You rely on doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioner to keep you healthy. They rely on a whole lot of supplies in order to do their jobs! From gloves, to masks, to syringes, medical supplies exist in great variety. Some basic services, like physical exams, may only require a few supplies, but more extensive procedures, like MRIs, require complex equipment. One thing is for sure: our medical system and medical care would not be what they are without the proper supplies and equipment. The more you know about these supplies, the more you'll agree, so we invite you to read more about the topic on this website.
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Your CPAP machine and equipment come with instructions for maintenance. It's important to follow those instructions and directions as explained by your medical equipment provider or healthcare professional so the device works properly and stays sanitary. Here are some maintenance tasks you'll need to do.
Face Mask And Strap
The face or nose mask is vulnerable to damage since it is soft, so it should be cleaned with gentle dish soap. Choose a soap that is unscented so you don't have to smell strong perfumes when you're wearing the mask. You can buy CPAP cleaning wipes, but they aren't necessary if you wash the mask with soapy water, rinse it, and then let it air-dry.
Don't use alcohol or bleach to clean the mask, as that might damage it and make strong fumes you have to breathe. If you need to disinfect the mask, use a vinegar and water solution instead. You should disinfect the mask about once a week, but if you have a cold, you may want to disinfect it more often.
The headgear should be washed in soapy water too and allowed to air-dry. It will last much longer than the mask, but it will eventually have to be replaced when it starts stretching out. Using gentle soap and avoiding a dryer will prolong the life of the straps.
Tubing
Tubing can be disinfected about once a week when you disinfect the mask by soaking it in a vinegar and water solution. Tubing can last a long time, but you eventually want to replace it in case it develops tiny holes or rips that you can't see.
All of your CPAP equipment needs to be replaced occasionally. Your insurance company can provide you with a schedule for how often they'll pay for replacing different parts of your CPAP system. Even if a part, such as tubing, doesn't need to be replaced yet, it's good to get your replacement parts on schedule so you have spares for emergencies.
Machine And Water Chamber
Your CPAP machine should last for many years, but if you drop it or if it malfunctions, you should have it checked. Protect the machine so you don't knock it off your nightstand or spill water on it. You can clean the machine by unplugging it and washing off the outside with a damp soapy cloth.
Remove the humidifier chamber every morning to empty the water. Wash it in soapy water and leave it to air-dry along with your mask. Disinfect the chamber along with tubing and your face mask in a vinegar-water soak.
Filters
Follow instructions that come with your brand of CPAP machine for how to care for the filters. Some are to be thrown out and replaced on a set schedule while others are taken out and washed. However, even the washable filters need to be replaced on the schedule recommended by the manufacturer.
It may seem overwhelming when you think about everything that needs to be done to maintain your CPAP equipment, but it's actually quick and easy once you get in a daily routine, and it helps your equipment last longer, work better, and stay cleaner. If you need help with CPAP maintenance, contact a health provider near you.
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