Humidifier tank cleaning

by Bernie Seward
(Denver, CO)

Is it really necessary to drain and clean the humidifier tank daily? I always have leftover distilled water in the tank.

Answer

At diagnosis, most patients are good about following the guidelines for equipment care:

• change filters often,


• rinse mask daily,


• wash mask a few times each week,


• only use distilled water,


• empty humidification chamber of any unused water daily,


• thoroughly clean and disinfect water chamber a few times weekly.

Bottom line...it's healthier to dump any unused water out and let the chamber air-dry daily, even if you consider it's a waste of water.

However, it's no problem to clean the humidifier chamber once a weak. You can soak the chamber in in a 3/1 warm water to white vinegar solution for 20 minutes, then soak it in soapy water (Ivory) for 15 minutes and then I let it air dry.

I hope it helps!

Remy