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New CPAP user. Any cleaning suggestions or tips?

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SwarmingTiger +0 points · over 2 years ago Original Poster

Hey everyone. I just got my CPAP machine(ibreeze model) at the beginning of January and it's been great so far. Any tips or suggestions on cleaning? The manufacturer recommended cleaning the device, mask, tube, and water chamber weekly. I got some baby wipes to wipe down my mask and tube every morning when I wake up and I periodically wipe the machine down with an electronic wipe throughout the week to keep it from getting dusty though that hasn't been a problem. I started today washing the tube, water chamber, and mask with dawn dish soap and rinsing them with cool water and drying them down with a Microfiber cloth. I got some vinegar to soak in the water chamber before I clean it with the soapy water. I used a little plastic bin from the hospital to clean my CPAP stuff in. Is it necessary for me to get a cpap cleaner to go along with the regular cleaning? I bought a uv sanitizer off Amazon. Do I need anything to dry the tube out? I hung it up to dry and ran a cycle on my machine to blow out any small water droplets at the end of the day. I'm trying not to get too overwhelmed with all the suggestions and tips I've been reading across the internet and YouTube.

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Biguglygremlin +0 points · over 2 years ago Sleep Enthusiast

Hi SwarmingTiger,

Asking for suggestions is probably not the best way to avoid being overwhelmed.

I'm not sure why but cleaning is one of the favourite subjects of many CPAP users.

Probably the safest advice would be to follow the manufacturers instructions.

Cleaning up my Act

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Sierra +0 points · over 2 years ago Sleep Patron

BUG is correct. Your owners manual would be a good starting point. I use pure vinegar on my mask and hose first, followed by some Dawn dishwashing detergent, and then finally a rinse to drip dry. If your machine has a prewarm feature that will remove any remaining moisture. I try to wash the parts in the morning and let it drip dry all day before using it again. The vinegar is good at removing any mineral deposits and will also act as a disinfectant if pure. I would avoid using an ozone cleaner like SoClean. The ozone can damage the machine and void the warranty. UV probably does no harm. I was negligent on replacing my inlet air filter and it got pretty dirty. I have set a reminder to replace it every 3 months. Depending on what I see, I may extend that to 6 months.

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PutSleepApneatoBed +0 points · over 2 years ago Sleep Commentator

Use of the Ozone sanitizers voids most manufacturers’ warranties. Use of the UV sanitizers may do the same. I would check that out before buying or using them.

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SwarmingTiger +0 points · over 2 years ago Original Poster

Thanks guys. I was hesitant about getting anything dealing with ozone so I ended up not getting any of the ozone cleaners. I'll just do like you said and stick to the manufacturer's suggestions and I'll just return the uv cleaner.

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CyrusManz +0 points · over 2 years ago

You never need to sanitize your machine because there's no reason for it. Your machine is just a pump that draws clean air (through its own microfilters) from the environment and blows it through the tube. So there's nothing to sanitize inside (I know, a lot of people LOVE their Ozone cleaners, but Ozone gen erators like SoClean are really very dangerous. Even the FDA talks about it. Anyway, as for your hose and mask, nothing like good old warm water and your favorite dish soap. Then let then drip dry and you are good to go. Masks every 3 weeks but wipe with sanitizing towels ever night before use and hose evert 2-3 weeks. You can also clean your water tank about once a month this way and you are good to go. Oh/...only use distilled water for your humidifier. This way you won't be inhaling juicy bacteria in drinking water.

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aslamkhan +0 points · over 1 year ago

Hey there! Congrats on your new CPAP machine! It's great that you're taking the cleaning seriously. I think what you're doing is great, and you don't necessarily need a CPAP cleaner if you're already washing it regularly. As for drying the tube, hanging it up is a good method. Another option is to use a tube dryer or brush. If you're feeling overwhelmed, just remember to keep it simple and stick to a routine. And if you ever need professional cleaning, consider checking out professional cleaning services at gotenancycleaning.com. Good luck with your CPAP journey!

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sleepmonster +0 points · over 1 year ago

I wash the mask with liquid hand soap daily to prevent acne. It takes 10 seconds. Then everything else once a week in a plastic tub strap’s included. Use dawn and hot water. If I go more than a week I notice it.

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AudaP +0 points · over 1 year ago

I Hope you sorted out the cleaning for your CPAP machine. Following the manufacturer's guidelines, using baby wipes, washing with dish soap, and utilizing a UV sanitizer is effective. A separate CPAP cleaner is not necessary. Stick to your routine and don't get overwhelmed by all the suggestions.

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