Providing Cleaning Recommendations for Positive Airway Pressure Devices.

"Given the conflicts of interest of other stakeholders, it is imperative that physicians and their professional organizations take the lead in defining best cleaning practices. Physicians can directly address cleaning with their patients. Professional organizations such as the American Thoracic Society should revise educational material based on careful evidence-based review and actively disseminate this information. This includes updating websites with accurate information and ensuring active education of trainees, including those in ancillary fields such as respiratory therapists and sleep technicians. Partnering with patient organizations would help ensure that information is designed to meet patient needs and is available in places patients go to obtain information. It is also important for professional organizations to engage PAP manufacturers and DME providers to make clear expectations regarding best practices. For example, DME providers that continue to market and sell ozone cleaners to patients should be boycotted. Finally, stakeholders need to engage in legislative advocacy to provide the FDA with statutory authority to regulate the sale of PAP accessories such as ozone cleaners. Altering the belief structure around PAP cleaning and safety will require sustained efforts, so it will be vital to remain focused to effect meaningful change that benefits our patients. Author disclosures are available with the text of this article at www.atsjournals.org."