Thursday, August 12, 2010

Clean A Cpap Machine

In sleep apnea, your airway closes intermittently as you sleep -- many people with sleep apnea wake many times a night, even if they don't remember waking. This can result in chronic fatigue, and it might make it unsafe for you to operate machinery or drive a car. Sleep apnea can also be hard on the heart. To treat sleep apnea, many doctors prescribe a CPAP machine, which helps keep your airway open. CPAP machines require regular cleaning. Some parts need daily cleaning.


Instructions


1. Unplug the unit when cleaning.


2. Wipe the outside of the CPAP unit with a damp cloth. Let air dry.








3. Remove and rinse the foam filter every two weeks. Let it dry, then replace it.


4. Remove and inspect the ultra fine filter every two weeks. If the ultra fine filter looks dirty, replace it with a clean one. Unlike the foam filter, it cannot be reused. A typical ultra fine filter will last months, depending on how smoky or dusty your environment is.


5. Clean the tubing daily. Remove the tubing from the device and rinse with water and mild soap, swishing the water back and forth through the tube and then emptying. Rinse thoroughly and hang to air dry before reattaching it.


6. Wash the mask and all its components daily. Fill a bowl with hot water and a little soap. Soak all the components and let them soak a bit, or, if they appear dirty, hand-wash any dirty areas. Rinse and air-dry.


7. Wash headgear weekly, in the same way you wash the mask and components.


8. Clean the holding tank, if your unit has a dehumidifier, with a damp cloth and mild soap once a week. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Tags: fine filter, ultra fine, ultra fine filter, damp cloth, every weeks