Caring For Your CPAP
CPAP Cleaning Basics
One of the most common questions after starting CPAP therapy is, “How often should I be cleaning my CPAP equipment?” We’re here to not only answer that question but to provide you with cleaning best practices for all of your equipment.
Prior to cleaning your CPAP at any time, always be sure your CPAP machine is unplugged from the power source. Cleaning your CPAP as directed helps:
- Prevent mold and bacteria growth
- Decrease allergens presence
- Clear mineral deposits
- Reduce the risk of contracting upper respiratory infection and other illnesses
- Keep equipment in good condition
- Extends life of equipment
As always, if you have any questions about your specific CPAP model or equipment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re happy to help!
Daily CPAP Care
Mask Cushion Cleaning
Once the equipment is disassembled, clean the mask with a damp cloth using mild detergent. Let air dry apart from the mask.
CPAP Mask Cleaning
Clean your CPAP mask, without the cushion on it with warm water using mild detergent. Avoid harsh detergents and chemicals as these may damage the mask or leave harsh residue. Let air dry.
CPAP Cleaning Wipes: Looking for an easy daily cleaning solution? These CPAP Cleaning Wipes work perfect for day to day cleaning of your mask and machine.
Tip: Cleaning your CPAP first thing in the morning and letting it air dry all day allows you to reassemble just before bedtime with a fully clean, ready to perform CPAP every night.
Weekly CPAP Care
Humidifier Water Tub Cleaning
Rinsing the water tub after each use is ideal but be sure to at least do this weekly. Do so just like washing your mask and hose and clean by using a mild soap and warm water. Let dry away from direct sunlight.
CPAP Hose Cleaning
Cleaning your hose weekly helps clear out bacteria, mold, germs etc. Clean by running mild soap detergent through the hose, rinse your CPAP hose with warm water and let air dry.
CPAP Cleaning Machines Sold at CarePro Home Medical
Many times, we just don’t have the time to manually clean each piece of equipment
Zoey CPAP Cleaner: Clean and sanitize your CPAP and CPAP accessories with ease with the Zoey CPAP Cleaner using ozone. The machine allows you to choose whether you want to clean your mask, tubing, and CPAP , or allows just the mask and tubing from your sleep equipment.
SoClean CPAP Cleaner: The SoClean CPAP cleaning unit kills 99.9% of CPAP germs and bacteria in your mask, hose and reservoir with no disassembly, no water, and no chemicals.
Tip: Instead of soaking your tub or hose in a mild soap, you can also use a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water.
Monthly CPAP Care
CPAP Mask & Headgear
Inspect your mask for wear, tear and deterioration monthly. Also, check your headgear's elasticity as it can become loose from overuse or overtightening over time. Replace as needed. Mask cushions and/or nasal pillows may need to be replaced monthly.
CPAP Tubing
Examine air tubing for small holes or tears, especially around the cuff, that could cause air leaks. If you find any tears, replace your tubing. Replace every 3-6 months.
CPAP Filter
Every month, be sure to check the filter in the back of your CPAP machine for dust build up, especially if you live in a dusty area. If this is dirty, replace the filter.
CPAP Water Tub
Inspect water tub of for any build up and clean with one part water, ten parts vinegar to remove deposits. Replace when needed or every 6 months.
CPAP Cleaning FAQs
Can I use bleach to clean my CPAP equipment?
No. You should never use bleach on any part of your CPAP equipment. Always use one of the following solutions when cleaning your CPAP machine and equipment:
- 1:1 water and vinegar solution
- Mild soap or detergent and warm water
- CPAP cleaning wipes
- CPAP cleaning machine like the SoClean or the Zoey.
What happens if you don’t clean your CPAP regularly?
Not cleaning your CPAP regularly can pose a multitude of issues and can ultimately cause poor performance or health concerns. You could get sick often from germs and bacteria, rash or infection from bacteria and oil on the mask and not be getting quality therapy from your CPAP if there are holes, leaks or other issues.
What happens if you don’t dry your CPAP hose?
A dry CPAP hose prevents mold and mildew from growing inside the hose. If the hose is not dry, you may notice poor treatment results as well. To help protect the hose from excess moisture and keep it clean, check out this CPAP hose cover.
If you have more questions about how to care for, clean or when to replace your CPAP equipment, give our team a call. We have everything you need to get a restful sleep and quality CPAP therapy.