How Do I Clean My CPAP Machine? Learn how to care for the parts of your CPAP machine. You’ll get better results. Your equipment will last longer.
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Important information on how to clean a CPAP machine
Do you know how to clean a CPAP machine? Knowing how – and doing it regularly – can extend the life of your equipment and also keep you safe and healthy as you use it. Cleaning your CPAP machine doesn’t take long, but you’ve got to do it every single morning to keep your unit working right.
How to Clean Your CPAP Mask
Your CPAP mask is made of silicon to keep it comfortable and to create a seal so the pressurized air goes where it’s supposed to. Silicon is an excellent choice of materials for this equipment because of how comfortable it is. But it’s also a material that doesn’t last indefinitely. You’ll want to take good care of your cushions and replace them regularly for best results.
- Wash your mask every day using warm (not hot) water and a gentle, scent-free soap. You can also buy wipes made especially for CPAP masks if you prefer.
- Rinse with cool water and lay your mask out to dry on a clean towel. Do not put it in direct sunlight.
- Every night before you put your mask on, wash your face. Do not use any kind of lotion or moisturizer because it will break the silicon down.
- Every week, soak your mask in a 1:3 combination of white vinegar and water. Rinse with distilled water.
- If your straps need to be washed, do so by hand with warm and soapy water. Be sure to rinse well and let your straps air dry. Never put them through the laundry.
How to Clean Your CPAP Humidifier
Many CPAP machines come with a humidifier built-in. This is a great feature, especially if you’re prone to dry mouth or dry sinuses. However, just like a humidifier you might use to add humidity to your bedroom air, bacteria can grow like crazy if you don’t clean it daily.
- Disconnect your humidifier’s reservoir carefully.
- Open the reservoir and wash thoroughly with clean, soapy water.
- Rinse it thoroughly and let it air dry. Do not put it in direct sunlight.
- Use distilled water only. Tap water – even if it’s run through a filter – may contain chemicals that can destroy the workings of your machine.
- Every week, soak your reservoir in a 1:3 combination of white vinegar and water for about a half hour. Rinse with distilled water.
- Some CPAP humidifier reservoirs are dishwasher safe. Check your manual to know for sure about your model.
How to Clean Your CPAP Filters
Every CPAP machine uses filters to clean the air as it enters the compression chamber. Your machine most likely uses a disposable white filter; some also have a non-disposable gray filter, too.
- If your model has a non-disposable gray filter, clean it weekly or more often if you have smokers in your home, lots of dust, or pets.
- To clean the non-disposable filters, simply rinse with clean water and allow to air dry completely before reinstalling it. You can probably get about six months from your non-disposable gray filter if you take good care of it.
- The white disposable filters must be replaced monthly. Replace more often if you notice wear or dirt on the filter.
Keeping your CPAP equipment clean is the best way to make sure you get the maximum service life from it – and the best possible results each night as you sleep.
If you have questions about cleaning your CPAP equipment, replacement schedules for the disposable supplies, or would like to schedule a video conference so we can help you adjust your mask to get the perfect fit, just ask. We’re here to make getting the supplies you need to use your CPAP machine easy and affordable.