Resmed and Respironics CPAP Reviews from Real CPAP Users! Tagged "disinfect"

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.

Unboxing Lumin™ CPAP & Personal Sanitizer

January 18, 2019

Lumin CPAP Cleaner & Personal Sanitizer Review

July 20, 2018

CPAP Sanitizer & Cleaner Machine Review: The Lumin™

Today we will be reviewing the Lumin™ CPAP cleaner & sanitizer, providing our pros and cons of this unit from our own experiences, including feedback from our clients across North America.

Earlier this year, we started carrying a relatively new sanitizing device called the Lumin™ (made by 3B Medical) as an alternative to the very popular SoClean 2 CPAP sanitizing device. The Lumin™ is a sanitizer for everyday household objects like toothbrushes, baby bottles, smartphones, dentures etc... but is also marketed as a CPAP equipment cleaner.

According to the manufacturer, the Lumin™ CPAP Cleaner & Personal Sanitizer is a waterless sanitizing device that operates by emitting a high energy light within a narrow spectrum referred to as UV-C. They claim this UV light will disinfect up to 99% of detrimental bacteria, pathogens and fungi that can cause infection and illness on items placed inside the chamber.

Simply place household items you wish to sanitize into the chamber, close it and press start and the special UV bulb does all the dirty work. The manufacturer describes this method as the safest disinfection option on the market.

Lumin CPAP Cleaner Review: Here’s What We Think

What Are The Pros Of The Lumin™?

It's a quick 5-minute cycle to kill most bacteria and mould on a surface: It takes the same amount of time to brush your teeth in the morning so you can easily sanitize items while you get ready for work or while you are giving your children breakfast.
Minimal set-up: It took a couple of minutes from taking it out of the box to our very first sanitizing cycle. The instructions are easy to follow and self-explanatory.
Versatile device: You can clean and sanitize almost anything you have around the house - sunglasses, headphones, baby bottles, cell phones etc.
It is competitively priced compared to the SoClean 2: Besides the bulb, there are no replacement parts, such as filters and adapters.
No lasting smell: There is no odour associated with the usage of the Lumin™.

What Are The Cons Of This CPAP Cleaning Machine?

Cleaning is limited: The Lumin™ CPAP Cleaner and Personal Sanitizer cannot disinfect the inside of your CPAP machine because the UV light cannot reach the inside. You can use the device to sanitize your mask, standard hose and water chamber.
The drawer opening to the chamber is not very big: There are limits to what you can and cannot fit into the chamber. This can be frustrating for some users.
Metallic lining can cause scratches: We found that, if you're not careful, you can scratch yourself or your stuff on the drawer's metallic lining. As long as you're not rushing, this shouldn't be an issue.

Our Honest Verdict: What We Really Think Of The Lumin™ CPAP Cleaner & Personal Sanitizing Device

Overall, we think the Lumin™ is a great cleaning product for CPAP equipment but is it right for you? Well, that depends.

In our opinion, if you have little children or elderly family members who are susceptible to getting sick, it is a handy device to have in the house to keep bacteria at bay. The Lumin™ will help keep you healthy and keep your mask from smelling like an old running shoe. But if you're looking to disinfect your CPAP machine inside and out -- motor and all -- you might want to consider an alternative like the SoClean 2.

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