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Cleaning Spill Inside of Dreamstation Machine - MichaelFan - 06-26-2018
We went on vacation and I packed my brand new Dreamstation machine in a bag that also contained a bottle of apple cider. Long story short, bottle of apple cider opened up and spilled the contents into the machine.
The machine dried out and is fully functional, but the insides still smells of stale apple cider and waking up, I feel like I've breathed in something and start coughing (might be a nocebo effect).
My first attempt to clean it was to stick cleaning cloths into the air passage as far as it will go, but that hasn't cleaned it.
I've called the manufacturer and talked to the doctor's staff, but they both just recommend that I wipe the outside of the machine. Disregarding their advice, I cracked open the machine, but the fan and air passage area is surrounded by a two piece plastic shield that's sealed; no way for me to access that area without breaking something that shouldn't be broken.
So, any thoughts about how to clean this? Can I flush the entire system with water and let it airdry until it's completely dry? Stick a pipecleaner in further?
I'm on my 18 year old backup machine that sounds like a jet taking off, but I really want to get back onto my brand new $1K machine.
Thanks everyone!
RE: Cleaning Spill Inside of Dreamstation Machine - mesenteria - 06-27-2018
I certainly would not want to risk compounding any apparently minor damage by 'flushing it out with water...' again. That's all cider is, plus sugar, unless it somehow becomes vinegar in which case you have a heap of trouble ahead.
You have two practical choices:
a. Live with it as it, and hope the smell goes away and that nothing further develops: or
b. Ask the manufacturer for a repair estimate, or an estimate to have it cleaned.
Meanwhile, aside from the cleaning you have accomplished, you can practically only clean the reservoir and tubing/mask.
RE: Cleaning Spill Inside of Dreamstation Machine - Bompa - 06-27-2018
I also have a Dream station in which I sometimes use Essential Oils. If I'm stuffy I use Eucalyptus Oil, and sometimes a bit of Lavender for a sleep aid.
I just put a couple of drops of oil on the air filter, reinsert the filter and enjoy the aroma of the oil. I'm wondering if you used a few drops of an oil that you find pleasant would help?
Hope this helps.
Bompa
RE: Cleaning Spill Inside of Dreamstation Machine - MichaelFan - 06-27-2018
(06-27-2018, 12:11 AM)mesenteria Wrote: I certainly would not want to risk compounding any apparently minor damage by 'flushing it out with water...' again. That's all cider is, plus sugar, unless it somehow becomes vinegar in which case you have a heap of trouble ahead.
You have two practical choices:
a. Live with it as it, and hope the smell goes away and that nothing further develops: or
b. Ask the manufacturer for a repair estimate, or an estimate to have it cleaned.
Meanwhile, aside from the cleaning you have accomplished, you can practically only clean the reservoir and tubing/mask.
Thanks. Is there any issue with running the machine for a few hours not connected to anything on the hope that it'll also clear out gunk.
Also, what's the issue with vinegar? The cider was hard cider, so it was part of the way to vinegar...
RE: Cleaning Spill Inside of Dreamstation Machine - Coffee Man - 06-27-2018
I don’t think So Clean machines are necessary for cleaning CPAP machines and supplies, but I wonder if the ozone generated by the SoClean would get rid of the residual odor in this particular instance. Can anyone that has a SoClean comment?
I know my DME uses them to clean trial masks, so might be worth asking the DME if they can run your machine through a SoClean machine.
RE: Cleaning Spill Inside of Dreamstation Machine - Crimson Nape - 06-27-2018
I think I'd invest in a can of Ozium first and spray it in the intake while the CPAP is running.
RE: Cleaning Spill Inside of Dreamstation Machine - mesenteria - 06-27-2018
(06-27-2018, 02:41 PM)MichaelFan Wrote: ...Also, what's the issue with vinegar? The cider was hard cider, so it was part of the way to vinegar...
Vinegar contains acetic acid. Acids are ionic solutions that oxidize materials, especially metals. You have a lot of thin slivers of metals on your motherboard, commonly known as solder. Acids are very bad for solders over time. So, IF your solution were at all acidic, and IF any of it makes contact with sensitive electronics or connections, you may have a repair in the next few weeks/months when the thinnest solders break down. ...IF... We don't know that yet. But, maybe a cleaning job will be cheaper than the repair with motherboard replacement?
RE: Cleaning Spill Inside of Dreamstation Machine - Walla Walla - 06-27-2018
I'll 2nd Crimson Nape. I'd try the Ozium.
RE: Cleaning Spill Inside of Dreamstation Machine - MichaelFan - 07-03-2018
I found some Ozium Air Sanitizer spray and wow, that's one of the scariest labels I've read in some time.
"It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling... Spray away from plastic"
"Corrosive. Causes irreversible eye damage. Do not get in eyes or on clothing"
"Note to physician: probably mucosal damage may contraindicate the use of gastric lavage"
I'm going to consult with my doctor friend before I spray this into my machine.
I've run the machine for 4 hours with no mask and it didn't smell of apple cider when I sniffed the outside of the machine. I did try a night with it on again and it still smells about as strong as it did before and I did cough the morning after. I'll run it with a mask again for a few more hours today and see if it helps.
Thanks again for all your advice!
RE: Cleaning Spill Inside of Dreamstation Machine - Walla Walla - 07-03-2018
You don't want to spray the Ozium into the machine. What you do is spray it on some cotton balls and place them next to the filter intake. Run the machine and let it pull the vapors through the machine. Needless to say you don't want to be using your hose or mask during this process.