How do I clean a C-pap machine that was used by someone who had Covid

Posted by adiesimm @adiesimm, Feb 24, 2022

My brother died of complications caused by Covid and his fairly new C-pap machine was passed on to me. I have used one for over 10 years and could use a second one. I am not sure if I should use it and if so, how do I disinfect it?

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 25, 2022

Hello @adiesimm, Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry for the loss of your brother from COVID complications. From what I've read most common household disinfectants will kill the COVID virus left on surfaces. I regularly use CPAP disinfectent wipes on the outside of my CPAP machine, mask and exposed surfaces of the machine and tubing. In addition, I regularly use a SoClean 3 daily for the mask and tubing. Every week I use warm, soapy water to clean the tubing, mask and humidifier tank if I used it. I have no medical training or background but if it were me, I would definitely clean all of the exposed surfaces with a disinfectant and then do a regular cleaning of the mask, tubing and humidifier tank if it has one.

Here is some information I've found from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine that discusses Coronavirus FAQs: CPAP tips for sleep apnea patients: https://aasm.org/coronavirus-covid-19-faqs-cpap-sleep-apnea-patients/

Here is a similar article from the Sleep Health Foundation - Coronavirus (COVID-19) and using CPAP Treatment for Sleep Apnea: https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/coronavirus-covid-19-and-using-cpap-treatment-for-sleep-apnea.html

How long has it been since the CPAP machine was last used?