Cleaning CPAP Equipment During COVID19 Outbreak

Using a CPAP Cleaner is mandatory and one of the most important steps you need to take for a proper treatment. In 2020, during the COVID19 pandemic, it is even more important to keep your equipment clean and sanitized all the time. Below we will discuss how and why this is mandatory.

Why It Is Mandatory To Clean CPAP Equipment Regularly?

Cleaning CPAP equipment is mandatory due to several reasons. First of all, when you exhale, that air contains moisture. That moisture is perfect environment for bacteria, germs and viruses. If you do not clean it, they will grow and cause irritations, health complications and so much more. Eventually you can get sick because you have been using ‘’dirty’’ CPAP machine.

The biggest issue here is that COVID19 virus can be found in CPAP machine. Even if you are sick and cured, that virus will infect you again and again. Sanitizing the machine eliminates this. All of this refers to mask, hose, tubing, humidifier and headgear. They need to be cleaned because you will remove dead skin and prevent possible skin irritations.

How To Clean CPAP Gear Perfectly?

There are two methods you can use and both of them are equally important. The first one is to use a proper cleaning device. We recommend PrimeClean. This is the most powerful cleaner on the market. It uses ozone to kill 99% of bacteria and viruses. It even kills COVID19 virus, so you can get a better idea how powerful it is.

On the other side, PrimeClean is safe to use and it doesn’t have side effects on the gear, users or the treatment. The process is simple and it takes less than 30 minutes. Just make sure that the ozone returns to oxygen state after you are done and the process will be successful.

Another way you can use to make sure your CPAP gear is sanitized is to replace them. We do not refer to CPAP machine or large components. We are talking about mask, hose, headgear and filters. Filters need to be replaced once every 4 weeks. This is a machine’s filter. Mask should be replaced every 3 months while tubing can be replaced every 12 months.

All of these are recommended time frames for replacement in normal situations. During the pandemic you may want to replace them sooner.We must add that making sure you replace the old gear with the new one isn’t always straightforward. If you have been using CPAP treatment for a long period of time, you know that you need a mask that suits your face without a single leak. It is an advantage if you can try out the mask before you order it. A safe choice is to get the same model as you own at the moment.

How Frequent You Need To Clean CPAP Gear?

The biggest question of them all is how frequently you need to clean the CPAP machine and the gear in general. There are two answers. The first applies to the CPAP machine and the humidifier, if your machine has it. They need to be cleaned on a weekly basis. Once or two times per week is perfectly fine.

On the other side, you need to clean the mask and the hose on a daily basis. This will make sure there are no bacteria and germs inside the equipment and you will be perfectly safe despite the pandemic. The situation is the same if you use PrimeClean. You need to use it daily and you need to use it properly.

Besides replacing the old components and cleaning, you need to make sure your CPAP machine works well without any issues. They don’t have maintenance, but you may want to clean the air intake occasionally.

The Final Word

Using a proper CPAP Cleaner during a pandemic is extremely important. It will keep you healthy and it will help you get the most out of your CPAP treatment. In return, you can have a proper sleep and you can stay safe from the virus and other issues that are common these days. At the moment, this is the best you can do and all you can afford.

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Crucial Tips to Memorize While Traveling with Your CPAP Machine

Perhaps you are new to CPAP machines or you simply haven’t been using it all the time but now you are planning to travel. What you should know? There are a lot of facts, tips and tricks you will need to memorize and all of them are explained below. Basically, you will need a portable CPAP machine, a CPAP Sanitizing Travel Bag and this list!

Carry CPAP machine with you while you are in a plane

The golden rule is that we all need sleep, regardless of where we are and what we are doing at that particular moment. This obviously means that we have to carry our CPAP machine with us at all times. Yes, they are allowed to carry and use in an airplane and you can place it in a bag right above your head. When you are in the need to use it, well use it. Now you can sleep with the same quality as in your bed at home while you are flying to your destination.

Carry a portable batterY

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All CPAP machines do require power to work. Portable ones have their built-in or changeable battery included in the package. However, they are designed to provide a few hours of ‘’juice’’. To make sure your machine is always ready to assist you, carry portable battery. They are better than ever they are smaller and more powerful so you can have one that will charge the CPAP machine for hours. You can also use it to power the smartphone or a tablet, so you can get an idea.

Carry medical certificate with you

Some airliners or some travel mediums may require from you to justify the CPAP machine. As we have mentioned, they are allowed to use in airplanes and etc. but you may have to show the certificate from your doctor telling them that you are approved and you must use this type of treatment. Carry the certificate inside your wallet at all times.

Don’t forget an extension power cord

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If you have travel the world you will know that 70% of the hotels power outlet is far away from your bed. You must place CPAP machine close to you, so you will either have to move the bed, which isn’t allowed or you will have to use a power extension cord. This is a simple thing we all need at some point and it is definitely something to consider. An extension power cord can be fit to your pocket and it will allow you to use the CPAP machine even when the power outlets is far away. If you have forgotten to carry yours, when you land, purchase a new one.

Adjust time zone on your CPAP machine

When you travel, you will eventually reach a different time zone, obviously. The goal here is to change and update the time and date on your CPAP machine. By doing this you will ensure that the machine shows actual data in the right moment and monitors the sleep accordingly. When you come back home, change the time and date to your time zone.

Carry CPAP sanitizer while traveling

This isn’t required if you are traveling somewhere for a few hours, but if your trip is longer than 12 hours, you will need a CPAP Sanitizing Travel Bag. It contains a CPAP machine cleaning device and it can be used to make sure the mask and tubing are 100% clean at all times. Many if not all of these gadgets are small and compact so they won’t occupy a lot of space in your travel bag.

Keep CPAP machine in a plastic, transparent bag

This tip is mandatory if your machine doesn’t come with a proper travel bag. Then you will have to place it and carry it inside a plastic bag. It should be transparent so airport authorities can see what’s inside and also to check it without having to open the bag. The reason is that if you carry a CPAP machine in your luggage, airport security personnel may place the machine into the ordinary tray for scanning purposes. These trays are filled with germs so you should avoid this as much as possible. In case the machine ends up in this tray, sanitize it before using it!

Clean the machine after you get home

After you voyage, you should clean the CPAP machine again and you should make sure there are no dirt, germs or anything on it. It is an obvious fact so you will probably memorize it instantly.

Don’t forget to carry an outlet adapter

If you are travelling outside your country, you will need an adapter to use with other power outlets. Ideally, you will get one that can be used with the US, EU, UK, and all the other power outlets. Keep in consideration that if you don’t have an adapter you are likely unable to use your CPAP machine. Once again we can see that this is a small addition to your luggage and it can fit any pocket inside the bag.

Use the apps to download the CPAP machine data from your travels

Here we have an interesting tip. It certainly isn’t the mandatory one but can be more than just helpful. New CPAP machines will keep track of your sleeping data. With a simple app, you can download that data and store it on your smartphone. You should do this in order to analyze the sleep data from your travels and compare it with your home. Now you can make adjustments if needed and you can make sure the overall result is as high as possible.

The final word

So, what we have learned today? We learned that you should carry CPAP machine alongside power outlet adapter, power extension cord, and a cleaning device. You are allowed to carry and use your machine literally anywhere in the world and you can make the overall process after and easier, with additional tips explained above.