Resmed and Respironics CPAP Reviews from Real CPAP Users! Tagged "buildup in your cpap"

Tell-tale Signs You Need To Replace Your CPAP Equipment

March 29, 2019

No one likes having to toss out a perfectly good appliance. But nothing lasts forever, and that includes CPAP machines and masks. Even the most lovingly cared-for CPAP masks and equipment have to be replaced. So how do you know when it’s time to say goodbye to your trusty CPAP gear? Here are a few pointers on what to look for:

Loss of Performance:

Just like us, CPAP masks can get wrinkly and soft as they age. The oils from our skin will breakdown the silicone, plastic and rubber used in CPAP masks making them less efficient over time. Look for cracks in the seal and discoloration (that’s usually a sign your mask is past its expiry date). Most people wear a CPAP mask for 8 hours a day - that brings a lot of wear-and-tear. Also, be aware of your mask’s seal. Is it still tight? Do you feel air coming in our out of it? If so, it might be time to replace it.

Discoloration:

If parts of your CPAP mask, tubing or water chamber are turning yellow or cloudy it might be time to replace them. Those are clear signs of dirt build-up that can’t be washed away. If you see black spots on your CPAP mask, tubing or water chamber, replace it immediately! This is a sign of mould and it could make you sick.

Something Smells Wrong:

Take a good whiff of your CPAP gear? How does it smell? If it’s starting to get funky, it needs to go! Even if you clean them regularly, CPAP machines can build up mould and mildew inside of them. That could mean you are breathing in bacteria and pathogens when you sleep. Make sure your equipment is always clean and dry after you use it - that’ll keep those nasty bugs from calling your CPAP home.

Irritated Skin:

There are a number of reasons why you might be breaking out in a rash or have irritated skin; sometimes your mask might be too tight. But a buildup of facial oils on your CPAP mask could cause irritation too. Make sure to thoroughly clean your CPAP mask after every use. If you keep breaking out, it might be time to toss it out.

Your CPAP Therapy Ain’t What it Used to Be:

If you’re waking up not feeling as refreshed and rested as usual, or if some of your old symptoms have returned, all you might need is a new mask. Losing even a tiny amount of your mask’s seal can result in a noticeable difference in your CPAP therapy. The typical life-span for a well-used CPAP mask and headgear is about 6 months. Tubing: every 3 months!

The Calendar Trick:

DAILY: You can prevent any surprises by checking your CPAP equipment daily; take a quick look at your mask and tubing after every use, especially after cleaning and drying it. Look for any small cracks or signs of wear.
SEASONALLY: Give your equipment a thorough once-over every three months. You can do this at the start of every season - that’ll make it easy to remember. Typically, CPAP parts like mask cushions, headgear and tubing start breaking down around the 3-month mark.
DAYLIGHT SAVING: You should be giving your CPAP equipment a thorough check about every 6 months. A good reminder might be the switch to and from Daylight Saving Time. It might also be a good time to replace your mask, water chamber and headgear. It helps that most private health insurance covers replacements every 6 months.

We tend to take our CPAP equipment for granted. But considering we use it for a THIRD of each and every day, it sure takes a beating! Remember to clean your gear daily, keep it dry, and look for wear and tear often. This will ensure you get the most out of your equipment and maintain the best CPAP therapy.

Do I Have To Use Distilled Water With My CPAP Machine?

November 09, 2018

A popular topic we often get asked about is water. Do I have to use distilled water with my CPAP device? What is distilled water? Can I use tap water? What is the difference between tap water and distilled water? Do I have to use distilled water when I'm travelling?

It is important to learn the difference between types of water available and what you should use with your CPAP machine. When it comes to using a CPAP humidifier, you need to be using the right cleaning techniques and tools to prolong the life of your CPAP equipment. That includes water type too.

CPAP manufacturer Resmed (who makes AirSense 10 and S9s) recommends filling your water tub with distilled water to maximize the tub's lifespan. Respironics (who makes DreamStation and Remstars) recommends using distilled water in your humidifier to avoid mineral deposit buildup.

We recommend CPAP users to follow the manufacturer's user manual for the optimal performance of their products.

Types Of Water To Use With Your CPAP Device

First of all, it is good to know what the different types of water that you can use are. There are three main types that we recommend using with your CPAP equipment. These include:

Distilled water
Springwater
Tap water

Distilled Water

Distilled water is water that has been boiled into vapour in one container and collected back into liquid form in a separate container. This distillation process filters impurities behind when the water evaporates. This removes microbes and minerals like calcium and magnesium.

As we mentioned above, many CPAP manufacturers such as Resmed and Respironics recommend using distilled water for your CPAP machine for the very reason that it decreases the risks of your CPAP equipment becoming mineralized.

Springwater

Springwater is water filtered naturally (by rocks) and contains minerals. As the name suggests, spring water is derived from an underground formation where water flows naturally to the earth’s surface. Similar to tap water, spring water isn’t necessarily filtered so it will contain microbes and minerals.

We recommend that you only use spring water in your CPAP machine if your manufacturer has recommended that you do.

Tap Water

Tap water is water containing solutes like chlorine and fluoride and also contains minerals. Unlike distilled water, tap water is not boiled in order to filter out any impurities. Generally, it is better compared to that of spring water.

Depending on where you live can also impact the tap water that you use. For example, if you live in a city then you may notice that tap water has higher levels of fluoride than rural areas.

The difference between these three types of water would be the presence of minerals, microbes, organisms or chemicals. In most cases, distilled water is often the preferred option for your CPAP device due to the decreased presence of minerals and chemicals.

Tap Water & Your CPAP Device

As mentioned previously, if your CPAP manual says to use distilled water, stick with distilled water. Water in other forms can mineralize, harden, discolour and scale your water chamber with time.

That being said, we have seen CPAP users use tap water - it decreases their product's lifespan and increases the frequency they need to replace their tubs. Make note of your water chamber's life span and replace as recommended by the user's guide.

What Water To Use With Your CPAP Machine When Travelling

A key consideration when travelling is the quality of water. If you don't trust the water supply, don't use the water in your CPAP machine. Find access to a drug store or a pharmacy where you can purchase distilled water.

Using distilled water in these instances will minimize your exposure to any risks to both your health and your CPAP equipment. Some CPAP users temporarily use bottled water until they find distilled water.

Finally, if accessing safe water is an issue when on the road, consider forgoing the usage of your humidifier until you get back home.

CPAPmachines.ca

CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!