Can you use household soap to clean CPAP equipment? If you’re a new CPAP user, are in a rush, or are just unsure of how to care for your CPAP equipment, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you’ll find the answer to this important question and more. Since CPAPs are essential medical devices for the many people who receive prescriptions for them each year, it is helpful to understand the best products you should use to maintain the device’s integrity and indispensable functions. Find out why regular household soap products are not suitable for cleaning your CPAP and the benefits of using specialized CPAP cleaning products to ensure effective and safe cleaning and avoid damage.
To answer the question of whether or not CPAP users can use household soap to clean a CPAP equipment, you need more information. However, the answer is that sure, you can. But the better question to ask is, “Should you?” That answer is no. If you’re ready to find out why specialized cleaners are better at getting the job done efficiently while achieving the desired results, keep reading.
Why are Specialized Cleaners Better for Your CPAP?
A cleaner that has been specifically designed to clean CPAP equipment means it has been tested to ensure it will work well with the variety of materials used to create this essential device. A soap that can perform this function effectively yet gently is a safe option to keep your device in good working order for years.
Here are some other reasons to choose a specially formulated CPAP cleaner:
Special Formulations - Specialized CPAP cleaners have been formulated without unnecessary ingredients that can cause undue irritation to your skin or damage to the equipment. Some of these ingredients include alcohol, which can be drying and cause parts to break down or degrade over time.
Another unwanted ingredient that specialized soaps don’t include is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS. It is a commonly used foaming agent that is found in many skincare cleansing products but is not used in specialized CPAP cleaners as it is a common skin irritant.
Gentle Ingredients - CPAP soap won’t damage your equipment. Since it is created by experts in the field to handle the sanitation specifications of CPAP users, with proper cleaning practices, these products will aid in ridding your equipment of dirt, debris, and harmful mold and build-up.
Soaps containing Sodium Laureth Sulfate or SLES are appropriate ingredients in CPAP cleaners. SLES are gentler versions of SLS yet just as effective at removing buildup, residue, and build-up while maintaining the longevity and integrity of the equipment. All this is accomplished without the addition of scent enhancements, which can aggravate many users' skin.
What Happens if You Use Household Soap to Clean Your CPAP?
The cleaning products you use are personal preferences and are generally based on what your family or friends use, the cost, or how successful an advertising campaign may have been in influencing your decision. The biggest factor, however, should be understanding how safe, appropriate, and effective the product is for the task at hand.
Here are some points to think about if you are considering using household soap on your CPAP:
- Read the Manual First - An important point that many CPAP users may overlook is that you should always read the user manual. Most user manuals clearly state that you shouldn’t clean your CPAP equipment with any type of aromatic, antibacterial, or oily soap products. Doing so could cause problems with the normal functions of your device. This warning alone should give anyone pause when considering what cleaning product to use to wash their CPAP.
- Forego Unnecessary Additives - Avoid additives or anything that will leave a film on the CPAP parts. These films are not only unsightly, but they can build up and impede the proper fit, seal, and flow of the device, which can render it ineffective. This could be especially frustrating since CPAP users rely on their equipment to be well.
- Pay Attention to Added Scents - Stay away from soaps with strong, heavy, or perfume scents, as they will linger long after the cleaning and rinsing session. Inevitably, you will end up inhaling them throughout what should be a relaxing night’s sleep. For people with asthma or allergies, any soap products with a strong scent may trigger an asthma attack or excessive sneezing. Others who have skin allergies might experience unnecessary irritation, rashes, and itching from the fragrances.
What are Some Unexpected Benefits of Using Specialized CPAP Cleaners?
Beyond the previous reasons for using specially formulated CPAP cleaning products, many users will find that the benefits of using high-quality goods are sometimes unexpected.
When you use a specialized cleaner designed for your CPAP equipment only, it is less likely that you will run out of it when you need it most. To illustrate, if you opt to use regular dishwashing soap for both cleaning your dishes and your CPAP, you may find yourself in a position where you have unfortunately run out of the product since it has been used for multiple purposes. By siloing the use of your products for the purposes for which they were created, they will last longer for those specific and intended uses.
Another important benefit to remember is that a product, such as one designed for a particular purpose, such as a healthcare need, is FSA or HSA eligible. Specially formulated CPAP cleaners meet the specific governmentally regulated requirements for use and are considered qualified medical expenses.