP Mask Wipes, you will notice an improvement in the quality of your sleep. The convenience of mask wipes is enhanced by the fact that they are effective in removing grime, oil, and lint while emitting no odor.
These are the actions you need to do in order to hand wash your CPAP masks:
1. Remove the mask and any tubing that may be connected to the main machine.
2. Disconnect the tubing from the mask and the humidifier.
3. Remove the dust from the outside by pouring warm water onto a soft cloth and wiping it off.
4. Fill a sink, a bathtub, or a small container with warm water that has been filtered and mixed with a gentle dish soap or white vinegar that has been distilled.
5. Rinse the mask, the tubing, the headgear, and any plugs in the soapy water, then dry everything well.
6. Soak the mask and any other necessary equipment in the water containing the soap for a full half an hour.
7. Use the fuzzy cloths to dry the mask and the other pieces of equipment, and then lay them out to dry on a clean towel.
8. Do not reconnect any of the components until you are certain that everything has been thoroughly dry.
9. Start the machine and listen for any signs of air escape.
Other Methods Available for Cleaning Your CPAP Masks
Even though using water mixed with soap or vinegar, as well as CPAP cleaning wipes, is the easiest and most common way to clean a CPAP mask, you can also clean your equipment with a machine that uses UV light or activated oxygen. This method is more expensive than the other two options, but it gets the job done more thoroughly.
Germs are eliminated immediately upon contact with UV light, however the light will not always penetrate every component of the mask and hose. As a result, bacteria may remain. As a consequence of this, it is seen as a technique of cleaning that is less successful than the use of soap in disinfecting solutions.
Activated oxygen is a cleaning process that is quite successful, but it needs the use of a specialist equipment. Activated oxygen, commonly known as ozone, is produced by this machine and encircles your electronic devices. Ozone is a kind of oxygen molecule that contains three oxygen atoms. This results in the death of bacteria and viruses and is very safe to do.
Activated oxygen machines are among the most prevalent types of equipment used in hospitals and other medical settings. They are often regarded as the way that is most efficient for cleaning CPAP equipment.
Why It Is So Crucial That You Clean Your CPAP Mask Each and Every Day
Cleaning your CPAP masks is vital for a number of reasons, including your comfort, the health of your equipment, and the length of time it will last. If not cleaned on a regular basis, the tubing, mask, and humidifier tank of the machine might get contaminated with bacteria and viruses, which can lead to illness. This is not only hazardous but also makes it more difficult to breathe at night.
It is less likely that material will gather in your machine if you clean it regularly, which in turn reduces the likelihood that you may have an allergic response or an upper respiratory infection. Mold and fungus, which may lead to similar respiratory issues if they grow inside of your device, are also less likely to appear as a result of this.
In addition, keeping your mask clean may shield your skin from the accumulation of dead cells and body oils that can occur over time.
Last but not least, cleaning your CPAP mask once a day will avoid the silicone from being worn out and eventually falling apart as a result of direct contact with the skin. The tubing does not come into close touch with the user’s face; therefore it has a lower risk of wearing out as rapidly. However, it should still be cleaned at least once every week.
Conclusion
You shouldn’t use the dishwasher to clean your CPAP masks since the high temperatures may cause it to break apart. Instead, you should use another method. On the other hand, if your machine has a detachable humidifier tank, you may clean it in the dishwasher if you have one. In any case, you will need to use either warm soapy water or water mixed with vinegar to hand-wash all of the components of your machine.