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How to properly clean CPAP equipment

Sleep apnea support Nov, 02 2023

Use our cleaning checklist to prolong the lifespan of your device

Maintenance


Now you have decided to treat your sleep apnea with CPAP* therapy, it is important you further safeguard your health - and the life of your equipment - by regularly and thoroughly cleaning your mask, seal, tubing, and device.

Sweat, oil, and dead skin cells can accumulate on your mask and tubing, so it is important to clean them daily to reduce dirt, allergen, or pathogen build-up. It is advisable to clean your mask headgear weekly.

Water in the CPAP machine and water chamber can also become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, so they should be cleaned at least once a fortnight to avoid the risk of infection and disease as well as to prevent odours.

Read on for our cleaning suggestions but remember to refer to the user instructions that came with your CPAP equipment for more specific guidelines.

DAILY

Mask, chamber, seal and tube

  • After disassembling your mask, thoroughly wash the seal and frame in warm, soapy water.
  • ​Allow the seal and frame to dry completely, out of direct sunlight.  
  • Remove the breathing tube and wash in soapy water.
  • Rinse and hang up the tube to dry. Make sure the tube ends are pointing to the floor when it is drying.
  • Remove chamber and discard the remaining water.
  • Clean and wash with soapy water, then rinse and dry.


Headgear

  • Use warm soapy water to throughly wash the headgear.
  • ​Allow the headgear to dry completely, out of direct sunlight. Do not dry your headgear in a dryer.

 

WEEKLY

CPAP device

  • Unplug your device before you clean it.
  • Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any dust from the outside and inside the machine.
  • Dry with a clean towel.
  • Ensure the device is completely dry before being plugged in.


CPAP elbow

  • Disconnect the elbow from the breathing tube.
  • Hand-wash the elbow in warm, soapy water. Ensure all visible soil is removed. 
  • Rinse the elbow in clean water.
  • Repeat the process using clean water.
  • Leave the elbow to dry out of direct sunlight before reconnecting.

 

FORTNIGHTLY

  • Give your CPAP water chamber a thorough cleaning every two weeks (at least).
  • Empty the water chamber of water.
  • Wash in soapy water and rinse out.
  • Soak the inside of the chamber for 10 minutes in a solution of one-part white vinegar to two-parts water and rinse well with distilled water.
  • Thoroughly rinse the chamber in warm water and give it time to fully dry.
  • Remember, only fill it with distilled water to prevent mineral buildup.

 

Replace the air filter

The air filter should be replaced once it is significantly discolored. Check your user instructions, but we suggest filters should be changed at least once every three months or after 1000 hours of machine use.
 
 
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