1. < Sleep Health

Cleaning your CPAP mask.

Posted by franle @franle, Oct 31, 2018

Recently I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. After doing an at home sleep test it revealed that I was having 18 events per hour of sleep. I now wear the Dreamwear nasal mask. I feel like I have recieved conflicted advice from the company that I got my equipment from which was Regional Home Care. I was submerging the tube with the other components of my mask in soapy water to clean. That was the advice that I first received. I was having trouble with the mask and went back after my doctor gave me a prescription for another mask. I was given another type of mask that left me with extreme dental pain on the first nights sleep with it. That was the end of that. The questions asked while at this appointment left me questioning if I was wearing the original mask correctly. I adjusted the original mask and have been fine with it ever since. While at the appointment the man giving me the new mask gave me a lot of advice that was helpful but he told me I should not be submerging the entire tube due to the electrical end component. I wish the first woman who I originally got my equipment from had told me that. I know there are machines that you can put your equipment in for cleaning. They are rather expensive. Are they the way to go? How does everyone keep their equipment clean? How often do you clean your equipment? Getting on a CPAP has make a huge difference. My husband and I laugh almost nightly at how I look with it on but I don’t care!!! He needs one too! Working on that! It may be my Christmas gift request that he get tested. TIA for any and all help!

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mylerix | @mylerix | Feb 13 5:56am

I was told not to take my small hose off and clean it as it would never dry - should I be submersing this in water with nose pillow weekly as I do the other hose? I have only recently been diagnosed and given a cpap machine. Thank you in advance for your replies.

Also, what tape is recommended to cover my mouth to avoid mouth breathing with the nose pillow? Thank. you again!

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 13 6:45am
In reply to @mylerix "I was told not to take my small hose off and clean it as it would..." + (show)
@mylerix

I was told not to take my small hose off and clean it as it would never dry - should I be submersing this in water with nose pillow weekly as I do the other hose? I have only recently been diagnosed and given a cpap machine. Thank you in advance for your replies.

Also, what tape is recommended to cover my mouth to avoid mouth breathing with the nose pillow? Thank. you again!

Jump to this post

Welcome @mylerix, I have a full face CPAP mask. I use a ultra violet light machine along with CPAP mask wipes daily and also put the hose inside the UV sanitizer. I tried the mouth tape when I was testing to see if I could use a nasal mask but it was a little difficult pulling the tape off. That might just have been the tape I used but it did say it was designed for using to cover the mouth.

I think it’s just a matter of sticking with it and learning what works best for you. While you wait for others to respond, try searching Connect using the search icon at the top and typing in a few words for a topic like mouth tape for CPAP.

REPLY
1 reply
mylerix | @mylerix | Feb 13 10:58am
In reply to @johnbishop "Welcome @mylerix, I have a full face CPAP mask. I use a ultra violet light machine..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Welcome @mylerix, I have a full face CPAP mask. I use a ultra violet light machine along with CPAP mask wipes daily and also put the hose inside the UV sanitizer. I tried the mouth tape when I was testing to see if I could use a nasal mask but it was a little difficult pulling the tape off. That might just have been the tape I used but it did say it was designed for using to cover the mouth.

I think it’s just a matter of sticking with it and learning what works best for you. While you wait for others to respond, try searching Connect using the search icon at the top and typing in a few words for a topic like mouth tape for CPAP.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for your reply!

REPLY
carculmer | @carculmer | Feb 15 9:44am
In reply to @mylerix "I was told not to take my small hose off and clean it as it would..." + (show)
@mylerix

I was told not to take my small hose off and clean it as it would never dry - should I be submersing this in water with nose pillow weekly as I do the other hose? I have only recently been diagnosed and given a cpap machine. Thank you in advance for your replies.

Also, what tape is recommended to cover my mouth to avoid mouth breathing with the nose pillow? Thank. you again!

Jump to this post

The best thing I have found is kinesiology tape (after trying various other options) that I cut into about 1" wide pieces. I bought a role of it from Amazon, brand is OK Tape, Classic. Stays on all night but also comes off easily. I get two nights use from one piece. There's other brands and you could probably buy it at your local drug store. What I am using is very economical. Tried Somnifix mouth strips and they are worthless.

REPLY
1 reply
mylerix | @mylerix | Feb 15 10:33am
In reply to @carculmer "The best thing I have found is kinesiology tape (after trying various other options) that I..." + (show)
@carculmer

The best thing I have found is kinesiology tape (after trying various other options) that I cut into about 1" wide pieces. I bought a role of it from Amazon, brand is OK Tape, Classic. Stays on all night but also comes off easily. I get two nights use from one piece. There's other brands and you could probably buy it at your local drug store. What I am using is very economical. Tried Somnifix mouth strips and they are worthless.

Jump to this post

Thank you!

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