Breathing air from CPAP and humidifier that contains mold

by Yolanda
(United States)

This past weekend when I was going to wash the Reservior container of my humidifier for my CPAP (it's heated type). I found mold growing on the underside of the lid.

I generally wash the container/hoses/nose pillow every week about 1x to 2x with Palmolive antibacterial dish soap. I only use distilled water to fill the reservior.

My concern is that I used the CPAP this way for anywhere from 2 to 3 days with the mold.

I'm concerned about infection,and Lung Specialist can't see me until 6/28/12. Do you have info on tests that I should actively seek or know of symtoms I should watch for? Thank You

Answer


Breathing the humidified air with mold can cause health problems, such as bronchial infections (bronchitis), or allergic responses, such as:

  • hay fever,

  • asthma,

  • irritation of the eyes, nose throat or lungs

These symptoms may appear if you are sensible to mold exposure:

  • eye irritation,

  • difficulty breathing,

  • throat irritation,

  • coughing,

  • headache

So if you don't have these symptoms, I don't think you have to worry about mold exposure. But please clean the humidifier before using the CPAP again. I'll give you some tips to clean your equipment bellow.

If you are a very sensible person, only a small quantify of mold can make you sick. However, we all breathe polluted air all day and most of the time we don't get sick.

So it depends on the person if you can be affected from a small quantity of mold.

For the future, is important to know that allergic problems can appear from dead and from livind mold spores. So usually the surface with mold has to be cleaned with bleach or other disinfectant.

However, it's not healthy to use bleach in the CPAP humidifier. You have to use something else. Palmolive is not strong enough for mold. Use vinegar, because it kills most mold, bacteria and germs and so far it seems to be working for all CPAP users with mold issues.

The most efficient whay to clean your humidifier tank and mask cushion is to clean them once a week:

  • first with Johnson's Baby Shampoo

  • then soak everything, including your CPAP hose, in a solution of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water, for 30 minutes

  • optional, to remove the smell of vinegar, you may want to use Johnson's shampoo again

I hope it helps. Don't be afraid to comment back.

Remy Thierry
Founder of Sleep Apnea Guide

Comments for Breathing air from CPAP and humidifier that contains mold

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Oct 27, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CPAP and Chest Heaviness
by: Anonymous

I've had my CPAP machine for six months. About a month after starting to use my machine I felt a heaviness in the upper part of my chest.

It has progressed to feeling like a 20 pound kid on my chest - if I try to do chores, it gets worse - like a 40 pound kid is sitting on my upper chest (right under my chin).

If I try to do anything physical, I feel pressure in my neck and head.

I have a heart doctor and have had all tests to see if my heart is acting up. They found my heart had nothing to do with the chest problem, even though my blood pressure is erratic.

I would appreciate any information that might help me clear up my chest.
Oct 27, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Regarding your chest heaviness
by: Remy

I have found two articles that may be helpful. If they don't give you enough information, please let me know with another comment, with more details, like a diagnosis from your doctor.

Here are the links to the articles:

Chest pain with CPAP

and

CPAP chest or lung pain

I really hope it's helpful.
Dec 09, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Extreme sinus infection
by: Anonymous

Ever since I started the cpap treatment in august 2015, I've been averaging 1 to 2 colds a month. It has been a terrible experience but I have been getting great sleep. I clean my machine regularly and rinse the humidifier daily with soap and vinegar. I don't know what to do now...I have to tell my dr.
Mar 13, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CPAP issues
by: Anonymous

I'm having flulike symptoms after using the cpap machine. I ache like the flu and have a heaviness in my chest at times along with coughing.
I clean hosing daily and filters and nasal pieces.
I'm afraid of breathing mold and feel the cpap is the cause of this.
What advice can you give me?
Aug 13, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Feeling sick too often
by: E

I have been experiencing infections in the nose and head colds with aching joints since using CPAP. Have noticed some black mold in the humidifier tank. I use only distilled water. What is happening?
Aug 18, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Mold in tubing
by: Anonymous

I was using an oxygen concentrator for minor sleep apnea which developed mold in the tubing due to not being used for a few weeks. It gave me such aweful bronchitis for almost 4 weeks and I am afraid it may have long-term consequences. A word to the wise.
Sep 03, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Mold in the motor housing
by: Anthony

I've been having nose bleed watery eye not eyes but one side or the other, been using muperosin 2 percent for of and on a year now I clean sanitize , use good maintence on my machine.

Recently I took the machine housing apart,unplugged circuit board and cleaned the fan an surrounding areas, everything I cleaned had a black color to it ,so I'm thinking if breathing this could be part of my problem ?
Sep 09, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Allergic reaction to possible mold interior of motor - fan housing
by: Anonymous

After 7 months of wonderful appreciative use of my cpap machine, I started to get runny nose, sneezing and stuffy nasal passages which got worse despite daily and thorough cleaning of EVERYTHING.

Purchased and replaced EVERYTHING, but my allergic got so bad I consulted the doctor who suggested allergy tests.
Prior to taking the allergy tests, I read articles about similar allergic reactions so I decided to clean the internals of the machine by soaking the sponge filter with alcohol. The next day my symptoms reduced and within 2 days my allergic symptoms were gone.

Now, included with my regular cleaning regimen of my cpap gear, I also clean the internals with alcohol.
Problem is, that it takes 2 to 3 hours to clear out the alcohol smell and sometimes there is still residual alcohol smell.

I have talked to my doctor, insurance and,medical supply provider and have encountered some unreasonable responses and so far, no luck.

Maybe a class-action suit is in order or something of that sort.
Meanwhile, I have had to stop using my cpap machine because the alcohol vapor cleaning doesn't seem to be as effective and my allergic reactions return more frequent.

The tech has tech'd it but there isn't anything wrong with its mechanics...it's the internals that need to be cleaned.
Oct 25, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Black mold in CPAP motor
by: Jen

I have a 6 month old AirSense 10 ResAMed machine that has black mold if you look down the air hole that gives air to humidifier.

My supply company said there is nothing they can do and manufacturer, ResMed doesn't clean them. So I haven't been able to use my CPAP for almost a week, this is ridiculous! It has a heated humidifier & heated hose which goes into cool down before I can move it around, which is prime warm environment for the mold to grow!

Now why is it so hard for someone to help and tell me how to stop it when I am cleaning what I am supposed to be daily, but mold is growing thick inside the machine....

I noticed tiny black specks in humidifier before I looked down air hole to find tons of mold, respiratory issues, headache, mold exposure symptoms. 6 years of CPAP, this is the first machine to develop mold, don't get one. They don't want to do anything to fix it.
Dec 10, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstar 		CPAP mold
by: Ray

My CPAP reservoir developed a red mold despite my drying everyday and cleaning with baby shampoo weekly. I am now using a blow dryer daily to ensure that it is good and dry. We'll see if it works.
Jan 01, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		pink slime - bacteria, not mold
by: Anonymous

On CPAP for 6 months - husband has had stuffy sinuses for at least three months. I clean his CPAP mask, hose, reservoir at least every week - usually more. Detergent, vinegar, clean toothbrush.

Today noticed a slight pink tinge to parts of the reservoir - irregular shaped sections. Used a Q-tip and came up pink. It's bacteria. He uses distilled water. Filled the reservoir with hydrogen peroxide - seemed to do the trick - still had to continue a bit with a Q-tip.

Concerned about cleaning the hose. Will contact the distributor tomorrow.
Feb 23, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Black spots of mold & red slime
by: Sue

I'm having all of the above problems. I only use distilled water. I thought that was the best way not to have dirty water. I've called medical supplier with no return call. So I looked this up and found all of these other people having same problems. I'm afraid to use the darn thing!!!!!!
Feb 23, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Black spots of mold & red slime
by: Sue

I'm having all of the above problems. I only use distilled water. I thought that was the best way not to have dirty water. I've called medical supplier with no return call. So I looked this up and found all of these other people having same problems. I'm afraid to use the darn thing!!!!!!
Feb 23, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Skin eruptions
by: carol b


Was happy with results of Cpap, if not ease of using it for sev months when I started getting blistered skin on hands and feet! At first maybe once a month , with mornings of explosive sneezing ( continually) in between a couple of times. Now it is a matter of bimonthly! and very serious. Later I remembered seeing a pink color on the humidifier. I quit the machine week ago and got a biopsy and bought a So Clean2. Will that do the job on the old ( rather new ) equipment already seemly compromised? Is there a new Cpap version which eliminates need for Cleaner?? This has been a horrible experience with intense itching and pain. We do need a class action suit. My Sleep clinic has been rather useless.
Mar 01, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CPAP mold
by: Anonymous

After using my CPAP for a couple of years, I
started having congestion issues this February.
I noticed dark mold in the reservoir and suspect it is also in the hose and mask. I am eager to join a class action suit.
Mar 29, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dirty machine.
by: Anonymous

I was hospitalized with a fungal infection and asthma caused by the cpap machine Despite me cleaning it. . I would join in on suit.
Apr 08, 2017
Rating
star 		Bronchitis
by:

I have this CPAP machine after some use I had a heavy chest lung irritation then I received a brand new machine right out of the box with heat added to it first night used I got sick for 8 weeks bronchitis and hacking cough for a week and spent money on medicine and seeing the Doctor numerous times now I am almost cured but still have a little cough
Apr 08, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Respitory Infection for 6+ Months
by: Jamie W

A year ago I started using my Bi-Pap regularly. I would rinse the resivior daily, and used only distilled water to fill. I cleaned the mask, resivior, and tubing at least once a week. I changed my filter once every 2 weeks. I definitely benefit from using my machine, because I have complex sleep apnea (obstructive and central apnea).

7 months ago I started coughing a lot, and around that same time I noticed there was some pinkish residue in my humidifier water resivior while cleaning. Shortly after I ended up getting a double pink eye infection. Despite cleaning the parts twice a week, the pink residue did not come back, but my cough persisted and ended up turning into a chronic sinus infection which has continued for more than 7 months.

I have been on 6 rounds of antibiotics, had sinus and chest CT-Scans, and have been on mucinex, Claritin 24-D, nose sprays,, and cough medicine. I saw an ENT specialist and was recommended sinus surgery. I researched and found that sinus surgery does not always work. So I sought a second opinion.

While irritated with my symptoms and since nothing was really working, I wanted to experiment without using my Bi-PAP machine for a few days. After 3 days of not using the machine, it felt that my sinuses where improving. Then at my second opinion appointment, the doctor recommended to use a nasal rinse twice daily and prescribed me an antihistamine/steroid nasal spray. After a 8days of not using my machine, using nasal spray, and rinse, I have experienced great progress in my sinuses to return almost back to normal.

By not using my machine, I'm getting better, but I'm not feeling rested. I'm Leary of using my machine again because I don't want to have my sinuses take a turn for the worse again. Is there a way to safely clean the inside of a bi-pap? I have the Resmed AirCurve 10.

Apr 19, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		REPLACE YOUR CPAP PARTS FREQUENTLY
by: Anonymous



I've had my CPAP machine for four months. About a week after starting to use my machine I felt the following symptims:

Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing
Palpitations
Chest pain.
Some heart beats are painful radiate to stomach
Pain on chest
Breathing in pain

Not exagerating



My heart doctor perfored all tests to see if my heart is acting up. They found my heart had nothing to do with the chest problem.

So i figured my cpap equioment was infected.

Solution was using new cpap equipment Daily! Mask, hose, filter, elbow. Now i sleep fine. Damn expensive life
May 31, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Neuropathy of the Face from CPAP
by: Matt

About 2 months ago my face, tongue, and lower face developed a wierd tingling, pins and needles, and numbness feeling. I visited a neurologist thinking it was a small stroke. then the condition started to spread up toward my eye and pain developed.The Neurologies ordered every test imagninable to diagnose the problem but to no avail. I visited a chiropractor who also has training in neurological problems and he said it may be a fungal infection from my CPAP machine. Does any one have any comments or ideas on how the fungus or how to help this neuropathy in my face. Thanks.
Jun 12, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Please share! Motivated to join you in suing
by: Li Gardiner

I found my way here from the CPAP Cough section. I just started using the CPAP machine 3 days ago. And after only 3 days of misery, and reading your stories, I am willing to sue ResMed, their suppliers, and everyone else responsible for this misery. I can't believe what some people have suffered for months, even years, while suspecting that their CPCP machine was the cause. Only to have the manufacturer tell them to talk to the hand!

I have developed symptoms of severe flu, and my existing conditions have worsened since starting the CPAP.

DAY ONE
On the first morning, it started with a little sore throat and dry sinuses, and overall exhaustion. I was a zombie. Couldn't wake up. Kept dropping things. Well, I'm often a zombie in the morning because I have fibromyalgia, but I take medication, which has made a huge difference over the past year-and-a-half since diagnosis. That first day after CPAP, I just couldn't shake it, even with Adderall.

DAY TWO
Woke with a little cough, sore throat; wheezy, lungs; a stiff neck and back; and a sharp headache. I put that down to adjusting to the CPAP machine. (Made by ResMed. It has a humidifier, hose heater, and regular filter.)

I was also light-headed, with achey joints. THAT sounds like the flu. But I never get summer colds. Even more disturbing, my crazy fibromyalgia symptoms came back strong — random, sharp pains in soft tissues, large areas of skin feeling sunburned, lower back on fire, feet like bags of glass. AND to top it off, my MS symptoms kicked in — numb hands and vertigo. (Yep, I have that, too). But by evening, I felt a bit better.

Note that both MS and fibro symptoms can get worse when your immune system is stressed. Even symptoms you have learned to live with can rapidly escalate and add to your misery when you're sick. This is usually a temporary reaction to your immune system going on red alert. Something to do with stress hormones and neurotransmitters. The symptoms generally improve when you get over your flu, bronchitis, whatever.

So, what got my system in this state? Like an idiot, I just assumed that I was coming down with a summer cold, and used the CPAP again last night.

DAY THREE
Today, I had to call in sick, with a nagging cough, gurgley lungs, very sore throat, sinuses on fire, massive headache, plus all the other autoimmune symptoms described above.

You know what ELSE can trigger a relapse or exacerbation of existing conditions? Allergies, and/or exposure to toxins.

Thank you all for posting your complaints here, and more importantly, your CONCLUSIONS that some agent is at work, whether it's allergy-triggering compounds in the silicone, filters and equipment, or allergy-triggering mold and mildew. I can't tolerate any of those, and if I continue to stress my immune system, my other conditions will get worse.

My thanks to the people who suggested using vinegar, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide. My thanks also to the person who suggested that we alert our doctors to this problem! It is obviously not going away. And should NOT be dismissed out of hand! Share these posts!

I do have moderate obstructive sleep apnea. And would love to know what equipment would NOT cause those symptoms. Some of you have had good experiences returning to your older equipment. Please share!
Jun 28, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cpap Clean
by: Anonymous

Is there a cpap sterizing machine? And can you get a ear fungal infection from not cleaning enough?
Jul 05, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		ear fungal
by: Anonymous

Think yes....dam it. after reading this stuff I see that I too am a victim of this machine.
I discovered pink and black mould in my reservoir tonight. I am shocked ... as I clean it regularly .
I have had this infection in my ears for months, off and on. UGH....
Shall take the marine apart tomorrow, as much as I can and clean more. H2O2 is my go to cleaner....and when I do clean I put a few drops of it in my water....sigh..perhaps more.

Hey what type of distilled water do you use?
Jul 13, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Could be the distilled water!
by: LinA

http://www.mercola.com/article/water/distilled_water.htm

Mercola is not the only one concerned about the dangers of drinking distilled water. I can't imagine that it wouldn't be equally dangerous to inhale it all night…?
Aug 03, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Cough
by: Lynne

Is there a class action suit against ResMed? I've been using their CPAP for about 6 years. I maintain it very well. One day I noticed black mold on the gasket that's inside the door to the reservoir. (The mold was all along where the gasket fits inside the groove of the door). I was never told that had to be removed and cleaned. I've had an intermittent cough for several months now. I hope it's not from my CPAP machine.
Aug 06, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CPAP weight gain
by: Grace

Have been on CPAP machine for 6 months now. The first month using ResMed machine I gained 10 lbs with no change in food or activity. Feel more like a balloon every day. Have fungal symptoms and am very allergic to mold. Feet hurt, legs swell.
Oct 04, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		This machine changed my life
by: V Morgillo

It has been 10 years since I got my BiPAP machine. Since then I have NEVER had another of my weekly debilitating migraines. Fighting respiratory and sinus infections a has been difficult.

I rotate through 4 or 5 masks and tubes, so I don't have to wash parts daily. Often I'll cheat and wear a mask a few days, but I usually end up with a sinus issue. Never saw pink unless I didn't wash at least once a week, if you see pink you are not cleaning your equipment. I've never seen black mold on my equipment.

Great tip here on vinegar and baby shampoo. Looking for a brush on a string to clean the long tubes
Dec 09, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pneumonia
by: Anonymous

Just getting over terrible 'bout' with pneumonia. I am on CPAP when respiratory system allows it. I am not very good at cleaning my equipment. I use only dawn dish washing soap & warm water. Is it possible I got my pneumonia from unnoticed mold build up? I would appreciate a response from anyone that has or heard of any similar experience. Thank you.
Dec 22, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cleaning tips
by: Anonymous

Check plastic gaskets above reservoir and around hose swivel. Use q tip with alcohol vinegar. My machine they come off easy to clean. You can find a great deal of mold on these connections.
Jan 27, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		moldy cpap
by: Anonymous

Went on vacation, cpap (f&p) would not work. Hotel maintenance tech opened it. It was full of black mold. The fan was so caked in mold, it would not turn. No warning, or info about period check ups on this. I've been sick with sinus problems for months. Warning! Check your machine. How common is this ? How long have I been breathing this, my machine is 10 yrs old? The hospital approved it 6 times. Please warn people.
Mar 10, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Took it Apart and Wipe The Grime Off
by: Ben

I ended up sleeping later every night for fear I might have difficulty breathing and that would be the end of me. I end up falling asleep after bouts of nonstop coughing and wheezing, tiring myself out from fighting it off. I often find myself treating allergy symptoms, with Saline solution or Flonase. I've had the allergies, the nose irritation, the coughing but this year, I've been having difficulty breathing and wheezing so much when I sleep, the doctor had me take some antibiotics to treat the bronchitis, but it still kept coming back when I put on my CPAP, every time I put it on at night. I think the infection was so bad, it felt like I couldn’t produce saliva and had to have a lozenge in my mouth to keep it from drying out and me coughing myself to death.

I clean my CPAP with mild hand soap because I was told to use mild hand soap, but I bet dishwashing soap would be better. I’m not gonna lie, I think I lived with cleaning it every 3 days, except for when the gel mask gets too yucky, then I clean that a lot more. I often find a slimy gunk in my water reservoir I use a Qtip or an old tootbrush to get rid of it. Nothing I did seemed to be helping relieve the "allergies" I suddenly got after using my CPAP, it only grew worse. Several times for the past year, I groggily forced myself to reclean my attachable parts, wash the filters, masks, wiping it off with microfiber towels and whirl my hose like a lasso just to force any remaining water out. I’m sorry if my method sounds either lazy or crazy, I just can’t let them air dry collecting dust.

A few days ago, I lay awake at night and had to take it off because it felt like I wasn’t breathing at all, I couldn’t breath even though I know air was going in my nose and exhaled from my lungs. And exhaling was a lot more difficult, which terrified me, it felt like the air coming out was obstructed. I had to sit myself up several times to literally catch my breath. When I placed the mask back on, I noticed there was a strong moldy-mildewy smell, and since I couldn’t sleep, I ruminated that if the sponge filters were filthy, that hole where air passes through until where I attach the hose were probably filthy and the source of infection.

I got one of those disinfectant baby wipes, not the lysol ones, and with tweezers, cleaned out this mucky thick ash like residue. It's probably been there for years, since I never thought of cleaning those parts, I was never taught to do that ever. I cleaned out anywhere I think the air would go through, right behind the foam filters, forced the wipe as far in as I can, twisting it deep inside making sure I get as much of the nook and crannies as I can. I made sure to do it several times, until my wipes came out clean. I also did the same to where I attach my hose, those rubber things detach and if you're really careful, you can wipe off most of the grime there too. I searched online how to release the 2 parts and did the same to wherever else chambers air pass through and used several antibacterial wipes.

I took a nap after I dried my face mask, hose, water reservoir and it felt better. I might use vinegar like someone said earlier, because I could still smell something left over.

I'm not giving them another cent for a new machine when I know I could look up how to take the machine and the humidifier online. Just need a little more elbow grease and some good wipes.

This is from my personal experience, maybe my exploration would help you, maybe it won't. I'm still figuring it out if it gets rid of the symptoms, because it's bad enough to have sleep apnea, I don't need a bronchitis and mold in my lungs. Hopefully I get better sleep and get rid of the nasty coughing. Frankly, I want to sleep like when I first got my CPAP, there’s no denying it helped me sleep and function better.
Mar 14, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Shocked
by: Anonymous

I recently got a CPAP machine, and I have been having issues with my lungs. I have been short of breath, sounds like I have gravel in my lungs. This explains a lot.

I will have to inspect my machine. I am now suspecting my issues have come from the machine. Thanks for the eye opener.
Apr 04, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CPAP cleaning solution
by: Ron

As a CPAP user, I find CleanSmartDisinfectant Spray to be a great daily cleaning solution as it kills bacteria, viruses and mold using the active ingredient produced by our own immune systems (Hypochlorous Acid) suspended in a water and saline solution. It kills 99.9% of germs and then dries like water, with no residue or fumes. I use it to clean the mask, hose and reservoir and have no issues anymore with sinuses or lungs feeling polluted.
Apr 13, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Allergies
by: dkraker

Approximately a year after first use of my Resmed Air 10, I suddenly began having allergy like symptoms; sneezing, incessant running nose, very watery eyes, trouble catching breath.

I use tissues until my nose is very red and irritated. Have cleaned everything and changed out all possible equipment parts, (new humidifier, hoses, mask, filters), no positive impact on symptoms. If I stop using cpap symptoms go away, the first time I resume using, they all return.

My husband and I switched machines last night and now he has allergy like symptoms! It is my machine! I am currently soaking my 2 week old filter in alcohol and will try that. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Resmed says they have no responsibility at this point. My machine is 18 months old.

I would join in on a class action if one comes to life. I don't want anything, except my machine to work properly and not make me ill.
May 02, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CPAP sinus infection
by: Anonymous

If your CPAP is turned up too high, it's worse than a deviated septum. Why? It pushes everything back instead of letting ur normal sinus flow. Make sure your CPAP is set properly by a trained doctor with a Sleep Study and see and ENT once a year if you use one.
Jul 27, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Reservoir Mold Growing long time??
by: Anonymous

I have been using my CPAP machine with So Clean 2 for over 2 yrs. Last Christmas I went up north and when I returned, 2 wks. later, I clean and put everything back together. This morning I overflowed my reservoir and found tiny particles of black floating around the water!

I immediately took the reservoir to the kitchen, better lightening, and found the bottom was all molded! Not only was I extremely distressed but then I realized that the doctors have been trying to diagnose me for health issues that the So Clean may have caused! I do not know how long this has been going on because I've had not washed anything because I paid for the So Clean to do this for me!

Now, I am not only showing all the signs you stated above but having other issues and I do not know if this is going to lead to anymore serious ones too!
Aug 21, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		pink slime - bacteria, not mold - pneumonia
by: Anonymous

I first commented in July 2017 - pink slime despite meticulous cleaning. Husband had stuffy nose all the time. We thought he had allergies. Stopped using CPAP. He kept coughing for a year until he started gasping for air a few weeks ago.

At first thought it was the hot and humid weather. Went to Emergency. He has pneumonia and has probably had it for a year at least. Received antibiotics - still several days to go.
Now sleeping quietly. Not using CPAP. Does not have obstructive sleep apnea - has Central Sleep Apnea - probably from a number of head injuries.
Will start him on breathing exercises like Buteyko.
Aug 29, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cleaning heated tubes
by: Anonymous

Can I soak heated tubing in the sink?
Oct 03, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		can mold get internally in the unit
by: donna

I vacated to Fla for the hurricane. My room was so damp the bed was wet and my cpap actually was percolating from the humidity. The hose was filled with water . I was there for 6 days.

When I got home I developed a a cough where I could not even talk. No phlegm and no congestion. I have had night sweats and low temp and high. I do have other issues going on however I was perfectly fine until I went to Fla. I'm scared to use the cpap machine for fear there might be mold in there internally.

The company tells me impossible because of the filter. Any thoughts on this? And also I see all the questions but I don't see where the answers are?
Oct 03, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Impossible Mold because of the filter?
by: Clay

The CPAP company saying that mold is impossible because of the filter is the most ludicrous thing I have ever heard. Don't accept that nonsense. The "Filter" is just a piece of fiber that removes large particles of contaminant so that the machine stays "Somewhat" clean. It's not blocking any living organisms, it has no chemicals to kill any bacteria, etc. Just use your own good logic on this one.

If that was the case then why would any machine ever get mold in it. Especially in your case where the was flooding - as if all the water is going to go through a cotton filter before filling up the tube with water?

Even though they would make more money off selling you a new machine, a good company will offer to service the machine, i.e. take it apart and sanitize it, talk to your insurance company for a referral - they would rather you do that than to have to pay 600.00 for a replacement machine.
Oct 03, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		can mold get internally in the unit
by: donna

I am on medicare and they said in order to change my machine out I need to present them with my home owners insurance policy and I would have to start over with all the requirements that medicare wants me to do to qualify for the machine again.

Right now between the night sweats and coughs I can't even put the mask on nor do I want to go through that including more follow up doc appointments.

I asked them why on earth do I have to show them my homeowners ins and the problem with humidity was in a hotel in fla when we evecauated. I was healthy before we went there.
Nov 04, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Mold in the water tank
by: Anonymous

My husbands BiPap has a tiny ridge that has a small line of mold all the way around it. I’ve tried everything, vinegar, and then added baking soda soaked for a couple of hours, nothing. I bought straw brushes, baby bottle brushes, I even tried the old fashion pick that comes in nutcracker sets.

I’ve thought of putting a drop of bleach and hot water then wash it good and clean it with vinegar? Any suggestions.
Nov 04, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		cleaning CPAP
by: Anonymous

Try hydrogen peroxide - food grade to clean reservoir - use Q tip in corners
Nov 04, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Tiny Ridge of mold and Chest heavy Response
by: Clay

What color is the mold - I think Identifying what type of mold is the best way to determine the best way to rid yourself of it. Also, not all mold is bad.
Another thought is that what you are seeing might not be mold. It might just be a discoloration of the plastic from age. Another thought is that it is dead mold.
I think it's important to note that all of the options given kill molds and bacteria. That doesn't mean that remnants of the dead mold's and bacteria won't linger behind as dead stuff.

To the person with the heavy chest. Just a curiousity question - do your ears pop when using the CPAP and/or is the CPAP actually working for you. Depending on your response I might know what's going on.


I will leave with this thought - Yes, it's a lucrative business for the makers of these products - but it's not perfect. They don't understand the defect in their products becuase they don't use them or haven't had our experiences using them.
It's up to us to make them optimise thier solutions.

Feb 22, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Mold in water tank of resmed air sense 10
by: Linda

I am experiencing mold in the water of my Resmed air sense 10. I have my system hooked up to the SoClean 2. Not sure where the problem is coming from I clean the tank out with the solution that SoClean provided when I bought the machine.

I don't have any of the symptoms others have experienced but it sure doesn't sound like I should be breathing air that has gone through the water.

Any thoughts as to what I should do?
Apr 28, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Aspergillus
by: Anonymous

I have read that vinegar does not kill this mould that ends up in your lungs (Aspergillus)
Jun 15, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Black stuff floating in resovoir
by: Sue

I also use the Resmed machine. My warranty was up in January. Now I'm seeing black specks in my reservoir, even though I use a Soclean machine.

I'll join a class action suit.
Dec 27, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		No problems
by: Anonymous

No problems with mold. Check your insurance. Mine sends supplies at regular intervals so I can switch out old pieces. This makes it easy and eliminates the drying time and opportunity for mold and bacteria.
May 14, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Question NEW
by: Nola

Question. How do I clean the internals of my machine. Mask, hose etc are clean but I am having breathing problems and I feel that the inside of my machine is dirt. Other then buying a new one how do I clean it?
Jan 05, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Editing NEW
by: Anonymous

Someone a bit more qualified should, perhaps, respond to the customers questions. If you are a "sensible" ?? Person. F.Y.I. ,it's always wise to double check before posting responses,especially if representing any company. Have a wonderful remaining day. Sincerely,
Tawnya Vivier
May 01, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cleaning CPAP with Quaternary Ammonium
by: TC

As a chemist who is knowledgeable in cleaners for over 30 years, using a quaternary ammonium cleaner is the best for killing microorganisms inside of face mask and tubing with a 10-minute soak at the recommended dilution level (do not use a higher concentration than recommended). It should effectively eliminate mold and bacterial organisms from growing until next week.

I have proven it over the last three months after finding black mold on my ResMed seal inside the humidifier container, replacing this seal when mold is present, and then following the recommendations on the quaternary ammonium cleaner every weekly cleaning period (see link "Cleaning and Sterilisation of Anaesthetic Equipment" - PMC (nih.gov)). Once mold develops it can actually enter into the substrate of the silicone seal and cleaning will not remove it.

In order to clean effectively, one must use both mechanical (brush) and chemical methods (soap) to remove biofilms that develop. Biofilms are the way microorganisms protect themselves from being eliminated by the use of ozone (SoClean uses this but only gets the "top layer") and the dish soap usually recommended for cleaning these items. The silicone face mask and nasal pillows are soft surfaces which allow these organisms to flourish and should be scrubbed with a bristle brush or rag followed by a soak with the quaternary ammonium cleaner. Hard surfaces should also be cleaned by scrubbing but are less prone to biofilm buildup. I also found a specific elbow where the flexible tubing attaches to the machine also requires biweekly cleaning as it is also a source of bio-contamination.

Hope this helps as I am now more satisfied, I have a clean CPAP and will not get infections from this. I will look into the internals to see if growth is inside the machine
Aug 04, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cleaning Sleep Apnea Machine NEW
by: Anonymous

If you’re cleaning tubing, face mask and water tank with baby shampoo and rinsing per the instructions, won’t there be some residue remaining within the tank and tubing?
Jun 29, 2023
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		red mold in air chamber NEW
by: Anonymous

I used the vinegar method and let it sit overnight. I washed the container in the morning, emptied the vinegar and then washed with soap and water. I took a q-tip and moved it around the chamber and there is still red mold. What can I do now?
Oct 26, 2024
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cleaning cpap NEW
by: Cpapuser22

All great suggestions given on methods of cleaning the water tank on the cpap machine. I have the resmed airsense 11. Some areas of the tank are hard to clean due to the shape of it. How about the use of uvc light to kill mold or bacteria. After, just give it a good rinsing with soap and water.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Problems with CPAP.

Share this page:
Enjoy this sleep apnea page? Please pay it forward. Here's how..

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.