Ozone gas and UV light machines that claim to clean CPAPs do not have FDA clearance or approval, meaning that the FDA has not found that ozone gas and UV light cleaners work to kill germs on CPAPs and are safe. Not only can ozone leak out of the CPAP equipment into your home during cleaning, but ozone levels inside of the CPAP equipment can be above safe limits even several hours after cleaning is completed. The FDA has received reports from people who use CPAPs that they experienced unexpected asthma attacks, headaches, and breathlessness after using devices claiming to use ozone gas to clean their CPAP. Why is the FDA concerned about devices claiming to clean CPAPs? This means the FDA has not made a judgement regarding the safety or effectiveness of these machines for this use. To date, the FDA has not approved or cleared any machine to clean a CPAP. The second type uses ultraviolet (UV) light. One type uses ozone gas, which can be dangerous and toxic above certain levels. There are two main types of machines that claim to clean CPAPs. What types of machines that claim to clean CPAPs are being sold? And don’t forget to rinse reusable filters with water or get new filters on the schedule suggested by the manufacturer. If your CPAP machine has a humidifier, clean the water tank as instructed in the owner’s manual. Use a damp towel to clean the outside of the part of the CPAP machine that has an electrical cord. Remember not to put any machine with an electrical cord into water or other liquids. If there is visible residue on the mask or hose connectors, you can wipe it off with a soft cloth, or rinse it off with running water before soaking in the sink. Some manufacturers recommend cleaning detachable CPAP parts with a combination of vinegar and water. The face or nose mask, and detachable hoses and connectors, can be soaked in a sink filled with soapy water and then hung up to air dry. All detachable CPAP parts can generally be cleaned with mild soap and water unless the owner’s manual says otherwise. Since each type and brand of CPAP machine is different, you should follow the cleaning schedule and instructions from the company that made your CPAP machine. Dust and dirt can also cause problems with the machine, making it more likely to break or need replacement. Dust, mold, or other allergens may also get into the CPAP mask or hose.Īll types of CPAP machines need to be cleaned regularly so that these germs and contaminants do not grow inside of your equipment and make you sick. Germs from your lungs, throat, or mouth can get into the CPAP mask or hose as you breathe in and out during sleep, or germs on your skin may get transferred to the CPAP mask or hose. A long, flexible hose connects the CPAP machine to the mask so that you can move around or turn over in bed. A CPAP machine keeps your airway open by providing a continuous stream of air through a mask. When your airway is briefly blocked your brain and organs do not get enough oxygen, which can cause health problems. When you have sleep apnea, your airway becomes completely or partly blocked by your tongue, tonsils, or other parts of your mouth or throat during sleep. What is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine?Ī CPAP is a type of ventilator that helps people who have obstructive sleep apnea, a health condition that causes brief pauses in breathing during sleep. Some manufacturers recommend using diluted vinegar. Most CPAPs can be cleaned with mild soap and water as described in the owner’s manual for your machine. Machines are not necessary to clean your CPAP. These machines are not legally marketed for this use by the FDA in the United States. So automated machines advertised on TV that claim to clean or disinfect your CPAP might look like a good option.īut you should think twice before buying a machine that claims to clean or disinfect a CPAP. A dirty CPAP machine contaminated with germs like viruses and bacteria can make you sick. If you use a CPAP machine at night to help you breathe during sleep, you know it can be difficult to keep up a regular cleaning schedule.
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