How to Clean a CPAP Machine

Keeping your CPAP machine clean is important for long-term compliance as well as your personal safety. Research shows that dust, oils, mold, and bacteria accumulate over time on your CPAP mask as well as inside the tubing and humidifier. If not cleaned properly, these can lead to rashes and infections. Fortunately, learning how to clean a CPAP machine is easy. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to clean CPAP components and develop a routine to keep your machine in good working order. Click one of the sections below to jump to it or keep reading for our full list of recommendations.

  1. How to Clean a CPAP Machine
  2. How to Clean CPAP Tubing
  3. How to Clean CPAP Masks
  4. How to Clean CPAP Water Tanks
  5. How Often Should You Clean CPAP Components?

How to Clean CPAP Machines

The daily handling of your machine to turn it on and adjust settings combined with a mostly stationary life beside your bed leads to a gradual accumulation of dust, oils, and bacteria on the outer components. Follow these steps every 2-4 weeks to keep it clean:

  1. Turn off and unplug the machine from the power source. If your machine is powered by an internal battery, refer to the user manual to determine if it should be removed before cleaning.
  2. Remove the humidifier (if applicable) and disconnect the tubing.
  3. Gently run over the surface with either CPAP wipes or a clean, damp cloth.
  4. Dry the machine with a clean cloth.

Machine Cleaning Tips:

  • If your machine uses a disposable or reusable filter, this is a good time to replace or clean it while you have easier access.
  • Most filters need to be replaced or cleaned every two to six weeks Note the recommendations for your machine in the manual, as some recommend changing if discoloration or particulate buildup occurs.

How to Clean CPAP Tubing

The enclosed space of CPAP tubing is one of the easiest places for mold and bacteria to grow, especially if you use a humidifier and heated tube which introduce added moisture and warmth. Follow these steps once a week to keep it clean:

  1. Disconnect the hose from both the mask and the machine itself.
  2. Fill your sink or a container large enough to hold the hose with a mixture of warm water and either CPAP soap or another mild soap.
  3. Submerge the hose in the solution and swish soapy water back and forth through the tubing several times. If there is heavy buildup, a CPAP tube brush can be used to remove it. Try to limit how often you use a brush, as the abrasiveness can create new crevices for bacteria to grow within the tube.
  4. Thoroughly rinse both the outside and inside with running water to remove any soap residue.
  5. Set or hang it out to air dry in a position that will allow any water inside the hose to drain (e.g. over a shower head or towel bar).

Tube Cleaning Tips:

  • Avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals when cleaning a CPAP hose, as these can damage the components and cause irritation during use.
  • Tubing and other components can take on smell of strongly scented cleaning products, so use mildly scented or unscented products.
  • Also avoid using Dawn products, as their grease-cutting properties are harsh on the silicone and rubber parts of tubing and masks.

How to Clean CPAP Masks

Perhaps the most crucial component to compliance is your CPAP mask. Oil and bacteria buildup from your face and hair can lead to acne and rashes if left unchecked, making it uncomfortable or undesirable to wear. Follow these steps weekly to keep it clean:

  1. Disconnect the mask from the tubing.
  2. If applicable, disassemble the mask into its separate components (cushion, headgear, and frame).
  3. Use a similar mixture of warm water and either CPAP soap or another mild soap to submerge the mask components.
  4. Rinse thoroughly under running water.
  5. Set the components aside to air dry.

Mask Cleaning Tips:

  • As a substitution for soapy water, you can also use CPAP wipes to clean your mask components. It is good practice to clean your mask cushion daily between regular weekly cleanings of all mask components.
  • Don’t apply lotion, oils, or ointment on the area of your face that makes contact with your mask.
  • Clean and dry your face before putting on your mask.
  • Like the CPAP hose, avoid bleach and harsh chemicals when cleaning your mask to extend its lifespan and prevent irritation during use.

How to Clean CPAP Water Tanks

Dry throat is a common side effect of therapy and using a CPAP humidifier is a great solution. The water tank can be a breeding ground for bacteria, however, so it’s important to clean it as part of your routine. Follow these steps weekly to keep it clean:

  1. Disconnect the tank from the machine and pour out any leftover water.
  2. Submerge the tank in the same solution recommended above for up to 30 minutes.
  3. Use a non-abrasive cloth in the solution to wipe away any residue.
  4. Rinse with running water and ensure all residue has been removed
  5. Set it aside to dry in a position that will allow water to drain out and air to reach the inside.

How Often Should You Clean CPAP Components?

To summarize, here’s a cheat sheet to help you develop a routine around cleaning your CPAP equipment (ordered by frequency).

  • Mask Cushion: Wipe down daily (especially if you’re sick)
  • Water Tank: Empty, dry, and refill daily. Wash and dry weekly
  • Tubing: Wash and dry weekly
  • Mask Frame/Headgear: Weekly or as needed
  • Machine: Every 2-4 weeks or as needed

Additional Tips and Next Steps

We hope this guide helps improve your ability to clean CPAP equipment and create a consistent routine around it. Doing so will improve the lifespan of your components, but keep in mind that many still need to be replaced from time to time. Refer to our CPAP replacement schedule for more information. It’s also worth considering purchasing an extra tubing, mask cushion, and water tank so you can use them on rotation while the other set is drying after you clean them.

If you have questions about our products or any of our recommendations above, reach out to our customer service team and we’ll be happy to help.

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