When you first begin using your CPAP machine, you might find that it gives you a high level of relief from your symptoms. Newly out of the box, the unit is sure to work effectively because it is clean and has never been used. As time goes on and you use the unit regularly, you might find that the relief you get lessens and your symptoms seem to return to the level they were once at. This does not necessarily mean that you need to get a new CPAP machine or that your machine is no longer any good. There may be a much simpler and more cost-effective solution.
If you are finding that your CPAP machine no longer works as effectively as it once did, it may be time to do a thorough cleaning of the appliance. The buildup of dirt and other debris inside the unit can stop it from working as effectively as when it is clean. In fact, a dirty unit can cause an increase in symptoms instead of easing them the way it should. Eliminating any dirt or buildup from the unit will help it work properly and provide you with the ultimate relief of any symptoms that cause you suffering each night from sleep apnea.
Proper CPAP cleaning is important to keep the unit effective, especially if you use it every night to get a good sleep and keep you healthy. Just as you change the air filters and have the vents of your air conditioner cleaned out to ensure the air in your home stays clean, CPAP cleaning is vital to keep the air you breathe through the CPAP machine as you sleep clean and fresh. Since this air is fed right into the mask portion, it needs to be as clean as possible to help you breathe easy and get restful sleep at night.
Regular CPAP Cleaning is Vital
Just as you might have a regular cleaning routine for the other appliances and vital parts of your home, it’s important to perform regular maintenance and cleaning of your CPAP machine. If you use your CPAP regularly to help alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea, dirt and other contaminants can build up inside the machine. Then these irritants can be transported up into the mask and into your airstream. This can result in breathing issues that cause you more problems during the hours that you are awake.
Because the CPAP machine uses humidity to help make breathing easier, it can generate the buildup of dirt and bacteria inside. The moisture can generate mold over time, particularly inside the small folds of tubing. Just the way that the inside of your pipes, coffee maker or other appliances that use moisture can get a buildup of dirt inside, the CPAP appliance can get a similar layer of dirt inside. In extreme cases, mold, fungus and yeast can begin to grow along the inside of the tubing that transports air to the face mask portion. Before these things can start to grow, using a CPAP cleaner is the best way to stop them from taking hold. This will eliminate the bacteria before it can present a problem for you.
Why Use a CPAP machine cleaner?
A dirty CPAP unit does not help as well as it could with the symptoms of sleep apnea and can cause additional problems, like irritating your respiratory system, skin, and eyes. You may not even realize at first that these symptoms are related to the condition of your CPAP. Some of the problems that a dirty CPAP machine can cause include:
- Scratchy or a sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Runny or itchy nose and increased sneezing
- Respiratory infection
- Watery and itchy eyes
Regular use of a CPAP cleaning device is vital to making sure that the appliance works as effectively as when you first brought it home. With the regular usage of a CPAP cleaner and sanitizer, the unit will continue to work as effectively as possible over the coming years.
If you are looking for the most effective and easiest to use CPAP cleaner, try VirtuCLEAN. This compact CPAP machine cleaner is easy to take with you and use on a regular basis. VirtuCLEAN works fast to eliminate any dirt or bacteria that may exist inside the CPAP machine. In just thirty minutes, this CPAP cleaner eliminates 99 percent of the bacteria that may exist within the machine to keep you safer. When used on a regular basis, VirtuCLEAN can lengthen the lifespan of the parts of your CPAP machine.