DEVICE FOR DISINFECTING CPAP COMPONENTS AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME
This disclosure relates to a device for disinfecting CPAP components and a method of using the same. An example device includes a chamber, an ultraviolet (UV) light configured to emit UV light within the chamber, and a control unit configured to activate the UV light for a period of time.
1 . A device for disinfecting components of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system, comprising:
a chamber;
an ultraviolet (UV) light configured to emit UV light within the chamber; and
a control unit configured to activate the UV light for a period of time.
2 . The device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the UV light emits UV-C light.
3 . The device as recited in claim 2 , wherein the UV light emits UV light at a wavelength of 254 nanometers (nm).
4 . The device as recited in claim 2 , wherein the UV light includes a 13 Watt UV-C bulb.
5 . The device as recited in claim 1 , further comprising:
a base; and
a drawer slidably mounted to the base and moveable relative to the base between an open position and a closed position, wherein the base and drawer provide boundaries of the chamber when the drawer is in the closed position.
6 . The device as recited in claim 5 , wherein the control unit is configured such that the UV light is only activated when the drawer is in the closed position.
7 . The device as recited in claim 5 , wherein the drawer is lined with a reflective material.
8 . The device as recited in claim 7 , wherein the reflective material is aluminum.
9 . The device as recited in claim 1 , further comprising:
a base; and
a lid pivotably mounted to the base and moveable relative to the base between an open position and a closed position, wherein the base and lid provide boundaries of the chamber when the lid is in the closed position.
10 . The device as recited in claim 9 , wherein the control unit is configured such that the UV light is only activated when the lid is in the closed position.
11 . The device as recited in claim 9 , further comprising:
a heater, the control unit configured to activate the heater and the UV light for the period of time.
12 . The device as recited in claim 11 , further comprising:
a blower, the control unit configured to activate the blower for the period of time.
13 . The device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the period of time is a predefined period of time.
14 . The device as recited in claim 13 , wherein the period of time is about 5 minutes.
15 . A method for disinfecting a component of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system, comprising:
directing ultraviolet (UV) light onto a CPAP component within a chamber for a time period.
16 . The method as recited in claim 15 , wherein the period of time is about 5 minutes.
17 . The method as recited in claim 15 , wherein the UV light is UV-C light.
18 . The method as recited in claim 15 , wherein the UV light is at a wavelength of 254 nanometers (nm).
19 . The method as recited in claim 15 , wherein a boundary of the chamber is provided in part by one of a lid and a drawer, and the UV light is only directed onto the CPAP component when the one of the lid and the drawer is closed.
20 . The method as recited in claim 15 , further comprising:
directing heat to the CPAP component for the period of time; and
activating a blower for the period of time.