CPAP Mask Manual Cleaning

Q. What do you recommend for cleaning of CPAP masks manually?  In the directions from the mask manufacturer we use at our facility it says to clean with ‘Alconox’ so I assume the powdered precision cleaner?

A. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks have become a very widely used at home medical device.  Many companies specialize in cleaning and reprocessing these masks, other uses are in hospitals and similar Healthcare facilities.  The CPAP manufacture does indeed mean Alconox® Powdered Precision Cleaner a powerful emulsifier of organic and oily residues.  A liquid concentrate alternative would be Liquinox® Critical Cleaning Liquid Detergent, also a powerful cleaner of organic and oily residues.

For the most optimal cleaner, especially in high use healthcare and reprocessing facilities, we would recommend Tergazyme® Enzyme-Active Powdered Detergent. It is an anionic, widely available and potent emulsifier of organic and oily residue, along with protease enzymes for removal of persistent proteinaceous and organic residues.  Tergazyme detergent will also excel in preparing for biofilm elimination which may build up on your mask.

Use a warm (< 130F/55C) bath with a 1-2% solution for 10-20 minutes. This temperature ensures the enzymes are not degraded or reduced in activity which occurs at elevated temperatures. Please also use within 8 hours of formulation to ensure avoidance of enzyme autocatalysis.  After all, protein enzymes are made of protein.

For low foaming applications or preferences, Alcojet® Low Foaming Powdered Detergent and Detojet® Low Foaming Liquid Detergent are the powder and liquid concentrate options, respectively.  These powerfully effective low foaming detergents utilize oxidation removal mechanisms.

Thorough rinsing following the CPAP cleaning ensures a residue-free, critically clean surface.  Once properly cleaned, disinfection, as specified by CDC can follow.

Further details on disinfection and sterilization procedures.

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