cpap machine

[kenny sd]

just read that a new device is being used to kill the virus on masks. it produces ozone and cleans the masks.
what about CPAP cleaning machines that do the same thing?

any experts out there, and come on..we're ALL on CPAP breathing machines at night..
ken

[BFD]

I don't know about cpap machines or a lot of other things, but this might address what you want to know.

https://utrf.tennessee.edu/information- ... materials/

[Jim Kidwell]

Kenny,
I use the SoClean 2 (ozone) sterilizer for my cpap gear, but you still need to wash on a regular (weekly) basis................

[Michael Johnson]

So at our local hospital, everyone has one issued N95 mask. It will not be replaced (depending upon supplies) unless it has been damaged in some way. The masks are considered contaminated on the outside. They fold in half protecting the inside (the part that touches your face). We have been told to put them in a paper bag between use so they can dry out.

For general protection a standard mask is sufficient. N95 masks should be used only in high risk situations. In my case that means while performing intubation of patients (instrumenting someone's airway to insert an endotracheal tube) or while caring for a patient with a known infection either in the ICU or in the operating room.. The only people in our surgery center wearing N95's are Anesthesiologists, CRNA's, and our recovery room nurses. We are doing urgent surgery only and consider all patients to be infected (because of the possibility of asymptomatic carriers).

After reading the article that Brent referenced and from other articles that I have read; I would be very careful about trying to sterilize a mask. You definitely risk compromising the integrity of the mask.

[TexasMac]

I use a CPAP ionizer/cleaner and don't believe it will work on COVID-19 since it's not a living organism like bacteria. But UV light is reported to kill it. Read the following.
===================================================
Very interesting facts re Covid-19
The following is from Irene Ken, physician, whose daughter is an Assistant Professor in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University. Quite informative.

* The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.
* Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.
* The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam).
By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.
* HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.
* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.
* Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.
* Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine. Peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.
* NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC WORKS. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.
* NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is attached to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates as follows:
-3 hours (fabric and porous),
-4 hours (copper and wood)
-24 hours (cardboard),
- 42 hours (metal) and
-72 hours (plastic).
But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.
* The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars
They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.
* UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, using UV light to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin
* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.
* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.
* SPIRITS and VODKA does not work. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.
* LISTERINE works! It is 65% alcohol.
* The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.
* You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.
* You have to HUMIDIFY DRY HANDS from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.
* Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.
-JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL

[BFD]

Would there be anything wrong with denatured ethanol from the hardware store? I would think it could be diluted a bit, say to 70% or so and be pretty effective.

[Griff]

So at our local hospital, everyone has one issued N95 mask. It will not be replaced (depending upon supplies) unless it has been damaged in some way. The masks are considered contaminated on the outside. They fold in half protecting the inside (the part that touches your face). We have been told to put them in a paper bag between use so they can dry out.

I have read that a cloth mask (including homemade ones that some quilters are providing), worn over the N95 mask can prolong its usefulness. Is that correct? Do you see that being done? If so, perhaps we should encourage more local quilters to make and distribute cloth masks. Just a thought.

Griff

[Michael Johnson]

I use a regular mask over my N95 to keep it clean. That is actually a recommendation of the American Society of Anesthesiologists.One of my OR technicians is actually making masks for us out of discarded surgery drape materials per instructions put out by the Anesthesia Department at the University of Florida.

[Jim Kidwell]

Wayne, you can get small Uv-c lights to put in your cleaner..............

[mdeland]

Interesting how peroxide and Ozone keep showing up in these articles on how to combat this virus even though to this point it is only for sterilization! Wonder if there will be an internal discovery/re-discovery of its possible use?

[Michael Johnson]

Hey Wayne I just looked up the contents of Listerene. It is actually only 29.6 % alcohol, not the 65% claimed.

[Jim Kidwell]

Damn and I just ordered some with a pack of soda water..............

[Michael Johnson]

Don't overcomplicate this. Social distancing, stay home if you can, wash your hands with soap and water, don't touch your face, and the government is about to recommend the use of a mask if you have to go out (especially if you are gonna hold up a liquor store for the alcohol). We old farts just need to get thru this!

[TexasMac]

Hey Wayne I just looked up the contents of Listerene. It is actually only 29.6 % alcohol, not the 65% claimed.

Maybe the Listerene that the author of the article Irene Ken uses has 65%? I have no idea.

Wayne

[Michael Johnson]

Listerene's very own website states that there are no studies demonstrating that Listerene is effective on Covid19. Just be aware that there is a ton of misrepresentation out there. Everyone wants to think there are some magic cures out there. I get that! Just be wary about the information you read. Its a little like reading about somebody's magical BP load that shoots under 1 Moa in all conditions.