CPAP Sanitizer Frequently Asked Questions

No, all the CPAP sanitizing systems available at SHOPRotech are non-prescription items.

In most cases, CPAP cleaning systems are not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or Private insurance.

You often hear the term “CPAP” used to describe any device that assists your breathing as you sleep. And while CPAP machines are a common device used to treat sleep apnea, there are multiple types of PAP systems that your doctor may choose to use to help you get a better night’s sleep.

CPAP Devices

CPAP stands for “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.” This means when you turn your machine on to the desired pressure setting, the machine will blow through your mask and into your airway as long as the device is turned on. So, you have the same level of constant pressure, whether you’re inhaling or exhaling. CPAP devices are the most commonly prescribed PAP devices because the constant pressure is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and keeps the airway from collapsing.

APAP Devices

APAP devices are known as “Auto PAP” machines. APAP devices are capable of adjusting the pressure level based on how much resistance is felt. The pressure is monitored at the mask and if your machine detects more pressure is necessary, it automatically increases the pressure level. When not as much pressure is needed, the machine lowers the pressure level. Because the pressure level is measured at the mask, rather than in the airway where an obstruction occurs, it’s critical to make sure you have a properly fitted mask when using an APAP device.

BiPAP Devices

BiPAP stands for Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure. This type of device delivers two levels of pressure – one as you inhale and another as you exhale. The machine detects when you are going to exhale and reduces the pressure level to make it easier to breathe out. BiPAP devices are a good option for patients who need to maintain a high-pressure level. Constant high pressure can be uncomfortable, so reducing the pressure for patients as they exhale can make breathing as you sleep much easier. Your doctor will make the determination of which type of device is going to be best to treat your case of sleep apnea. A sleep study may be needed to determine the right type of device.

You do have several options when it comes to cleaning your sleep accessories. Many of those options come as automated systems that allow you to clean your mask, tubing, and water chamber with the simple push of a button. The main benefits to using an automated CPAP cleaning and sanitizing system include:

  • Free up your time by letting the system do the cleaning work
  • Short cleaning times and rest periods mean your mask and accessories are ready to use in about 2 hours
  • Sanitizing systems clean your mask and supplies without using chemicals

First, if you plan to use wipes, you need to make sure you’re using the right kind of wipes. Regular cleaning wipes are often filled with chemicals that you may not want to be breathing in while you sleep. If you’re going to use wipes, make sure they are CPAP cleaning wipes. If you are trying to choose between CPAP cleaning wipes and a sanitizing system, there are a few important things to consider:

  • Using CPAP wipes require you to do the cleaning yourself. You have to take the time to properly wipe down your mask, headgear and humidification chamber.
  • Wiping by hand makes it very difficult to clean the inside of your tubing, which is one of the most common places you will find the buildup of germs and bacteria. But a CPAP sanitizing system does that automatically.
  • You cannot reuse CPAP wipes. Once you’ve used the wipe, you throw it away. That means you must keep purchasing new packs of wipes. In the long run, you’ll likely save money by using a sanitizing system that doesn’t require you to constantly purchase new packs.

If you’re a seasoned traveler, you know that space is at a premium when you pack. And if you have obstructive sleep apnea, you need to bring your CPAP mask and accessories with you when you travel, including cleaning equipment. So, when you’re looking for a CPAP sanitizing system that you can take with you on the go, you’re looking for features that include:

  • A small footprint that fits easily on most nightstands
  • Lightweight design that won’t weigh down your bag
  • Quick cleaning cycle so your mask and accessories are ready when you need them
  • Still offers top level cleaning
  • Can recharge quickly

At SHOPRotech, we offer three CPAP sanitizing systems that fit these requirements:

Each of these systems weigh less than a pound and complete their cleaning cycle in 35 minutes or less. Using activated oxygen, each effectively cleans your accessories without the need of water, alcohol, or chemicals. Finally, each is equipped with a lithium-ion battery that’s easy to charge when you need to.

If you would like to use a CPAP sanitizing system, you first need to examine the ways you use your CPAP device. If you’re someone that travels a lot, you need a CPAP sanitizing system that is portable and easy to use. But if you use your CPAP most often when you’re at home, you may want a larger sanitizing system unit. For patients that travel frequently, we recommend one of the following sanitizing systems because they are smaller and more portable, but still offer full cleaning for your mask, tubing, and water chamber:

Cleaning your CPAP mask and supplies on a regular basis is important. This prevents the buildup of germs, bacteria and viruses. Some of your accessories need to be cleaned daily, while other components may need to be replaced every few weeks or monthly.

Daily Cleaning

  • Mask
  • Mask cushion
  • Headgear
  • Tubing
  • Water chamber

You can do this cleaning with warm water and gentle soap, specialized CPAP cleaning wipes, or a sanitizing system.

Weekly to Monthly Cleaning & Maintenance

Every week you should clean your machine unit with a damp towel or disinfecting wipe. You should also examine all your machine components to see if there are any signs of deterioration. If you notice any cracks in your tubing, water chamber, or other components, they should be replaced.

Yes. You can use your Health Savings Account or Flex Spending Account to purchase your CPAP Sanitizing System.

Each CPAP Sanitizing System available for purchase from SHOPRotech will clean your tubing, mask components and humidification chamber.

Activated oxygen and Ozone are interchangeable terms used as a name for a 3-atom oxygen molecule. Your CPAP Sanitizing System adds the extra atom to the existing O2 oxygen molecule. By adding this extra atom, an oxidized form of oxygen is created that allows for natural disinfection without the need for water, chemicals, or cleaning agents.

Yes. The FDA has cleared Ozone for sanitizing use.

Each of the sanitizing systems sold by SHOPRotech are compatible with most tubing, masks, and humidification chambers. For the PAPClean and NUWAVE System, you simply place all your components in the bag provided to complete your disinfecting. Purify O3 Systems feature tubing adapters to connect to the system.Ask the SHOPRotech teamwhich sanitizer will work best with your CPAP supplies.

Each sanitizing unit available from SHOPRotech is equipped with a lithium-ion battery that is charged with a C-USB cord.

The NUWAVE, PAPClean, and Purify O3 Sanitizing Units each will run at least 6 cycles on a full charge. If you use the unit twice per week, you should be able to use a single charge for 3 weeks.

Depending on which CPAP sanitizing unit you purchase, the charge time will vary between 2 and 4 hours.

Sleep apnea is primarily diagnosed via a sleep lab test or an at-home sleep test. During a lab sleep test, called a polysomnography, you will stay overnight at a lab where you will be hooked to equipment that measures your heart, breathing and brain activity as you sleep. A home sleep test is a simplified version of these tests that usually measure your heart rate, breathing patterns and oxygen saturation. The results from either of these tests are reviewed by your doctor to provide a definitive diagnosis. 

There are a variety of factors that go into whether you’ll receive your sleep test at a sleep lab or at home, but ultimately the decision is made by your doctor. Your doctor will consider your symptoms and make a decision based on those symptoms and what's best for you as a patient. At-home sleep tests are often prescribed for patients who are already at high risk of sleep apnea. Patients with other underlying conditions, such as heart or lung disease, will need to be diagnosed using a sleep lab study.

A sleep center test for sleep apnea is more in-depth than an at-home sleep test. A lab sleep study gathers much more data because more equipment is used. This equipment includes: 

  • Electrodes and sensors on your head to measure brain activity
  • Belts around your chest and stomach to measure your breathing rate
  • A sensor placed on your finger or earlobe to measure oxygen concentration

You may also be placed on a breathing mask and PAP device if obstructive sleep apnea is suspected. Once you’ve completed your night of sleep, your doctor will review the data and consult with you for what the best potential treatment is.

Most people will continue to use a CPAP for the duration of their life, even if noticing improvement. Some do experience changes, such as weight loss, that may reduce or eliminate their sleep apnea, and therefore, no longer need to continue CPAP therapy. Always consult with your doctor though. 

One of the key metrics of any sleep study is the respiratory disturbance index (RDI). Your RDI measures how many times your breathing is disrupted per hour while you’re asleep. RDI index benchmarks include: 

  • Normal sleep study: RDI < 5 events/hour
  • Mild apnea: RDI between 5-15 events/hour
  • Moderate apnea: RDI between 15-30 events/hour
  • Severe apnea: RDI > 30 events/hour

There are a variety of symptoms associated with sleep apnea. You should contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:

  • Loud snoring at night
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Insomnia
  • Breathing stops while sleeping
  • Morning headaches

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, make an appointment to see your doctor.

There are a variety of risk factors for sleep apnea. If you fall into any of these categories, please consider seeing your doctor. The following increase your risk factor for developing obstructive sleep apnea:

Obesity

Being male

Old age

Family history of sleep apnea

Heavy alcohol use

Smoking

High blood pressure.

Obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea are both forms of a sleep disorder that interrupt your breathing as you sleep. Here are the key differences:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea – This disorder is caused when your airway becomes obstructed during sleep, causing blockages. Your body then must work harder to keep your airway open and breathe.
  • Central Sleep Apnea – This disorder is a neurological condition in which your brain fails to send the proper signals to your body to breathe while you’re asleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the more common of the two conditions. If you are experiencing any issues with your sleep, please contact your doctor.

Your PAP device’s pressure setting is set to the level prescribed by your doctor. If you believe your pressure setting is incorrect, please talk to your doctor about a new prescription level and a CPAP technician can adjust the pressure level on your device.

Some of the CPAP supplies you use each night need to be regularly replaced. Here is the recommendation for when you should replace:

  • Filters - Change Monthly
  • Mask Components – Change Every 3-6 Months
  • Tubing – Change Every 3-6 Months
  • PAP Device – Change Every 5 Years (depending on manufacturer specifications)

A humidifier is not necessary for you to use your CPAP equipment each night, but it will make the experience much more comfortable. Using a humidifier keeps your nose, throat and airway from getting dried out during the night. We recommend purchasing heated tubing with your humidifier to prevent condensation from building up in your mask.

Generally speaking, if your doctor has prescribed CPAP therapy for you, you should always try to sleep using your CPAP equipment. However, some seasonal sinus conditions like a cold or allergies can be impacted by your CPAP therapy, because your PAP device may make drainage more difficult. Consult your doctor to see if you should stop your CPAP therapy while dealing with a cold or allergies. If you stop your therapy for a short time, return to your normal routine as quickly as possible.

You can bring your CPAP machine with you on vacation or purchase a travel CPAP. Bring an outlet adapter if traveling outside of the country,portable batteryif camping and extension cord so you are able to reach an outlet. When at the airport, be prepared to take your CPAP out and place it in a tub – alert TSA you have a CPAP so they are aware. Keep a copy of your prescription on you just in case.

With continuous compliance, you may not always see outward changes. You may notice feeling less tired, having a deeper sleep and your partner may mention less snoring. Keep in mind it does take time to get used to sleeping with a CPAP and remaining compliant.

There are numerous health benefits noted from CPAP therapy including: better focus and alertness, increased cardiovascular health, less chance of accidents from falling asleep at the wheel, less acid reflux, improved concentration, more energy, repaired brain health, potential weight loss, improved blood sugar control, stroke prevention, less headaches, stronger immune system and improved emotional stability.