Some essential parts of the CPAP machine are often forgotten albeit playing a significant role in the overall experience and effectivity of sleep apnea therapy. One of these parts is the CPAP filter which carries a big load in CPAP therapy.
If you’re new to the CPAP world and need some guidance on some parts such as CPAP filters, this guide will give you a concise glimpse of what these are, why they’re important, and how to maintain your overall health and the health of your CPAP machine.
What are CPAP filters for?
CPAP filters, as the name suggests, filters the air that you intake through the CPAP machine. It removes particles found in the air around you, including dust, smoke, pet dander, and other things that can be harmful if inhaled.
Why are they important?
CPAP filters provide protection against developing infections and contracting viruses that may be present in the air. For people with allergies, CPAP filters can also provide additional support to filter allergens from the air. Maintenance of the CPAP filter can also ensure a longer life span for your CPAP machine, thus saving you a huge amount of money in your CPAP therapy journey.
What are the types of filters and who should use them?
There are two main types of filters, which are both utilized by most machines available in the market today. Order all your filter needs here.
The first type of CPAP filter is the disposable kind. These are the filters that you throw away when they have been used or when they expire. The material features an electrostatic charge which attracts particles in the air to keep them out of your CPAP machine. These filters are perfect for people who have allergies and other sensitivities and want an easier option for maintaining their CPAP machine.
The second type is a reusable CPAP filter, which can be used for a long time compared to the former but needs more maintenance. These are usually made of a washable foam material and help to keep bigger particles out.
One other type of CPAP filter, although optional, is the inline filter or the hypoallergenic filter. These are typically universal, meaning they can be used with almost any CPAP machine and can be used in conjunction with any of the two types of filters to sift through more of the particles.
How often should I replace the filter?
Disposable CPAP filters may be used for up to 30 days. Checking up on your disposable filters every 2 weeks will be ideal and see if they might already need changing. The more vigilant on the status of your filter, the healthier the outcome for you and your machine.
For reusable CPAP filters, they are good for use for up to 90 days, however, they will need weekly cleaning.
Inline filters will need replacing as soon as visible residue or discoloration is seen.
Conclusion
CPAP filters are a silent warrior for the maintenance of your machine and the quality of the air you intake when you sleep. It’s our responsibility to know how to take care of the filter and when to replace or clean it.