Cleaning CPAP Equipment

 

Maintaining and cleaning your CPAP machine and supplies is critical to providing you with optimal sleep therapy. Now enter the fact that we are in the middle of a pandemic and the routine maintenance and proper cleaning is more important than ever before.

From effortless cleaning provided by the new SoClean CPAP Machine Cleaner and Sanitizer, to convenient wipes and traditional cleaning methods, this article will provide key information to help you clean and maintain your sleep therapy equipment resulting in a better night’s sleep and peace of mind too.

Woman Cleaning CPAP Mask - Absolute Respiratory Care - Johnston, RI

Why Should You Clean Your CPAP Equipment?

CPAP machines and components are medical grade equipment and used to supply air directly to your nose and mouth. Proper cleaning is necessary to ensure you are breathing in safe and clean air. With a little bit of maintenance, as we will explain, the natural wear and tear resulting from normal use can be lessened with proper care.

Because the mask and air tubing are providing continuous air flow to your mouth and or nose, these components should be carefully cared for. This includes daily cleaning with mild soap and warm water for a safe and clean breathing environment. This cleaning exercise should take you no longer than 5 minutes but will extend the life of your accessories while also increasing the effectiveness of your CPAP setup.

If your CPAP machine is equipped with a humidifier, the water tank and it’s accessible components should be carefully cleaned and maintained as well. Since water can potentially breed mold, a cleaning regiment should be closely adhered to, guaranteeing the air and added moisture you are breathing in is clean and safe.

When you wear a CPAP mask your skin naturally develops an oil residue that will start to accumulate around the seal. Over time, this facial oil build up can lead to a less effective seal from your face to your mask. Because of this, it’s good practice to clean your CPAP mask regularly. We, along with many manufacturers, recommend a daily cleaning of your mask’s seal and other components that come in contact with your skin.

With repeated use of tight fitting components, like that of elastic headgear, these parts can stretch overtime resulting in a less snug fit. This will cause improper seals to your face and nose creating a less effective sleep therapy treatment. Because of this, these parts will need to be replaced to regain the proper fit you were experiencing when your equipment was new.

How To Clean and Sanitize Your CPAP Equipment?

Added Convenience cleaning Methods:

SoClean CPAP Sanitizer

SoClean CPAP Cleaning Machine - Absolute Respiratory Care - Johnston, RI

Just a drop of CPAP water left in your mask or hose can create a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. SoClean’s activated oxygen cleaning completely sanitizes your CPAP mask, hose, and reservoir without any water or chemicals. SoClean kills 99.9% of CPAP germs and bacteria in your mask, hose and reservoir. And the best part – using it requires no disassembly, no water, and no chemicals – instantly improving your CPAP experience. Interested in this convenience? Call us now! We have these in stock, ready to ship to you or for contactless curbside pickup.

CPAP Wipes

CPAP Mask Cleaning Wipes - Absolute Respiratory Care - Johnston, RI

Taking apart your equipment and washing it in the sink isn’t always possible or practical. This is where CPAP wipes can solve your cleaning problems. These wipes deliver the convenience of not requiring water and will clean, deodorize and refresh your equipment making your setup ready to use as quickly as you can pull out a wipe from the canister. These shouldn’t replace weekly routine deep cleaning and sanitizing, but are certainly useful when you are in a pinch. Call us up today to order your cleaning wipes. These can be shipped to your door or you can pick them up at our office with contactless curbside pickup.

Traditional Cleaning Methods:

Please consult your manufacturers specifications and recommendations for cleaning of your equipment – but here are some rules of thumb we like to use when cleaning equipment and also how often it should be done.

Components That Should be Cleaned Daily:

CPAP Mask Cushion, Frame & Headgear

  1. Unplug your CPAP machine from the power source.

  2. Disconnect the mask and air tubing from the CPAP machine.

  3. Disassemble your mask into 3 parts (headgear, cushion and frame).

  4. In a sink or tub, clean your mask cushion and headgear to remove any oils. Gently rub with soap and warm, drinking-quality water. Avoid using stronger cleaning products, including dish detergents, as they may damage the mask or leave harmful residue.

  5. Rinse again thoroughly with warm, drinking-quality water.

  6. Place the cushion and frame on a flat surface, on top of a towel, to dry. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight.


Humidifier Tub (Daily Cleaning Routine)

  1. Unplug your CPAP machine from the power source.

  2. Disconnect the humidifier tub from the CPAP machine.

  3. In a sink or tub, rinse the humidifier tub with mild soap and warm, drinking-quality water. Avoid using stronger cleaning products, including dish detergents, as they may damage the humidifier tub or leave harmful residue.

  4. Rinse again thoroughly with warm, drinking-quality water.

  5. Place the humidifier tub on a flat surface, on top of a towel, to dry. Avoid placing in direct sunlight.

  6. The humidifier tub should always be clean, clear and free of discoloration.

Components that should be cleaned weekly:

Cleaning your CPAP Air Tubing

  1. Unplug your CPAP machine from the power source.

  2. Disconnect the air tubing/hose from your mask and CPAP machine.

  3. In a sink or tub, rinse the inside and outside of the air tubing with mild soap and warm, drinking-quality water. Avoid using stronger cleaning products, including dish detergents, as they may damage the air tubing or leave harmful residue.

  4. Rinse again thoroughly with warm, drinking-quality water.

  5. Place the air tubing on a flat surface, on top of a towel, to dry. Avoid placing in direct sunlight.


Humidifier Tub (Weekly Cleaning Routine)

  1. Once a week, soak your humidifier tub in a solution of 1-part white vinegar and 1-part water for 15-20 minutes.

  2. After soaking, rinse thoroughly with warm, drinking-quality water.

  3. Place the humidifier tub on a flat surface, on top of a towel, to dry. Avoid placing in direct sunlight.

What should I NOT use to clean my mask?

We strongly discourage you from using the products/solutions listed below to clean CPAP equipment, as the residual vapors can be harmful if inhaled.

  • Aromatic-based solutions or scented oils (e.g. eucalyptus or essential oils)

  • Antibacterial soaps

  • Dish Detergent (even if they are mild)

  • Alcohol

  • Bleach

  • Strong-smelling products (e.g. soaps with citrus)

  • Washing machine or dryer

Which CPAP Parts Do I Need to Replace and When?

Just like a car, your CPAP equipment works best with proper maintenance. And that means regularly replacing certain parts.

Every month

  • Mask cushion

  • Air filter

Every 3 months

  • Mask frame

  • Air tubing

Every 6 months

  • Mask headgear

  • Humidifier tub

We Are Here to Help!

Have questions on CPAP cleaning and maintenance? Reach out to us today!

Ready to order a cleaning system, wipes or supplies? Call (401) 458-1902 or email us now!

Looking to quickly serve yourself? Access our Resupply Portal to easily and seamlessly order replacement parts for your CPAP Machine. Either way, we are here to help you.

 
Andrew LangloisAbsolute Respiratory Care