One key factor in increasing and maintaining your CPAP machine’s effectiveness is ensuring your CPAP is regularly cleaned and sanitized. Moreover, cleaning your machine will decrease the chances of contracting other respiratory difficulties. One of the commonly asked questions is ‘Can I use Dawn to clean my CPAP machine”.
You can either go for the cleaning machines or do a hand wash. The introduction of cleaning devices has made the task a piece of cake since the devices are automated and specialized to perform the task.
Many CPAP owners keep on asking, ‘Can I use Dawn to clean my CPAP?’ Absolutely! Some people prefer taking the handwash approach when cleaning their CPAP machines while others choose cleaner machines. This is usually due to differences in reason and preference.
Why Clean My CPAP
The CPAP machine is meant to allow constant airflow into your breathing system. This usually leads to a slight increase in air pressure thus providing a perfect breeding ground for bacteria as well as other pathogens that can be a foe to your breathing system.
Due to using your CPAP for quite some time, dust particles and allergens get a chance to accumulate in your CPAP thus contaminating your machine and decreasing its effectiveness over a period of time.
Furthermore, dead skin cells and oils falling from your face and hands can induce irritation and a broken mask seal as well.
Not cleaning your CPAP machine will lead to inhalation of the disease-causing germs which can bring add-on respiratory complications thus giving you sleepless nights. Therefore, make sure your CPAP supplies are cleaned regularly to increase their lifespan, effectiveness, and efficiency as well.
Disinfecting Your CPAP Machine
I believe you don’t want to contract another cold after recovering recently from the previous one, Do you? Ensure your CPAP machine is cleaned and disinfected to avoid catching other respiratory diseases that can’t make your day any better. Therefore, clean your CPAP machine, its mask, and other parts to keep yourself safe and offer your CPAP machine a longer lifespan.
Using warm water and disinfectant mild soaps such as ivory and Dawn to clean your CPAP is one simple and effective way of cleaning your machine. Can I use Dawn to clean my CPAP machine? Depending on what part you particularly want to clean, you can decide on with approach to take when disinfecting your CPAP machine.
Just a thorough handwash using warm water and the appropriate sanitizer will have your CPAP sparkling and safe to use. You can use vinegar (a natural disinfectant) to sanitize your CPAP’s parts but only after cleaning well with water and soap.
However, someone trying to curb a viral or bacterial infection should use special CPAP cleaning disinfectants that contain germicide. Strictly use the authorized CPAP cleaning solutions which may leave your CPAP infected after cleaning.
Avoid using bleach and other domestic chemical solutions which may introduce harmful residues and components in your CPAP machine. These residues can lead to toxic allergic reactions which will leave your skin itching irritably. Other CPAP users consider using either UV-radiation sanitizers or Ozone-based cleaners.
These devices are known to easily get rid of 99% of the infectious germs such as bacteria and fungi within a very short time. Cleaner machines are efficient and very effective since they are automated and specialized for the task.
They should be used to clean your CPAP machine regularly to ensure it works properly. However, these machines shouldn’t be used during routine cleaning because they can’t eliminate the oil deposits and dead skin cells.
Preferably, do an intensive hand wash with the appropriate soap detergents to make sure all the dirt particles are completely removed from your CPAP machine.
Cleaning Your CPAP Machine
Ensure that your CPAP machine is regularly cleaned to maintain its effectiveness and lengthen its lifespan. Clean your machine as recommended by the respective manufacturer to keep your CPAP working for a long period of time.
Do the cleaning at least once a week and follow a daily schedule especially if you are experiencing an infection. Follow the given procedure step by step to clean your CPAP on a daily routine. Consider washing all your CPAP machine parts in the morning to give them enough time to dry.
Cleaning Your CPAP Supplies – Step By Step
- Unplug your machine from the electricity source and scatter all its parts, the water chamber included. Using a clean and dry piece of cloth, wipe the exterior of your device to get rid of any dust particles.
- Hand Wash the water chamber, tubing, and your CPAP mask with warm water and Dawn or any preferable soapy detergent.
- Cleanse and rinse your CPAP tubing and other parts with clean water after doing the washing.
- You can bring in vinegar as a disinfectant to sanitize your CPAP supplies. Simply soak them in water: vinegar solution (W3:1V) and leave them in the mixture for about 30 minutes then rinse them.
- Allow your equipment to air dry before using them the next time.
Important Factors to Consider When Using Dawn to Clean Your CPAP
Remember to use distilled water only in your humid chamber to avoid clogging of minerals and bacteria in your machine.
Make sure you know and understand the manufacturer’s recommendation when cleaning your machine’s filters. Know which ones to wash with warm water, disposable ones e.t.c.
Don’t put your machine’s tubing or mask in the dishwasher until you’re sure that the manufacturer’s instructions allow you to
Review the CPAP supply replacement schedule since some parts need to be replaced regularly over a certain period of time.
Can I Use Dawn to Clean My CPAP?
Absolutely! Using warm water and Dawn to handwash your CPAP machine can be equally effective in using device cleaners to get rid of bacteria from your machine. Use your preferred mild soap to clean your CPAP more regularly and improve your levels of hygiene.
However, review your cleaning sessions to maintain your machine’s effectiveness and efficiency. Take your time to choose the right procedure to leave your supplies sparkling clean.
