You should regularly replace your CPAP supplies
A study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School found 2,000+ bacteria counts evident after just 48 hours on 48 percent of samples from CPAP masks they collected. Another study showed that patients who use CPAP are 32 percent more likely to get pneumonia, in part due to poor CPAP maintenance.
Your CPAP’s accessory equipment is a lot like other frequently used health products, such as your toothbrush or a razor: it deteriorates, ceases to function optimally, and can get germy and unsanitary.
Just like you wouldn’t use the same toothbrush for months on end, it’s important to replace your CPAP equipment to make sure that your machine is as clean, effective, and comfortable as possible. However, unlike a toothbrush, the CPAP equipment may not look worn even though it needs to be replaced. That’s why it’s important to change your equipment following a schedule:
Mask – Every 3 months- Cushion / Pillows – Every 2 weeks
- Headgear / Chin Strap – Every 6 months
- Filters – Every 2 weeks
- Tubing – Every 3 months
- Water Chamber – Every 6 months
- CPAP Device – Every 3 to 7 years
Is COVID-19 more prevalent with sleep apnea?
It’s unclear whether or not you are more likely to get COVID-19 because you are a sleep apnea patient. However, there are things you can do to make sure you stay as safe as possible as well as recognize that using CPAP could increase the risk of infection to others around you.
It is recommended you replace your mask, filters, and tubing as often as possible during this time. At minimum you should replace your cushion once per month, your tubing once every three months, your filters twice per month, and your mask every three months. To get all your questions answered as well as to replace old and worn equipment, call a Petersen Medical representative today: 1-800-888-5137. Contact Petersen Medical Now. The following FAQ is from the American Academy of Sleep Science:
Call Petersen Medical Today! 1-800-888-5137
All it takes is a quick call to Petersen Medical, and a certified sleep specialist can help walk you through the reorder process.
- See if your current equipment is still working
- Find out what your insurance will cover
- Quickly receive your new supplies
Click here to contact a Petersen Medical representative
Petersen Medical is Helping You Stay Safe!
COVID-19 is a serious issue, and we are doing everything we can to make sure your experience and equipment is safe.
- All Petersen Medical therapists use masks and gloves
- All supplies are shipped and packaged in sealed boxes
- All Oxygen tanks are thoroughly sanitized during refill