Mask cleanersEven if it is greatly marketed, is there any proof that you require CPAP sanitizers or cleaners such as Lumin or SoClean to decrease the dangers of infections while using CPAP treatment to cure sleep apnea? It is important that you get the appropriate information from BestCPAP to understand the potential benefits, costs, and possible risks of using CPAP.

Maintain clean CPAP Appliances

Professionals, sleep doctors, and manufacturers recommend routine cleaning of appliances for consistent positive airway pressure (CPAP).  The mask, tubes, and water chamber should be washed with liquid soap and hot water every day (or at least weekly)

Furthermore, the filter of the system should be substituted every 2 to 4 weeks. In the water chamber, distilled water should also be used to minimize harm.

This cleaning norm could be an ideal which not everybody lives up to. Many patients don’t clean the appliance. This could lead to major problems, including:

  • In the mask, mucus can gather
  • Within the water chamber, minerals will accumulate
  • In humid environments, the mold can grow
  • In the tubing, germs can be contained
  • The machine could be unhygienic
  • Unpleasant smells can occur

Direct exposure to bacteria, viruses, and molds may also be possible threats with unclean devices. The risk of nasty residues, sinus infections, and even pneumonia may be increased. But do CPAP users encounter these infections more often? Will you ever get sick after using a CPAP?

Hazards Resulting From Using CPAP

CPAP machineFor over 35 years, CPAP has been around. There appears to be a slight chance of infection with CPAP equipment. Very few studies show illness that resulted from using CPAP. This does not mean that you can not get sick after using a CPAP. There was no difference in the use of CPAP, range, or moisturizers in the predominance of infections or types of isolated, nasal, masked, and moisturizer-based microorganisms in the study done in 2017 by 137 patients. There were no discrepancies between users of CPAP and non-CPAP regarding upper respiratory infections and pneumonia.

In a previous 2012 review, CPAP was found to minimize inflammation and mucosal development in the nose, which could lead to lowered congestion and infection risks.

Sanitizing and Cleaning CPAP Machine

CPAP equipment with fluid dish soap and hot water is most recommended by experts. In certain situations, water is used together with diluted vinegar. This was sufficient for decades to prevent widespread CPAP-related respiratory infections.

However, in recent years, businesses have taken advantage of concerns and created a cleaner and sanitizer niche market. How much do these devices cost, profit, and risk?

SoClean 2

Benefits: It is confirmed that 99.9% of CPAP masks, tubing, and water reservoir bacteria are killed after using Soclean 2 based on controlled laboratory research. This can be achieved by supplying ozone to the internal chambers of the CPAP system in a sealed container and from the mask through the tubes.

The mask must not be dismantled but inserted directly into the tube container through a side opening. The mask is not necessary. The SoClean 2 Go, which runs on 8AA batteries, is also a smaller version to travel with.

Risks: The residual ozone smell can be dangerous and unpleasant. Among those with respiratory problems, ozone exposure is potentially harmful. It is defined as a ‘no known useful medical use toxic gas.’

The EPA says that relatively low levels of ozone can cause chronic respiratory disease and shortness of breath. Indeed, the body’s ability to tackle respiratory infections may be ironically compromised.

Lumin

Benefits

 CPAP hose sanitizerThe unit has a sliding drawer in which the mask or the water chamber can be put to clean and promises to kill 99 percent of bacteria using UV light. It works fast, delivering a 5-minute dose of hygienic light. It is also ideal for washing hearing aids, dentures, and toothbrushes.

Risks: The use of the device can, however, produce an unpleasant smell inside the device. No direct UV exposure, so the effects (such as skin cancer or damage to the eye) are irrelevant. Regrettably, only surfaces exposed to light are washed.

Are you having problems with your CPAP and you need advice on how to clean them? Worry no more since our experts will guide you through and also help you acquire the required CPAP that will not cause problems. Get in touch with us today! 

References and Resources

Bacteria 

CPAP machine