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Mold in CPAP Machine? Here’s What to Do (and How to Avoid It in the Future)

 Mold is a microbial organism that is quite common in nature, both outdoors and inside homes. Mold grows in places that have an abundance of oxygen and moisture. While outside molds have the function of breaking down any nonliving organic matter, indoor molds are a serious health concern and should be avoided at all costs.

You can win the battle against mold in CPAP machine. A CPAP cleaner can help you eliminate mold with the push of a button. Shop Now.

Why does mold accumulate in your CPAP machine?

Your CPAP machine has a humidifier that adds moisture to the dry air from the device to keep your airways from becoming too dry. Moisture added to oxygen inside your CPAP machine’s dark interiors creates the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow.  If you are not cleaning your CPAP machine daily, there is a good chance that it has mold developing inside it.

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This growing mold can cause a foul smell to emanate from your CPAP machine. Wherever it starts to grow, mold can spread to all the parts of your device. Improper maintenance and a lack of regular cleaning can lead to the development of mold inside the humidifier tank as well.

Even if you are not using a humidifier, the moisture that escapes when you exhale can contribute to mold developing inside your CPAP machine over time if you do not clean it regularly. Breathing in this mold can let tiny spores inside your lungs and cause many health problems. Allergies, both skin and respiratory, can result directly from or be aggravated by mold. Especially if you are sensitive to mold, using an unclean CPAP machine can be very hazardous to your health and could even be fatal if it gets out of control.

How do you know if there is mold in CPAP machine?

Mold in CPAP machine can be tracked through two of its primary signs: changes in the appearance or smell of your CPAP machine and adverse changes in your health. In the event that your device develops a sudden foul odor, accumulation of dirt and debris, or any discoloration, it could mean that there is mold growth in your CPAP machine. You have the highest chances of finding mold in within the humidifier.

As far as your health is concerned, there are a number of mold exposure symptoms that could indicate mold in CPAP machine. These symptoms include nasal and sinus congestion, eye irritation, blurred vision, sore throat, chronic cough, skin rash, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, dizziness, headaches, pneumonia, and more. Mold has also been found to cause early asthma attacks, according to recent studies.

What do you do when there is mold in CPAP machine?

If there is mold in CPAP machine, the only way to get rid of it is to clean it thoroughly. Due to its microscopic size, mold grows in the smallest, darkest, and most out-of-reach corners of the hose, humidifier, and other components. You can start by giving your CPAP machine an intensive, thorough clean-up by hand using water, a soap solution, and other household cleaning materials.

If you are thinking about changing the soap you use to clean your CPAP machine, you can choose from a list of soaps that are currently quite popular among CPAP users. To strengthen your efforts, you can use tiny brushes to reach every corner of your device, and add vinegar to your cleaning solution to help eliminate all the mold in CPAP machine. There are exclusive CPAP wipes and CPAP sanitizer sprays that you can add to your cleaning supplies for extra safety.

Be cautious about relying on CPAP wipes too much. Many CPAP manufacturers, doctors, and users contest the effectiveness of commonly used materials like baby wipes and hydrogen peroxide . They warn users about their harmful effects on your health and damage to your CPAP machine.

How do you avoid mold from accumulating inside your CPAP machine in the future?

Mold is dangerous. If the build-up of mold in CPAP machine is very high, you may need to discuss it with your CPAP manufacturer and your doctor. Only experts can conclude whether it is safe to use a mold-infested CPAP machine even after being disinfected. It depends on the extent of mold growth in your CPAP machine and the damage (if any) it has caused to the device. But if you have finally managed to get rid of the mold in CPAP machine, the next aim is never to allow it to grow back.

There are no miraculous shortcuts to cleaning your CPAP machine daily. It is a must for every CPAP user. But there are solutions to the complications of the cleaning process that can feel miraculous, called CPAP cleaners. Automatic, hassle-free, and speedy, these revolutionary CPAP cleaners work on state-of-the-art technologies to decimate the mold in CPAP machine. They provide you with clean, safe air to breathe while you use your device every night.

One of CleanCPAP’s most popular products is the budget-friendly VirtuCLEAN 2.0 CPAP cleaner. It has multiple useful attachments and added accessories that make your daily CPAP cleaning practice shorter, more private, and highly efficient. It uses a single-step process that streamlines your device’s sanitation. All you have to do is disassemble your CPAP components, place them all in the CPAP cleaner bag, close it, and push the power button. The VirtuCLEAN 2.0 CPAP cleaner cleans all the mold in CPAP machine silently and switches off automatically when done.  In addition to this, it provides you with regular reminders to clean your device, helping you avoid mold and other contaminants in your CPAP machine at all times!

CleanCPAP: Total CPAP Sanitation Solutions

Your CPAP machine is your key to keeping sleep apnea under control. CleanCPAP.net is here to help you maintain your health by providing the best in CPAP cleaning devices, replacement parts, and accessories. When you treat your machine well, it will return the favor. We are available to answer your questions and help you choose the products that best fit your CPAP machine and your lifestyle. Sleep apnea isn’t easy, but we can help take the pain out of cleaning your CPAP device.                                                                                                                          

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