I've been using a CPAP machine for over a year now. I clean it once a week, the water container, hose and nose pieces, and only use distilled water. My problem is, no matter what I clean it with it always smells strange when I use it. It's not a chemical smell or moldy. Is there anything I could add to the water to scent it, or is there anyway to get this odd smell to go away?
I agree with the writers above that have been told to use vinegar and water to wash the filter, hose, water vestibule area's of this instrument. But what my rep also suggested is to gently wash the face mask with mild soap and water, then rinse and dry. When I did this together with the cleaned tubing etc.then at night when the machine is running it blew a nice clean soap like fragrance onto my face. Also the face mask or face piece should be washed daily d/t face oil and make up etc that build up on a daily basis to avoid deterioration of the mask itself. Take care and good luck, Penny
I've used one for over 20 years now. After you wash it let it sit it vinegar 1 part to 3 one cup vinegar 3 cups water. make sure if you have a filter that needs to be washed to. it might be picking up something where you have it sit at like by a trash can or something like that so make sure you have nothing sitting around it. But check the filter if it's foam wash it too.
You should call the company that you got it from, Ask them about it. They should have you bring it in to be checked. DH has his checked every year. Parts wear out and need to be replaced sometimes. Having it calibrated and inspected is required. Check with your Dr. or Suppiler. Don't wait. Great Granny Vi
The company that I got my CPAP machine from said for me to use a small amount of a non-oily shampoo or liquid soap with warm water to rinse my parts with & allow to completely dry before using. Sorry to hear you're having troubles with yours.
I was told by my medical supplier to use vinegar in my c-pap. Just rinse out the humidifier tank the hose and the mask with vinegar after you wash and then hang the hose to dry. The smell of the vinegar will go away when they are dry.
On my REMstar I occasionally pour about a half inch of 91% isopropyl alcohol in the humidifier tank and, covering the ports with my hands, swirl the alcohol until all surfaces are wetted.
I then install the tank, put the nosepiece out a cracked window to vent the alcohol fumes, and let the unit run for a few hours until the system is completely dry. I then sniff the air coming out of the nosepiece to make sure no alcohol fumes remain.
Since the alcohol is flammable at this concentration you will want to make sure you have no leaks or electrical issues with your unit. 70% isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) should work fine too and is not significantly flammable.
You may also try cleaning the air intake filter and check for anything lodged in the air intake.
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