Sustainable Tips For Using a CPAP Machine
Key Takeaways
- For sleep apnea patients who use CPAP therapy as their form of treatment, it might seem challenging to align their treatment with eco-conscious practices.
- With a few simple steps and changes, CPAP patients can put sustainability at the forefront while also managing sleep apnea.
- Tips including CPAP machine efficiency, bulk-buying, using natural cleaning ingredients, and more are all ways a CPAP user can be more sustainable.
Sustainability affects every aspect of life— including self-care through CPAP therapy. The use of CPAP requires electrical power to run CPAP machines, sometimes for up to eight hours a night. For cleaning, the process requires using chemicals to sanitize the equipment which may not be sustainable.
Using newer models of CPAP machines, that are equipped with advanced algorithms that automatically adjust pressure settings more efficiently, saves both energy and reduces power costs. Here are a few tips to help make your CPAP therapy better for the environment.
Choosing Eco-Friendly CPAP Equipment
While a CPAP machine uses low energy it does have to run all night long and every night. Energy consumption and costs add up. When selecting a CPAP machine that is best for you, consider ones that consume less electricity, reducing your energy cost and carbon footprint over time. Look for CPAP machines with lower energy use. Here are some CPAP machines that use only 100-140V.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning and Maintenance
Natural Cleaning Solutions
When it comes time to clean and sanitize your CPAP equipment you can avoid harsh chemicals and choose instead eco-friendly cleaning options. Try vinegar and baking soda. This combination of biodegradable products act as a heavy-duty cleaner and sanitizer for your CPAP hose, mask and humidifier chamber—and you can wash them down the drain with peace of mind.
Conserving Water
Don’t run the tap while you wash your equipment. Instead, clean your hose and mask in a basin of warm water to conserve usage. Using a sanitizer also helps completely clean your equipment without a single drop of water.
Energy & Waste Conservation Tips
Using CPAP Machines Efficiently
Conserving energy with your CPAP machine is another smart approach to sustainability. Most CPAP machines use more energy at higher pressures. While it is not recommended to lower your pressure setting to conserve power, there are a few tips you can follow that minimize power use.
- Be sure to unplug your CPAP machine while not in use
- Use built-in features like auto on and off settings to conserve power when you are not using the machine
- Change and clean your filters regularly so your machine runs efficiently
Ensuring CPAP Longevity
Regular maintenance of your CPAP machine, mask, and other equipment not only allows the products to work as best as possible, but it also extends the products' lifespans. The proper treatment and longevity results in less need to replace equipment as often.
Be sure to read the manufacturer's guidelines of your CPAP products to learn the cleaning cadences and prevent the buildup of bacteria or other contaminents. This will reduce the waste and conserve resources long term.
Minimizing Packaging Waste
When it is time to purchase CPAP supplies due to your replacement schedule or damaged or worn out products, ordering a bulk of products at a time will minimize packaging materials. This reduces the amount of waste which could be caused from individual purchases. It also decreases the impact of shipping and handling.
Conclusion
Making CPAP part of your green initiative is easy. Simple energy-efficient best practices and eco-friendly cleaning habits can help keep your CPAP therapy a cleaner and greener experience. Even small changes can make a big difference over time. To learn more about all the CPAP products offered at The CPAP Shop, call our expert staff at 866-414-9700 today.
