My deceased father's CPAP - safe?

[sonnet]

This may seem extremely morbid - but I'm trying to figure out if it's safe for my mother to use my Dad's old CPAP.

My Dad passed away and had bronchitis, maybe pneumonia, shortly before he died when he was last using the CPAP (Airsense 10). My mother doesn't have insurance but needs one, and this one is sitting around.

Is it safe to use with new tubing, reservoir and mask (which we have)? Or would the internal parts of the machine potentially be contaminated?

What about if SoClean were used with it? Would that clean the internal parts?

Anybody have any ideas?

I'm leaning towards buying a new one - but that's a huge expense if the old one is fine to use.

[ChicagoGranny]

Use it. You might want to change the air filter.

SoClean

Scam. Don't buy. Doesn't clean anything.

[prodigyplace]

Is it safe to use with new tubing, reservoir and mask (which we have)? Or would the internal parts of the machine potentially be contaminated?

They would be fine. Hopefully it is an AirSense 10 AutoSet. You may need guidance here aon adjusting pressures and interpreting OSCAR graphs.

What about if SoClean were used with it? Would that clean the internal parts?

The only benefit there would be to make your checkbook lighter.

FDA Reminds Patients that Devices Claiming to Clean, Disinfect or Sanitize CPAP Machines Using Ozone Gas or UV Light Have Not Been FDA Authorized

While these devices claiming to clean, sanitize or disinfect CPAP machines and accessories have not been FDA cleared or approved for marketing in the U.S., the FDA conducted its own preliminary lab testing on several of those illegally marketed products. The testing demonstrated ozone-using disinfection devices generated ambient levels of ozone above limits considered safe for human exposure. Ozone levels were also high in CPAP machines and tubing even after waiting the amount of time recommended by the ozone-based device manufacturer after a cleaning cycle.

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-a ... one-gas-or

[D.H.]

It's safe, but it should be cleaned. You can use soap and water and possibly vinegar. Change the air filter(s), the hose, the mask, and the headgear (as you said you would do).

It's not clear if he passed away while connected to the machine or not, but it's not really relevant.

[Julie]

Such bacteria/viruses etc. normally don't last/live anything remotely close to that long anywhere anyhow, more like a few hours, maybe days in perfect conditions.

[chunkyfrog]

I am sorry for your loss.
Moving along with what is left behind is completely appropriate;
as we, too, have been left behind.
I hope it was an Autoset.

[zonker]

What about if SoClean were used with it? Would that clean the internal parts?

Anybody have any ideas?

I'm leaning towards buying a new one - but that's a huge expense if the old one is fine to use.

DO.NOT.USE.SOCLEAN!!!

it does nothing. soap and water are your friend.

not sure how much money you have or if this is too expensive-

viewtopic/t178701/2Low-Hour-Airsense-10 ... -SALE.html

note! i have not purchased any machines from lsat. but other forum members HAVE and will testify to their solid experience buying from him.

good luck!

[ChicagoGranny]

It's safe, but it should be cleaned. You can use soap and water and possibly vinegar. Change the air filter(s), the hose, the mask, and the headgear (as you said you would do).

So, you are telling the OP to use soap, water and possibly vinegar to clean the machine? Be careful when composing answers. On the positive side, the OP is smart enough to ignore your post.

[prodigyplace]

It's safe, but it should be cleaned. You can use soap and water and possibly vinegar. Change the air filter(s), the hose, the mask, and the headgear (as you said you would do).

So, you are telling the OP to use soap, water and possibly vinegar to clean the machine? Be careful when composing answers. On the positive side, the OP is smart enough to ignore your post.

Heed the wise Granny.

[chunkyfrog]

Soap and water is safe for most equipment--but NEVER THE MACHINE.
Just wipe the exterior with a slightly damp cloth, at the most.
Do not immerse, splash, or spray the machine.
D.H. has been fortunate enough to score the world's first and last waterproof cpap.

[palerider]

This may seem extremely morbid - but I'm trying to figure out if it's safe for my mother to use my Dad's old CPAP.

Yes.

What about if SoClean were used with it? Would that clean the internal parts?

That would *DAMAGE* the internal parts.

I'm leaning towards buying a new one - but that's a huge expense if the old one is fine to use.

Every single one of my CPAPs have been used.

[beautifuldreamer]

Sometimes if there are agencies in your area that receive and distribute donated PAPs, will clean your machine for a reasonable fee.

[palerider]

Sometimes if there are agencies in your area that receive and distribute donated PAPs, will clean your machine for a reasonable fee.

THERE IS NO *NEED* TO HAVE IT "CLEANED"! (unless he was a smoker and mom is reviled by the stench).

[Cpapian]

I found a really near video on how to take the machine apart to clean out the insides. Looks pretty easy. If you feel this is something you want to do, let me know and I will hu t it up for you.

[Pugsy]

There is no need to do any extra special cleaning of the machine.
Any germs that might have been in or on it from your dad....your mom has already been exposed to them anyway...courtesy of your dad.

Wipe it down on the outside...change the filter and use a new hose and mask if you feel better. That's all I ever do for the used machines I buy and I have bought over a dozen over the years.