Inline Bacteria CPAP Filters: Why They Are Important To Use
July 23, 2020
With conversations focused on how to keep our CPAP supplies as clean as possible, one such accessory that many sleep specialists and CPAP vendors are currently praising are inline bacteria CPAP machine filters. If you are not sure what these CPAP filters are or why they are needed, we have got you covered.
Below, we talk you through what these CPAP supplies are, how they are used and why they are important.
What Are Inline Bacteria Filters For CPAP Machines?
Inline bacteria CPAP filters such as the Philips Respironics bacteria and virus CPAP machine filter are now in high demand, especially during COVID-19 times and now with Respironics' voluntary recall. These filters are designed to provide CPAP and BiPAP users with the cleanest and freshest air possible.
It comes as no surprise that air quality is highly important for Sleep Apnea therapy. Due to the fact that the treatment of this sleep disorder involves a CPAP machine taking the air in your sleep environment and converting this into air pressure which is delivered directly to the airway passages of the patient - the cleaner the air, the better.
Many CPAP filters including the inline bacteria filters are made using disposable material as they are intended for replacement after each use. This is especially true for bacteria and virus filters for CPAP machines - these CPAP supplies should not be cleaned.
How Are They Used And Why Are They Important?
While all CPAP machine filters are used to clean the air that we breathe as part of CPAP therapy, inline bacteria filters have an even more important role to play. CPAP machines can suck up random small debris particles such as dust. But they can also draw in bacteria and viruses.
Inline bacteria filters work to prevent 99% of all bacteria and viruses from being filtered into your CPAP equipment and therefore, prevent these particles from reaching your lungs. While cleaning CPAP equipment is one way of ensuring that you won’t become ill when using your CPAP supplies, this CPAP machine filter is the added protection that CPAP and BiPAP users need during these times.
Filters such as the Respironics bacteria & virus CPAP filter are installed by attaching the device between the outlet on a CPAP or BiPAP machine and the tubing. The filter then blocks any bacteria or virus particles in the air before it is passed through the tubing and enters the CPAP mask. If you use heated tubing, you can attach the filter to your mask’s short tubing or directly to the CPAP mask itself.
Replacing CPAP Filters: How Often Should This Be Done?
It is advised to replace this CPAP filter twice monthly. Due to the clear acrylic globe of the inline bacteria filter, it is easy to see when any debris is beginning to build. Make sure to change the filter as per recommended guidelines before the filter becomes discoloured.
However, when it comes to built-in CPAP machine filters the replacement timeline is slightly longer. It is generally recommended that these air filters are replaced every 2-6 months depending on the type of filter you have. If you live in a home with smoke or pets, it may be necessary to replace your filters more frequently.
The main goal of all CPAP machine filters is to improve the quality of air a Sleep Apnea patient is receiving each night. Using an inline bacteria filter with an existing CPAP machine filter will increase defense levels against air pollutants.
Interested in purchasing a bacteria and virus filter for your CPAP machine today? Browse our Respironics version here.
Remember, these filters are 100% covered by medical insurance and are worth trying if you have coverage. For any questions that you may have, reach out to our team of experts and we’ll be happy to help!
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