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CPAP Pressure Settings: All You Need To Know

Posted on by John S

You have probably heard of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy if you have sleep apnea or any other respiratory condition. A continuous stream of air is delivered by CPAP devices to assist maintain your airway open while you sleep so you can breathe normally. However, to ensure the best possible care and comfort, it is essential to comprehend the many CPAP therapy features, including pressure settings. The typical pressure for a CPAP machine, the negative effects of excessive pressure, and if you can change your CPAP pressure yourself are all topics we’ll cover in this article. Furthermore, we’ll also discuss the need of the best CPAP cleaner to keep the equipment germ-free.

Average Pressure for a CPAP Machine:

Each person’s average CPAP machine pressure requirement is different and is established through a sleep study performed by a medical expert. Centimetres of water (cmH2O) measure pressure, and the pressure normally falls between 4 and 20 cmH2O. This range makes sure that each person’s unique breathing requirements are successfully addressed. To find the best pressure setting for your particular situation, you must speak with your healthcare professional.

CPAP Pressure Settings:

Most modern CPAP machines offer features like auto-adjusting pressure (APAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) to deliver the most appropriate pressure throughout the night. APAP machines automatically adjust the pressure based on your breathing patterns, while BiPAP machines offer different pressure levels for inhalation and exhalation. Consulting with your sleep specialist will help you determine which type of machine and pressure setting is best for you.

Side Effects of CPAP Pressure Too High:

Using a CPAP machine with pressure settings that are too high can lead to various side effects. It is essential to maintain the prescribed pressure to avoid potential discomfort and health risks. Some common side effects of high CPAP pressure include:

  • Dry or irritated nasal passages: High pressure can cause dryness, congestion, and nasal irritation. Using a heated humidifier along with your CPAP machine can help alleviate these symptoms.
  • Mask discomfort: High pressure can create excessive air leaks or discomfort around the mask, leading to poor compliance and disrupted sleep. Ensure that your mask is properly fitted and consider using a mask with adjustable straps for a secure fit.
  • Aerophagia: Aerophagia refers to swallowing air while using a CPAP machine. High pressure can increase the likelihood of this condition, resulting in bloating, burping, or even stomach discomfort. Reducing the pressure or using a bilevel machine may help alleviate these symptoms.

Can I Adjust My CPAP Pressure Myself?

It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before making any adjustments to your CPAP pressure settings. Only a trained medical professional can assess your specific needs and make informed decisions regarding changes in pressure. They may conduct follow-up sleep studies or make recommendations based on your progress and symptoms. Attempting to adjust the pressure settings on your own without medical guidance can result in ineffective treatment or potential harm.

Best CPAP Cleaner and UV Phone Sanitizer:

Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is essential for your CPAP equipment. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, mold, and other pathogens. You can even use Lumin multipurpose sanitizer to clean accessories, like masks, tubing/hoses, etc., of your CPAP equipment. This sanitizer uses advanced technology to sanitize your equipment effectively, ensuring a healthy therapy experience. It is also a good UV phone sanitizer to eliminate germs and bacteria from smartphones, preventing cross-contamination between your phone and CPAP equipment. Hence, you can maintain better hygiene while effectively using your CPAP machine.

Conclusion:

Understanding CPAP pressure settings is crucial for ensuring effective and comfortable therapy for sleep apnea and other breathing disorders. The average pressure for a CPAP machine varies from person to person and should be determined through a sleep study conducted by a healthcare professional. Adhering to the prescribed pressure helps avoid side effects such as nasal dryness, mask discomfort, and aerophagia. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before making any adjustments to your CPAP pressure settings. Remember, a clean CPAP machine and accessories contribute to a successful therapy experience, so consider using a reliable CPAP cleaning machine to clean its accessories to maintain optimal hygiene.

What is a CPAP Machine? How Does it Work?

Posted on by John S

Do you often feel exhausted even after a proper night’s sleep? Do you experience disturbed breathing patterns during sleep? It could be a serious sleep disorder, like sleep apnea, that needs correction before you start experiencing any further complications.

The most common way of treating sleep apnea is using a CPAP machine. This machine helps in keeping the airways of the user open while they sleep. Hence, it manages the proper requirement of oxygen during sleep time.

What is a CPAP Machine?

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This machine is vital for completing CPAP therapy, which helps in treating obstructive sleep apnea. It is a small rectangular box-shaped machine with a motorized fan and humidifier. The machine comes attached to a flexible tube that leads to a breathing mask.

The fan within the device creates a slight positive pressure within the mask to deliver pressurized air to your mouth and/or nose, as per the type of mask you use. It means there won’t be any lapses while breathing at night due to the positive air pressure that keeps the airways open.

There is even an optional humidification chamber within the CPAP machine. However, many people go for the CPAP with a humidification chamber to ensure lack of enough humidity doesn’t lead to irritation in the throat and nasal passage.

How does a CPAP machine work?

A CPAP machine comes with three major parts:

  • The motor: It sits at the user’s bedside and helps in delivering quiet pressurized air, which is taken off the room temperature. This pressurized air is delivered to the user’s airways through a CPAP hose that connects to a CPAP mask.

 

  • CPAP hose: Typically 6 feet long, the CPAP hose helps in connecting the machine to the mask hose connects the machine to your mask. A heated tube can be added to a therapy session to maintain warm air for better comfort.

 

  • CPAP mask: As per your sleep and breathing patterns, you can choose the right mask available in the market. A full-face mask is typically for people who breathe through their nose and mouth while sleeping at night. And, the basal pillows or nasal cushion mask is for people who breathe via their nose at night.

Here’s how the complete CPAP machine work:

The compressor of a CPAP machine makes a normal stream of compressed air. This air moves via an air channel within an adaptable tubing, which brings sanitized air into a mask around your mouth or nose.

When you are resting, the air streaming through the CPAP machine pushes against the blockages to open airway routes. So, your lungs get a proper oxygen supply without any disturbance. It means you won’t wake up during your night’s sleep due to continuous breathing.

Different types of CPAP masks

There are several types of CPAP masks available on the market. But what suits you often depends on your breathing habits and the type of obstruction you are dealing with.

Here are some common types of CPAP masks:

  • Nasal mask: It covers the entire nose area and is ideal for those who move a lot while sleeping.

 

  • Nasal pillow mask: It won’t cover the complete nose area but just your nostrils. Some of these masks may even fit snugly into the nostrils. It is suitable for people with lots of facial hair.

 

  • Full mask: As the name suggests, it covers your complete mouth and nose. It is suitable for people who breathe through their mouths while sleeping, as their airways get obstructed due to airway blockage.

Benefits of CPAP machine

Here are several benefits of CPAP machines:

  • It is great for treating sleep apnea by providing consistent oxygen flow to the user.
  • This machine decreases daytime sleepiness and helps the user to sleep properly at night.
  • CPAP even helps in improving overall sleep quality, as it doesn’t let you wake up frequently.
  • With proper sleep, there is also a lesser risk of high blood pressure.
  • It even helps in reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems and strokes
  • It also helps in optimizing your sugar levels.

Types of CPAP machines

  • Bi-level PAP machine – It makes use of two distinct pressures. One pressure is for inhalation and the other is for exhalation.
  • Adaptive servo-ventilation – It is ideal for people with central sleep apnea. It helps in keeping airways open with compulsory breathing when needed.
  • Auto CPAP– It helps in keeping airways open with self-regulation of the pressure.

Care for the CPAP machine

Regular cleaning of CPAP machines is crucial to prevent mould and bacterial exposure. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper CPAP machine cleaning. For cleaning the accessories, like mask, tube, water chamber, headgear, etc., you can use an advanced ultraviolet sanitiser. This way your entire CPAP machine will stay clean and germ-free for longer use.

Best CPAP Masks for Side Sleepers

Posted on by John S

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is a highly effective way of treating patients experiencing obstructive sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea often face lapses in their breathing patterns while sleeping. It causes poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness.

But with the help of a CPAP machine, they can keep their airway open with positively pressurised air via a CPAP mask that snugly fits around their nose and mouth. Nonetheless, it can be quite challenging to comfortably sleep wearing a CPAP mask, particularly when you’re a side sleeper. 

Side sleeping is a common sleep position among many people and it even helps in improving the sleep quality of people with apnea. However, side sleeping may obstruct CPAP therapy, as it can hamper the fit of your CPAP mask. 

In this article, we’ll share with you the types of CPAP masks and how to choose the best CPAP mask for side sleepers.

What Types of CPAP Masks Are Ideal For Side Sleepers?

The best types of CPAP masks for side sleepers are the nasal mask and nasal pillow types. However, choosing the right sleep apnea masks often depends on an individual’s preferences. The side sleepers require a CPAP mask to reduce the challenges they face, like changing sides during their sleep and having their face pressed against the sleep surface. So, they cannot properly wear their CPAP. 

To address these issues, side sleepers need a flexible mask with a small footprint. So, nasal pillows and nasal masks are perfect for side sleepers, as they provide a proper balance of functionality and comfort to the wearer. 

Nasal Pillow Mask

This mask is compact and comes with a soft silicone pillow, which rests below the nose to fit into the nostrils while creating a seal. This mask is great for side sleepers, as it is lightweight and can withstand frequent movements while sleeping. Due to their minimal design, these masks are good for people who love to watch TV or read books in bed before dozing off to sleep. 

However, these masks may not be ideal for all side sleepers. It is because these masks may be uncomfortable at pressure settings of 12 cm H2O and above. Even people with chronic nasal problems, like severe congestion or deviated septum, can do better with some other type of CPAP mask. 

Nasal Masks

A nasal mask helps in creating a seal around the bridge of the nose and upper lip. However, some versions are more compact. The nasal masks work better at higher pressure settings compared to nasal pillow masks. Hence, these masks help in offering better balance to side sleepers seeking lightweight masks that may withstand higher pressures. 

These masks even come in various sizes and models, making it convenient to find a nasal mask with the right fitting. However, nasal masks may not work perfectly for side sleepers with nasal problems. 

Other Masks

There are also other types of masks to consider. One is the oral mask that covers the mouth, and the other is the CPAP full-face mask for side sleepers that covers both the mouth and the nose.  

Oral masks create a seal and provide air only to the mouth. Sleep specialists rarely prescribe these masks and there are not many models for this type of mask. But they work amazingly for people with chronic nasal issues. 

Full-face masks that seal and deliver pressurised air to both the mouth and the nose are also quite common. But it is quite bulkier compared to nasal pillows and nasal masks. However, full-face masks are ideal for side sleepers who require higher pressure settings or those who breathe through their nose. 

Find the Best Fitting CPAP Mask

Using the above-mentioned information, one can easily choose from the available CPAP mask options and sizes for side sleepers. Adjusting the headgear and also experimenting with various masks can also help in picking the right one. Whenever trying on CPAP masks, make sure to wear them and move around the house for a while. It will help in finding a mask that is comfortable to wear during activities. Hence, side sleepers can wear them comfortably when moving during their sleep. 

With any new mask, there is also a chance that you may not like its fit. So, it is best to look for packs with different fits. Such packs even come in two to three different sizes to make sure you get the best fit. No matter what type of CPAP mask you require and which position you sleep in, there is a perfect mask out there as per your requirements. Once you find the right mask for yourself, don’t forget its regular cleaning to keep it away from germs, mold, or bacteria. You can invest in an advanced UV-integrated CPAP cleaner for convenient cleaning without any hassle. Hence, your selected mask will remain germ-free with regular use.

Everything You Need To Know About REM Sleep and Its Importance

Posted on by John S

What do you mean by sleep? Well, for a long time, sleep was simply believed to be a period of relaxation. In 1953, some scientists discovered that sleep is actually a complex process. It is actually important for several mental processes including learning and memory. REM is a sleep stage that is characterized by intense eye movements and is usually associated with dreaming. It has been observed that an average person experiences four to six REM episodes during a normal night.

In this post, we will discuss in detail all about REM sleep, its importance to the human body and how you can increase REM sleep. Let’s find out the details.

What Is REM Sleep?

It is often described as the most active stage of sleep and is associated with dreaming. In this stage, brain activity consists of faster waves along with rapid eye movements behind closed eyelids. Most of the muscles become temporarily paralyzed during REM sleep to prevent any sort of harm from acting out dreams. However, people still display occasional muscle twitches while having REM sleep. Other things that you might witness are breathing quickens, heart rate increases, and a person might wake up relatively alert. Usually, the period of REM sleep occurs around 90 minutes intervals throughout the night.

Why Is REM Sleep Important?

Several studies have revealed that REM sleep plays a crucial part in memory consolidation and further helps in maintaining and preparing neural connections to enhance future learning. It is also said that reaching the REM sleep stage fosters improvements in working memory. In short, REM plays a vital role in brain development as the person experiences muscle twitches that help in motor learning. Not just that, REM also contributes to creativity and emotional processing.

Dreams during REM sleep are unusual and vivid. Many researchers claim that REM sleep helps people in recovering from stressful events and obtaining an extensive amount of REM sleep after encountering a traumatic event might further reduce the chances of having post-traumatic stress disorder.  That’s not all, REM sleep also affects physical health and protects people against obesity.

How Much REM Sleep Do You Need?

Well, adults need at least seven hours of sleep every night. So, REM sleep should make up around 20-25% of total sleep. If you compromise your sleep cycle then you might not witness significant effects of REM sleep but after having 12 to 24 hours of sleep deprivation, people usually experience a REM rebound effects when they sleep. This means increasing the REM sleep to make up for the missed REM sleep previously.

How To Increase REM Sleep?

The truth is that REM sleep occurs usually during the second half of the sleep period, so this means that sleeping for a short period will not allow enough time to complete the REM sleep cycle. So, below are a few recommendations that can help you in obtaining more REM sleep while ensuring you get a sufficient amount of quality and quantity of sleep.

Fix Sleep Disorders

It is important to see if the alterations in REM sleep are due to some disruption caused by a sleep disorder, then treating the disorder can prompt a return to normal proportions of REM sleep. For instance, several studies revealed that after treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy, many people experience REM rebound sleep which helps in providing higher-quality sleep and a better mood overall.

Start and Maintain A Sleep Schedule

Well, having a proper sleep schedule is quintessential. The longer period of REM sleep tends to align with the dip in body temperature that usually occurs in the early morning time and is regulated by the circadian rhythm. So, disrupting the balance of irregular sleep-wake times will confuse your body and further interfere with REM sleep regulation. However, maintaining a healthy sleep cycle will fix the problem and help you obtain more REM sleep.

Say No To Sleep Aids

Certain antipsychotic and antidepressant medications might suppress your REM sleep. Many people continue taking such medications as they believe that the benefits are more than the drawbacks but the fact is that if the lack of REM sleep is affecting the quality of your life, then you must consult your doctor to lower your dose or switch to some other medication. Above all, you should also avoid intake of alcohol and tobacco as it can also affect your REM sleep.

Buy CPAP Machine To Get Better REM Sleep

Do you know that REM sleep time is increased by 69% with the CPAP machine? Sounds fascinating, isn’t it? If you want to learn more about CPAP machines or want to buy top-grade CPAP cleaning machines, then choose Lumin where you will get an exclusive range of CPAP equipment and consumables. Explore more.

The UV Disinfection Machine: Are They Safe For Electronic Devices?

Posted on by John S

Corona Viruses such as COVID-19 have been a life-changing event in almost everyone’s life. This time not only taught us the importance of our loved ones but also how health and hygiene play a crucial role in our lives. During this time the interest in cellphone disinfection increased significantly around the world. Do you remember how we all used to disinfect every single thing that used to enter our homes or was out of our daily use? People got to know that cell phones are not just a medium that helps us stay connected with our family and friends but is the fact that they are a potential germ minefield that can spread viruses in our bodies.

Mobile phone infections can help us keep away from the spread of viruses including COVID-19. Are you sure this is what you want to say as it makes no sense.  Why would infections keep the spread of viruses? UV phone sanitiser has now become a routine must-have accessory not only -in public spaces but also is now regularly used in the home environment.. Several industries have already adapted  themselves to the usage of UV disinfectants in particular the healthcare industry which has one of the highest usages. The healthcare industry stands firm that medical equipment and personal electronic products within the hospital environment is a must. Physicians, office personnel, and nurses use electronic devices to track and monitor the progress of patients. So, these devices are quite prone to carrying potential viruses. Therefore, regular sanitisation of these devices is much needed. During the time of COVID-19, hospitals became one of the many public environments that began the use of UV-C light disinfection machines.

But, the question that arises here is whether the usage of UV disinfectants is safe or not. Worry not, we will guide you with all the details. This article will explain to you the efficacy and safety of UV disinfectants and how they function to keep viruses away. Let’s dive into the details.

Is UV Disinfection Machine Safe For Electronic Devices?

Of course, you must be sceptical about whether you should invest in UV sanitiser to clean your mobile phones and other electronic devices. The answer is yes, it is safe to do so. Unlike traditional cleaning methods such as – harsh cleaning agents like bleach-based solutions and alcohol that can degrade or wear down your electronic devices over time, UV sanitising does not corrode the efficacy of your touchscreens or interiors of the electronic devices. It is because the UV-C wavelength affects the RNA and DNA of the bacteria, thereby effectively killing the pathogen and making it non-infectious. Devices that are oddly structured or shaped take more time to disinfect as they face difficulty in reaching the areas inside of the porous objects. However hard, flat and angular objects such as cell phones and laptops are perfect for the process, thereby rendering germ-free electronic devices in just a few minutes.

UV-C sanitisers sanitise electronic devices such as mobile phones without leaving behind no film or residue or spreading the germs around which can happen with disinfection wipes.  You can be confident that your mobile phone will be virus free after using a UV-C sanitiser.

Is Usage Of UV Disinfectant Safe for Humans?

UV technology has been used for decades for sanitising purposes, including food products and in healthcare facilities. With the advent of new viruses that have emerged the use of UV-C sanitisers have begun to be adopted by the general public. Lumin Multi-Purpose UV-C sanitiser is one product that used widely by the general public The Lumin Multipurpose sanitiser has been made with high-grade materials that ensure that UV-C sanitisation occurs safely without direct exposure to the UV light.

Lumin is surely the easiest and fastest way to sanitise your personal and healthcare items such as – mobile phones, keys, hearing aids, soft toys, retainers, and anything that can easily fit in a convenient drawer. It comes with ambient UV-C light and no harmful gases and chemicals that can hamper your devices. It operates at a wavelength of 254 nm which is considered to be the most effective for maximum germicidal activity for viruses. Just one touch of 5 minutes of sanitisation and you get a germ-free device. So, whether you are looking for home or office sanitisation, Lumin products are your go-to deals.

Visit the website to know more about Lumin UV-C sanitisers, CPAP machines, how to clean CPAP machines, and more. Explore now!

How Often Should You Clean CPAP Equipment

Posted on by lumin au

Now that you have been prescribed with a CPAP device, getting used to wearing your new CPAP therapy device while sleeping and using it correctly every night are the first critical steps to successfully managing sleep apnea obstructive sleep apnea.

The next critical step in your therapy is learning how to properly clean and maintain the CPAP mask and hose and how often you should undertake this task.

Why CPAP Parts Need to Be Washed

OSA is a medical condition that can lead to serious health issues Health Issues and effective therapy is dependent on having and using reliable equipment. Keeping your CPAP device and CPAP equipment including mask, tube and humidifier chamber hygienic is key to maintaining its reliability and ensuring your good health.

Most CPAP masks are made with silicone cushions, designed to be comfortable, gentle and non-irritating. However, the material may wear out faster without proper care. Therefore cleaning your CPAP mask and hose regularly promotes good hygiene and helps your equipment last longer.

What Happens if You Don’t Clean Your CPAP Regularly?

CPAP machines are humid and often warm, making them the perfect home for mould, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microbes. Cleaning your CPAP components regularly washes these microbes away and prevents them from reaching dangerous levels.  But, neglecting your CPAP machine’s hygiene can lead to both acute and chronic respiratory conditions.

Regardless of your personal hygiene, facial oils will quickly build up on your mask’s cushion and headgear. Oil attracts dirt and bacteria, and the combination of these can quickly lead to acne and skin irritation around your mask.

Finally, a dirty CPAP machine will have a far shorter lifespan than one that is kept clean. Facial oils and dirt can degrade the materials your mask is made of, while mould and harmful microbes can also damage the hose or humidifier tank, leading to cracks or cloudiness.

How Often You Should Clean CPAP Parts

CPAP equipment manufacturers recommend regular cleanings. They advise washing out the mask, tubing and CPAP humidifier chamber at minimum once a week. Rinsing the mask and hose daily is good practice that helps keep them clean.   If you are sick it is preferable that CPAP equipment is washed daily so you do not rebreather the infections.  It is well established that viruses can remain on surfaces from a few hours to several days.

Most manufacturers and sites say that Cleaning the CPAP equipment well does not require expensive equipment or an excessive amount of time.

However, it is important to keep in mind that all the CPAP parts that come in contact with water will actually be at risk of developing dangerous mould, breeding viruses and bacteria CPAP Masks and bacteria, especially if they are not fully dried.  To clean your CPAP properly and effectively will take time.

Sanitising your CPAP equipment with a product like the Lumin Sanitiser is prudent as it fast, and will kill 99.9% of germs, bacterial, mould and viruses.

 

How to Clean a CPAP Machine

Posted on by lumin au

In This Article

  • How and why, you should Clean a CPAP Machine
  • What is CPAP Equipment?
  • Types of Cleaning Methods
    • Manual
    • Wipes
    • Ozone Cleaners
    • UVC Cleaning machines

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines is the most common treatment option for sleep apnea, a serious breathing disorder.

There are several critical parts to the cpap system CPAP machines that the manufacturers recommend you clean regularly.  These include, the mask, headgear, breathing circuit and the water reservoir used for humidification.   Cleaning your equipment daily removes dangerous germs, bacteria, mould and dirt and makes your CPAP treatment a clean, fresh and healthy experience Dirty CPAP and Your health.

Although daily cleaning may be time consuming if it is undertaken manually, it is an essential process that needs to be integrate into your daily schedule.

How to Clean CPAP Equipment

All CPAP manufacturers recommend users to adhere to a daily routine of cleaning of their CPAP equipment.  If this is not possible users must commit to at a minimum a weekly cleaning schedule Clean CPAP .

Unclean CPAP equipment such as hoses, masks and water chambers can lead to serious illness.  By not cleaning your CPAP you may be susceptible to congestion, coughs, and other respiratory issues.

Not cleaning your CPAP machine may also lead your CPAP equipment lifespan being shortened and, in some cases, may void the manufacturer’s warranty. By cleaning your CPAP equipment regularly (daily or even weekly) you will ensure these lifesaving pieces of medical equipment remains in pristine condition.

What is CPAP Equipment?

CPAP Equipment is the accessories that are an integral part of the CPAP therapy and essential components that fit with your CPAP machine.

These include,

  • CPAP Mask
  • CPAP Tube
  • CPAP Water Reservoir or Humidifier

The CPAP machine itself only requires the surface of the device to be wiped down but the equipment requires cleaning daily of weekly as they are likely to accumulate dirt, germs, bacteria and viruses.

Types of CPAP Cleaning Methods

  • Manual Cleaning with Soap and water
  • CPAP Cleaning Wipes
  • Ozone Cleaners*
  • UVC Cleaners. Lumin CPAP Sanitiser

1. Manual Cleaning

This process is suggested by the CPAP manufacturers.

It can be very effective if undertaken correctly BUT

  • Can be time consuming. Process can take between 40 minutes to over 1 hour.
  • Soap residues can remain.
  • If not dried completely can harbour more bacteria

CPAP Cleaning Supplies Required for Manual Cleaning

  • Mild soap, preferably unscented and without moisturizing ingredients
  • White vinegar (if you use a humidifier tank)
  • Warm, drinking-quality water
  • A sink, tub, or bucket large enough to hold your hose or tubing
  • A clean, non-abrasive towel
  • Drying rack

 CPAP Equipment Cleaning Steps

Disassemble:

  • Before you disassemble or clean any part of your CPAP machine, you should always double-check that it is unplugged from any power source. The air hose and tubing should be disconnected from both the mask and the CPAP machine before cleaning.
  • If you use a humidifier, you should also remove the water tank and set it aside.
  • Most CPAP masks consist of three parts — headgear, cushion, and frame — that can be separated for more effective cleaning and easier drying.

Clean:

  • Most tubing can be cleaned by washing it in warm, soapy water. The inside of the tubing must also be cleaned, so be sure to submerge it in the water for long enough that it fills up completely with the soapy water.
  • However, hoses with electrical components — such as heated hoses — must be cleaned more carefully. If you use a heated hose, double-check the manufacturer’s directions for more information on keeping it clean.
  • Each part of your mask should be washed separately with mild soap. The cushion and headgear are particularly prone to becoming stained with face or hair oils — since these can degrade the material and attract microbes, make sure they are oil-free before moving on.
  • Humidifier tanks can be cleaned by filling them with a solution of equal parts warm water and white vinegar. The tank can be left to soak while you clean the rest of your CPAP components, allowing the vinegar time to work.

Rinse and Air Dry: 

  • All CPAP components should be rinsed with cool, clean water after being washed. The components should be free of any soap, including soap film, so double-check that they are clean before leaving them to dry. This is particularly important for thin tubing, as it is easy to miss soap bubbles trapped inside them.
  • Once all of your components are rinsed and clean, you should set them out on a soft, clean towel to air-dry.
  • Hoses and tubing may dry better if hung up, so try hanging them from a shower rail or door if they do not air-dry properly on the towel.

Reassemble: 

  • You should only reassemble your mask and CPAP components once they are fully dry. Depending on the component and your climate, this may take several hours.
  • Reassembly should be done away from outlets and with the CPAP machine unplugged. Always remember to follow any assembly instructions from the manufacturer of your mask and CPAP machine.

 

2. CPAP Wipes

Available at most sleep dealers and through online retailers.  These are pre-moistened wipes which can safely remove oils, dead skin cells, and dust from your mask.

  • While these wipes are great options for cleaning your mask, they’re a bit harder to use on the water chamber — and
  • impossible to use when cleaning your tubing.
  • Even with the mask, it may not be easy to get into all the creases, crevices and folds and you need to use multiple wipes.

Remember, you should not use the same wipe to clean the whole mask as all you are doing is spreading the germs from one area to another Risk with wipes.   Wipes are also not ecologically friendly. wipes and the environment

3. Ozone Cleaners

Some cleaning devices use ozone gas to neutralize pathogens from parts.

  • They can be very effective. BUT only use those that are approved by regulatory bodies and be aware of manufacturer’s warranty conditions.
  • Unless completely sealed, these machines emit ozone into the air. A known environmental pollutant and a health irritant to those individuals who suffer from respiratory issues.
  • Generally, Ozone cleaners that have not been approved by the regulatory bodies in USA and Australia are more than likely to create the issues noted previously.
  • Ozone is highly toxic and tends to linger, which means you can only use an ozone cleaner hours before you go to bed. Otherwise, you risk inhaling the lingering ozone when you use your CPAP. This can worsen your breathing problems.
  • The two major manufacturers of CPAP now state that the CPAP warranty will be void if ozone cleaners are used. Manufactures Warranty

4. UVC (Ultra Violet Light C) Cleaners

UV light is often used in laboratory environments to sterilize equipment. UV-based cleaners such as Lumin apply this technology to your CPAP equipment.

YOU SHOULD ONLY USE UVC Cleaners that work at the optimum wavelength and TIME and must have been tested to be effective by independent credible testing laboratories.  Benefits of UVC Light

Lumin Sanitiser www.luminaustralia.com.au

  • When exposed to UVC light at 254nm, bacteria and viruses are disabled. Meaning you can more easily clean your sleep mask without needing to use soap and water.
  • Note that it must be of a specific wavelength for UVC light to clean equipment and operated for a particular duration.
  • In other words, you cannot neutralize your sleep mask by holding a regular fluorescent light over it.
  • Choose a UVC-based cleaner specifically designed for this purpose, such as the Lumin Sanitiser

How To Choose Your Sleep Mask Cleaning Device

Posted on by lumin au

How To Choose Your Sleep Mask Cleaning Device

Your doctor has diagnosed and prescribed therapy for your sleep apnea. As this is something new and relates to your health you may be trying to figure out how to manage your therapy going forward. When using cpap therapy there are several components that you need consider from how do I fit the mask so there is no leak, have I set up the equipment correctly, what do I do to clean and how often should I clean?
There are several critical parts to the cpap system that the manufacturers recommend you clean regularly. These include, the mask, headgear, breathing circuit and the water reservoir used for heated humidification.
You could clean each of these components individually with soap and water, but that’s time-consuming and can leave a foul odour when the water dries on the plastic. This smell can be a disincentive to you continuing with your critical cpap therapy.
Autumn and winter are well knows as the cold/flu seasons and it is essential that you clean your cpap mask and other equipment. Remember, “A dirty mask or equipment can make you sick”!
To ensure that all parts of your sleep mask and other essential part of the system are clean and functional, we have outlined some commonly used methods that will allow you to make an informed choice on what would best suit your cleaning needs.
Types of Cleaning
Manual Cleaning
Experts recommend cleaning your water resevoir daily, tubing every week, and the sleep mask and headgear regularly. You should never use harsh chemicals or strong detergents (e.g., dish soap), as these can leave harmful residues.
Some gentle soaps such as hand soaps are okay to use in small amounts. Many people use a simple vinegar-water solution to clean their accessories.
Problems with Manual Cleaning

Mildew and germ build-up aren’t always visible to the naked eye like the above image. Occasionally, trapped water will breed soap-resistant pathogens that you later breathe in.
The problem is that most manual methods could still leave moisture and germs inside your machine’s parts. These can contribute to mould, mildew, odour, and potentially an infection. You also need to let the parts air-dry, which can be an issue on busy days if you clean the machine late it generally is not dry in time for when you are ready to go to sleep.
Other Cleaning Methods
If the soap-and-water approach does not work for you or if you would like a deeper clean, there are several options for sanitising and maintaining your cpap equipment.
Cleaning Wipes/Wet Wipes
Available at most sleep dealers and through online retailers. These are pre-moistened wipes which can safely remove oils, dead skin cells, and dust from your mask. While these wipes are great options for cleaning your mask, they’re a bit harder to use on the water chamber — and impossible to use when cleaning your tubing. Even with the mask, it may not be easy to get into all the creases, crevices and folds and you need to use multiple wipes. Remember, you should not use the same wipe to clean the whole mask as all you are doing is spreading the germs from one area to another.
Ozone Cleaners
Some cleaning devices use ozone gas to neutralize pathogens from parts. Unless completely sealed, these machines emit ozone into the air. Unfortunately, ozone is highly toxic. Ozone tends to linger, which means you can only use an ozone cleaner hours before you go to bed. Otherwise, you risk inhaling the lingering ozone when you use your. This can actually worsen your breathing problems. Recently a major manufacturer has noted that ozone has had an detrimental effect on the sound abatement foam inside their CPAP and BiPAP products and has issues a recall on these products.
UV Cleaners
UV light is often used in laboratory environments to sterilize equipment. UV-based cleaners such as Lumin Sanitiser apply this technology to your CPAP equipment.
Cleaning Device Lumin Sanitiser
When exposed to UV light, bacteria and viruses are disabled. Meaning you can more easily clean your sleep mask without needing to use soap and water. Note that it must be of a specific wavelength for UV light to clean equipment and operated for a particular duration. In other words, you cannot neutralize your sleep mask by holding a regular fluorescent light over it. Choose a UV-based cleaner specifically designed for this purpose, such as the 3B Lumin Sanitiser.
The Best Solution
Cleaning your sleep mask and other equipment such as hoses and water reservoir regularly is crucial to your overall health.
You will avoid getting sick from mould or mildew or reinfecting yourself with pathogens exhaled during sleep. Furthermore, you will also prolong the life of your CPAP and accessories. Traditional cleaning methods don’t always work. You need a water-free approach or deeper clean; make a UV-based cleaner part of your routine.
Here’s to better sleep!
Jan, 2021 by Ann S (CPAP Consultant with many years of experience in the field)

CPAP Mask: How to Find the Right Fitting Mask for Better Sleep

Posted on by lumin_au_admin

Over the years, many patients have come to me complaining that they still aren’t getting a restful night’s sleep after being placed on CPAP. We go back and check pressure, medication, body position but the single most important part of the CPAP equation is the CPAP mask type and fit.

Why is the CPAP Mask Fit so Important?

Well, if you can’t tolerate your mask, there is no chance you will acclimate to therapy. Poor fitting masks cause facial marks, discomfort, dry eyes, dry mouth, open sores, excessive leaking and even hair loss.

With all the new technology built into CPAP masks, there is no reason you shouldn’t have a comfortable mask that fills your needs.

Masks Come in Many Shapes and Sizes

Masks can come in many different varieties. Traditional types are nasal pillows, nasal masks and full face masks. Non-traditional masks exist for those that need an outside the box fit as well.

Some pretty cool and comfortable non-traditional masks that can help are the Tap-Pap, a nasal pillow interface with no headgear; it’s held in place with the patient’s mouth.

The SleepWeaver mask line is cloth based and even works for pediatric patients and the Fit Life mask by Philips Respironics, is a total face mask.

Which CPAP Mask is an Appropriate Fit for You?

cpap mask

I generally start by asking if a patient knows their pressure or is claustrophobic. For pressures higher than 11, I DO NOT recommend a nasal pillow. They are great masks but at higher pressures, they can be drying and irritating to nasal and sinus cavities.

So, say you are claustrophobic AND have a high pressure?

I fit patients with a full face mask, seems like backwards thinking but let’s look deeper: Higher pressure has challenges of its own that can be intolerable with a full face mask such as the 3B Numa.

The Numa can offer a slight diffusion of air pressure and give the added benefit of allowing a patient the freedom to open their mouth, which for some relieves the feeling of claustrophobia.

This is also very helpful for patients who are mouth breathers or who experience nasal congestion, allergies or dry mouth.

Side sleeper? Move a lot? Tolerate your air pressure well and don’t wake up with an overly dry mouth?

Probably best in a simple nasal mask. These tend to be well tolerated, are very lightweight and are easy to use. The 3B Viva is a great option with the added benefit of a silicone gasket built in to ensure your mask moves with you and keeps a great seal.

Want to read in bed or watch TV?

There are some GREAT options for a forehead-less mask which allow you unrestricted vision and the ability to wear glasses if needed. Two 3B masks fit the bill here.

The Rio II, an ultra-lightweight nasal pillow interface, and the 3B Elara, a mask that is both full-face and soft and comfortable with no forehead stabilizer.

Finding a mask that suits your needs can be challenging, but it is definitely possible with all the masks on the market.

Some Other Things to Consider when Mask Shopping

How easy is the mask to assemble following cleaning? How does your DME company size and fit the mask to you?  Does your mask make you feel confident that you can rest comfortably? Is the mask “noisy?”

All these parameters affect not only you but also your bed partner.

Mask cleaning is also a concern. Getting into all the nooks and crannies with a soap and water will likely clean all visible debris based on how often you clean your mask. However, you might consider a rather handy unit for sanitisation like the 3B Lumin. The Lumin will sanitise your mask to over 99% on surface areas.

The 3B Lumin Can Help

The 3B Lumin will also sanitise most household goods. It’s a true multi-purpose item, throw in your toothbrushes, baby pacifiers and cell phones.

Keeping your CPAP and home accessories germ-free has never been easier. For more information please check out our Lumin site.

The perfect CPAP mask is so worth the hunt, it can be life-changing and life-saving.

Keep fighting for that perfect night’s rest; stay healthy, faithful readers. Remember YOU are your biggest advocate.

Are Ozone Cleaners Safe?

Posted on by lumin_au_admin

I have been a clinician in the sleep business for a long time. Sometimes I see a product on the market that raises an eyebrow, and sometimes I see a product that raises genuine concern.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) run the gamut from healthy and athletic to those faced with other comorbidities such as asthma, COPA, and pulmonary fibrosis.

It is that overlap of the patient population that concerns me most when I see ozone-based CPAP cleaners heavily marketed.

Out in California, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) was sufficiently alarmed to adopt legislation to protect public health. Why? Because ozone is not what other manufacturers advertise it to be (i.e. “activated oxygen”). Rather, ozone is a toxic gas. FDA regulations are pretty clear on this:

Sec. 801.415 Maximum acceptable level of ozone.
(a) Ozone is a toxic gas with no known useful medical application in specific, adjunctive, or preventive therapy. In order for ozone to be effective as a germicide, it must be present in a concentration far greater than that which can be safely tolerated by man and animals.
(b) Although undesirable physiological effects on the central nervous system, heart, and vision have been reported, the predominant physiological effect of ozone is primary irritation of the mucous membranes. Inhalation of ozone can cause sufficient irritation to the lungs to result in pulmonary edema. The onset of pulmonary edema is usually delayed for some hours after exposure; thus, symptomatic response is not a reliable warning of exposure to toxic concentrations of ozone. Since olfactory fatigue develops readily, the odor of ozone is not a reliable index of atmospheric ozone concentration. (emphasis added).

The two products I see in the marketplace that rely on ozone for sanitisation are SoClean and VirtuClean.

One has a warning not to use the CPAP equipment for several hours. The other has no warning at all for a waiting period.

A safe waiting period is probably several hours.

But, how much ozone is being vented in the room? Is it safe for pets, children and the elderly? Does the product
label even indicate how much ozone is released?

Probably not.

If a patient wants to use an ozone product, at least some awareness as to the risks needs to be raised to insure that the product is used safely and as directed.

The worst thing that can happen is that the patient does not wait several hours to use and inhales a full column of ozone in the CPAP hose into their lungs, or the device vents enough ozone to raise the room concentration above 0.05 ppm.

If you can smell ozone, you are breathing it.

And that is never a safe thing.

If you’re looking for a CPAP Cleaner and Sanitiser that has no harmful Ozone, but still safely cleans and sanitises your CPAP equipment, then you should check out the Lumin. Using UV Light, there are no harmful chemicals, the Lumin is safe to use not only on CPAP equipment, but also your phone, electronics, even kids toys and dummies.