distilled water // cleaning

[kievit]

Hi everyone. I am a new cpap user ( 5 weeks) I ran out of distilled water and only at bed time remember that I should have bought some. For a few days now I have used tap water in my humidfier (respironics remstar pro). Is distilled water recommended to avoid hardwater deposits in the machine? Or is there an other reason not to use tapwater? Also, when it comes to cleaning mask and tubing: is everyone religious about it? what if you give it a real good cleaning once every 3 or 4 days? Has anyone had any bad effects from a less than daily cleaning routine?

[GoofyUT]

Yeah, I didn't clean my reservoir or hose every day, and I got obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Silly me.

I clean my tank and mask once a week and my hose never (when it gives me the creeps I call my DME and ask for a new one).

But then again, I have OSA.

Chuck

[DreamStalker]

Hi everyone. I am a new cpap user ( 5 weeks) I ran out of distilled water and only at bed time remember that I should have bought some. For a few days now I have used tap water in my humidfier (respironics remstar pro). Is distilled water recommended to avoid hardwater deposits in the machine? Or is there an other reason not to use tapwater? Also, when it comes to cleaning mask and tubing: is everyone religious about it? what if you give it a real good cleaning once every 3 or 4 days? Has anyone had any bad effects from a less than daily cleaning routine?

Yep! Tap causes mineral depostis ... depends on the water chemsitry of your tap. I was told by sleep tech to:

Daily - rinse out reservoir and wash mask interface w/ mild soap and water
Weekly - wash reservoir, mask interface, and hose w/ mild soap and water
Monthly or as needed - replace air filter and any other parts that appear degraded.

See thread on zits and mask where Ric listed an excellent ritual of sanitary proceedures. I suppose it eventually comes down to your level of cleanliness but some is required to avoid other health issues.

dreams improve common sense ...

- roberto

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): hose, tubing, CPAP

[racefan]

I clean my mask,hoses & tank about once a week.I have been doing that for about a year, so far no problems(knocking on wood)

[Guest]

thank you all for responding. Once or twice a week seems like a workable solution for me too. I'm glad to hear it has not caused any problems. The proposed cleaning schedule on the video, taking the entire contraption apart to the smallest part and wash en dry daily seemed a little excessive.

thanks again

[Ric]

Or is there an other reason not to use tapwater?

In some water supplies there is enough chlorine that you can smell it. Not sure that is good for the lungs. Maybe it kills a few germs(?) Maybe it kills a few healthy cells(?) I doubt it's really good for breathing.

Also, when it comes to cleaning mask and tubing: is everyone religious about it?

NO.

I'm not convinced everybody needs to do such a thorough cleaning every day. Only if it's a problem (zits, mold, mildew, spiders, bats, elephants, etc.) is more frequent cleaning inidicated. Cleaning the reservoir is mostly for looks, germs don't do well in distilled water, and even if they did they would not likely find their way into the air and up the tube. I wash the mask daily in the shower and dry it mostly for 1) zits (prevention), and 2) feels clean, 3) it's convenient, and 4) no reason. Not for everybody.

-Ric

[inacpapfog]

Keivit
I was far more zealous in my cleaning routine in the beginning, but overtime I have relaxed my frequency! Now, I usually clean mask once or twice a week, water chamber weekly and hose, maybe once a month. Works for me!

[jum001]

Thanks for asking this question. I've been grumbling every morning, mostly about the hose dripping in my bathroom.

There is one other thing to consider re the mask. I've been told to make sure both the seal and my face are clean to lessen leak problems. Just something to check if a problem develops.

[snoregirl]

I am one of those people who don't clean their equipment as the germs are all mine and I let it dry really well (alternate two hoses etc).

But I will say that my swift seals better if it is clean. So I do the pillow once or twice a week.

[Goofproof]

[quote="snoregirl"]I am one of those people who don't clean their equipment as the germs are all mine and I let it dry really well (alternate two hoses etc).

But I will say that my swift seals better if it is clean. So I do the pillow once or twice a week.

[Guest]

This was the first time I posed a question on this forum. I'm impressed with all the responses and with the fact that people care about other's problems> again ..thanks for everyone's replies. As far as the cleaning is concerned, I'll stick to a twice a week good cleaning. Don't see the point in following the directions that indicate doing it everyday. I'm happty to see I'm not the only one.

thanks

[krousseau]

When using my FP 406 I wipe it some AMs with a non alcohol premoistened towelette (unscented baby wipe) and wash it 3-4 times a week. The Hybrid is more demanding (and more comfortable)-it feels better and leaks less if washed everyday with baby wash-rinsed-and air dried. I do the vinegar soak once a week.
I use two hoses and alternate them so they can dry between uses-rinse with plain water before hanging to dry. Wash once a week.
Dump humidifier & let air dry daily-wash once a week.
Go to the daily dismantling & cleaning-plus use a respiratory equipment disinfectant if I have a cold or infection.

[birdshell]

You may want to do a search on cleaning. We had a long discussion not too long ago.