What You Can’t See Can Hurt You
Mold is a silent invader, thriving in warm, moist environments like your CPAP water chamber. If not properly maintained, your CPAP can become a breeding ground for these harmful spores, which can compromise your health and sleep quality.
How Mold Affects Your Sleep Therapy
CPAP is designed to deliver clean, pressurized air to keep your airways open during sleep. But if the air is carrying mold spores, it’s doing the exact opposite—polluting your airways and undermining the benefits of the therapy. If you’ve noticed a decline in the quality of your sleep or have been waking up congested or coughing, it may be time to take a closer look at your CPAP water chamber.
Simple Steps to Prevent Mold in Your CPAP Water Chamber
Ideally, you should be refilling your humidifier each night with distilled water, and cleaning it each morning. That can sound like a lot, but not emptying it can increase the risk of mold growing in stagnant water. In additon, tap water contains minerals that can leave deposits and contribute to mold growth.
Here are the best ways to keep your CPAP water chamber clean:
1. Regularly replace your water chamber to avoid buildup and wearing down.
Wear and tear from using your CPAP daily is completely normal. However, you’ll want to make sure to replace your supplies on a regular basis to avoid using deteriorating equipment. Over time, your water chamber can develop tiny cracks or wear that may be difficult to clean properly.
It is recommended to replace your water chamber once every 6 months. Most insurance providers adhere to this schedule, so you can get two water chambers covered per year.
Your CPAP supplies could be yours for $0! Allow us to check with your insurance provider for you to find out what is covered (for free!). Click below to get started:
Is your water chamber older than 6 months? You’re due for a replacement. Find the right water chamber for your machine below.
2. Use a CPAP cleaner to sanitize your water chamber everyday.
Using a CPAP cleaner makes cleaning your CPAP supplies easier, faster, and more efficient without the hassle. No more messy cleaning with soap and water, or harsh chemicals. You don’t even have to worry whether you’ve washed your supplies thoroughly enough to avoid bacteria or mold growth. The Lumin makes cleaning easy with:
- Simple and Quick: Lumin kills 99% of bacteria in a one-touch 5 minute cycle
- UV Technology: specialized UV-C light source targets harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus
- Complete compatibility: Fits all major water chambers
- Simple and Quick: Lumin kills 99% of bacteria in a one-touch 5 minute cycle
- UV Technology: specialized UV-C light source is targeted to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus
- Complete compatibility: Fits all major water chambers
Save $70 when you buy the Lumin today! Just add to cart below with code LUMIN70 applied automatically.
3. Replace your CPAP when it’s worn down.
If your CPAP is several years old and you haven’t been cleaning it daily, it’s probably time to upgrade to a new one to keep your health in check. After all, you’re breathing in the air that circulates through your machine. Newer CPAP machines are now auto-titrating, meaning they adjust to give the most effective pressure all through the night. The premiere choice is ResMed’s AirSense 11, which offers:
- Humidification: 7 levels of humidity
- EPR: Expiratory Pressure Relief reduces pressure upon exhale, avoiding high pressure mask leaks
- AutoRamp: Starts your sleep therapy at a low pressure so you fall asleep more comfortably
- Humidification: 7 levels of humidity and an optional heated tube ensures you don’t dry out
- EPR: Expiratory Pressure Relief reduces pressure upon exhale, avoiding high pressure mask leaks
- AutoRamp: Starts your sleep therapy at a low pressure so you fall asleep more comfortably
Upgrade to the AirSense 11 today for just $399 down and 0% APR! Just add to cart below.
4. If you decide to clean by hand, use proper cleaning supplies.
Cleaning your supplies by hand can be time-consuming, but is well worth the effort. Wash your CPAP water chamber with mild soap and warm water at least once a week. For a deeper clean, consider using a mixture of vinegar and water to help kill any potential mold or bacteria. After cleaning, allow your water chamber to air dry completely before refilling it. Mold thrives in moisture, so make sure your chamber is dry before you use it again.
If you are looking for more recommendations or tips on how to keep your water chamber clean, give us a call at 866-564-2252 and one of our CPAP experts will be happy to assist you.
