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CPAP Hygiene and Cleanliness: SoClean 2 Care & Maintenance Kit

  • by SoClean
  • Wednesday, 29 November 2023
  • Published in:

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Around one-quarter of Canadians are at risk of sleep apnea[1] and some 5.4 million adults have been diagnosed with the sleep disorder[2]. Many people with sleep apnea[3] rely on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure[4] (CPAP) therapy to improve their sleep quality[5] and overall health. CPAP equipment includes a machine and mask to be worn every night. While CPAP therapy has many benefits[6], users must understand how to correctly look after their equipment. Clean and well-functioning CPAP equipment is vital for optimum performance and health. This article discusses the importance of consistently following cleaning routines for CPAP equipment.

Why CPAP Cleanliness is Essential

Maintaining good hygiene is vital when it comes to all sleep therapy equipment components, including the filter, mask, hose and humidifier[7]. The close body contact of the mask and potential for stagnant water combined with a moist, warm environment can create ideal conditions for bacteria, viruses, fungi and mould[8] to grow or collect. Additionally, the hose can act as the perfect channel for harmful organisms to enter the respiratory system and make users ill or worsen existing symptoms[9].

Regular CPAP cleaning significantly reduces the risk of conditions such as pneumonia[10], influenza, sinus infections and Legionnaires' disease[11]. It also lowers the chances of experiencing frustrating symptoms, such as a runny nose and cough, commonly associated with an upper respiratory infection[12]. Furthermore, dirty sleep therapy equipment can cause skin irritations[13] or infections on the face, and unhygienic equipment can also smell bad[14].

How to Clean CPAP Equipment

The various components of sleep therapy equipment require dedicated daily and weekly cleaning routines[15], although the actual machine only needs periodic cleaning. The Canadian Lung Association[16] recommends washing the mask by hand daily using warm water and soap, and that CPAP users hand wash the tubing and headgear each week. It also suggests that filters should be renewed every 2 months, or as necessary. The SoClean 2[17] can further promote good cleanliness of CPAP equipment. The SoClean 2 patented process kills 99.9% of microorganisms* commonly found on PAP masks and hoses. Easy to use, the SoClean 2 is suitable for all major CPAP equipment brands.

Extra Cleaning Support

The SoClean 2 Care & Maintenance Kit[18] provides even greater support to ensure the highest levels of CPAP cleanliness. The kit contains a replacement cartridge filter kit, wipes and pre-wash, and offers a price saving compared to buying each item individually.

The filter replacement means users have a spare on hand, ensuring they can always operate their SoClean 2 device and therefore maintain their sleep therapy equipment at the highest standard. It's recommended to change the SoClean 2 filter every 6 months.

Unscented and hypoallergenic wipes deftly remove oil and debris from the mask and other parts, making them ideal for use between handwashing. The wipes are also great for quick cleaning on the go, for example when users are traveling.

The neutralizing pre-wash, designed for handwashing CPAP equipment before using the SoClean 2 for the first time, deactivates any lingering smells on sleep therapy equipment. Enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re taking the best possible care CPAP and yourself, with SoClean 2 and the convenient Care & Maintenance Kit.

References

  1. Public Health Agency of Canada - What is the Impact of Sleep Apnea on Canadians?
  2. National Library of Medicine - Sleep laboratory test referrals in Canada: Sleep Apnea Rapid Response Survey
  3. Government of Canada - Sleep Apnea
  4. HealthLinkBC - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
  5. National Library of Medicine - Relationship Between Hours of CPAP Use and Achieving Normal Levels of Sleepiness and Daily Functioning
  6. UCHealth - Overnight cure for poor sleep: the benefits of CPAP
  7. National Library of Medicine - The effects of heated humidifier in continuous positive airway pressure titration
  8. Public Service Alliance of Canada - Mould fact sheet
  9. Harvard Health Publishing - Can your CPAP make you sick?
  10. National Library of Medicine - Sleep apnea and risk of pneumonia: a nationwide population-based study
  11. National Library of Medicine - A case of legionella pneumonia caused by home use of continuous positive airway pressure
  12. healthline - Can Your CPAP Machine Give You an Upper Respiratory Infection?
  13. Wiley Online Library - Clinical side effects of continuous positive airway pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
  14. SoClean - 6 Reasons Your Sleep Equipment Might Smell Bad
  15. National Council on Aging - How To Clean a CPAP Machine
  16. BREATHE the lung association - C.P.A.P.
  17. SoClean - SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer
  18. SoClean - SoClean 2 Care and Maintenance Kit

*U.S. independent lab testing with SoClean 2 demonstrates 99.9% reduction of the following microorganisms comprised of the following bacteria: Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and yeast: Candida albicans