@johnbishop, @macheese, @pjas972j and all...Hello, fellow night breathers. Isn't it fun to wear that C-PAP? Actually, I've now graduated to the Bipap use and do love it, it helps me so much. I apparently have a bit of autonomic neuropathy that affects my breathing among other things. The Bi-PAP reminds my body to breathe again. It helps when awake as well. Love it.
When I used the C-pap several years ago, I began to get regular infections, bronchitis and once led to pneumonia. I have a bunch of other issues and it's tough to clean the c-pap machine properly as often as needed. So when I was tested and began the B-pap with a SoClean 2., I fell in love. Haven't had a new sinus or lung infection since using SoClean2. Like John, I use the SoClean wipes or liquid cleaner occasionally to clean the machine itself. I wipe it down and change the filter in the B-pap machine often. I don't clean the nasal couch I use instead of a mask. I replace it once a week.
Distilled water has worked well for me. I don't clean the tubes or anything else now with tap water, only touch the parts with distilled or wipes. I use a humidifier and a heated tube to warm the room air a bit, as I live in Florida, use the AC a lot and the heat is horrid. So, I need additional humidification. The total process works very well for me and I'm thrilled with the improvements I have from this machine and SoClean.
I'm breathing better during waking hours now. Not perfect, but keeping the O2 levels up in the mid- 90's range. I don't think it's ever been 98 or 100 at home. Maybe in hospital on O2, but even there I stay in the mid-'90s. I'm having a bunch of asthma last several weeks, probably due to a Vasculitis flare. We'll see Wednesday as I have an appointment with Mayo rheumatology and bloodwork to figure out what's happening. Thankfully...
Blessings as you work through your nighttime breathing. Use distilled water, might even clean with it as a safeguard. Makes a bit of sense. elizabeth
Thanks so much Elizabeth, I struggle with keeping my CPAP clean too. Phillips says not to use SoClean in the Dreamstation. I will take your advice about using distilled water to clean hoses etc Now I'm becoming paranoid of water, steam and rain! What a mess.