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The Apnea Patient's News, Education & Awareness Network |
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The Apnea Patient's News, Education & Awareness Network |
DO NOT clean any parts of the system with alcohol or cleaning solutions containing alcohol.
DO NOT clean the system by steam autoclave or gas sterilization methods. These cleaning processes may harden or deform the flexible plastic parts of the system and adversely affect their function.
You should check the mask or nasal pillows after each cleaning. The silicone mask cushion and the silicone nasal pillows were designed to last up to 12 months with proper care. Although silicone is not susceptible to hardening, it can tear. The actual life of the nasal mask or pillows can vary greatly, depending upon use. Replace the mask when it leaks air excessively, there is a tear in the cushion, or it becomes uncomfortable to wear.
The procedure below covers the following "hard" items:
Step 1. Remove the headgear from your mask or nasal pillow shell. Disconnect the mask or shell, swivel or Whisper Swivel from the tubing. NOTE: You do not have to remove the support ring, spacer, or rotating connector from the Respironics mask before cleaning it, but you may want to do so to clean the parts more thoroughly.
Step 2. With a soft cloth (or a disinfectant cloth), gently wash (or wipe) all the parts of the mask, the shell and pillows, the swivels in a solution of warm water and mild unscented shampoo or unscented dish detergent. DO NOT use any cleaners containing fragrance, conditioners or moisturizers as these will leave a residue. Be sure to thoroughly clean the mask cushion flaps or the nasal pillow.
Step 3. Rinse thoroughly. If any part or parts still seem to be oily, wash them again.
Step 4. If desired, you can disinfect the mask parts, the shell and pillows, the swivels in a cold sterilizing solution, such as Control III, Cidex, or Sonacide, following the manufacturer's directions closely. Make sure you thoroughly rinse the items after sterilizing them. Any residue left on the parts may shorten their useful life and irritate your skin.
Step 5. Let all items dry completely before using them again. To make sure all parts of the system are completely dry, put the system together and run the unit for about 30 minutes before using. Many patients hang their tubing over the shower rod to faciliate drying and drainage.
The procedure below covers the following "soft" items:
These items should be cleaned a minimum of once each month.
Step 1. To maximize the life of the soft goods (headgear, chin strap, comfort strap, shell retainer strap) hand washing with a standard laundry detergent is recommended. NEVER USE BLEACH. Before washing, remove the soft goods from the hard goods (mask, shell, swivels, etc.). Fasten all hook tabs to the pile straps to protect other garments in the laundry. DO NOT take the headgear apart.
Step 2. Air dry or machine dry WITHOUT HEAT. Machine drying with heat may cause wrinkles or render the elasticity useless. NEVER IRON ANY SOFT GOODS.
Step 1. Always use distilled water in your humidifier.
Step 2. The humidification chamber should be cleaned daily or after each use. After the heater plate has cooled, disconnect the tubes from the top of the humidification chamber and remove it from the heater base.
Step 3. Discard any water remaining in the humidification chamber if you are not using distilled water.
Step 4. Wash the chamber top, base, deflector, and supply tubing in mild dish washing detergent. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. Disinfect chamber top, base, deflector, and tubing weekly in a solution of Control III. Follow label directions. Rinse thoroughly after disinfecting.
Step 5. Inspect the chamber, base, deflector, and tubing to ensure no residue remains after cleaning and sterilizing.
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