If you have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, you might treat it with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. These machines use a motor, tubing, humidifier and a nose or nose-and-mouth mask to push air into your airways so you can breathe properly. They can help you sleep better and reduce your symptoms and your risk of complications.
But if you don’t keep your CPAP clean, it can also get dusty, dirty, moldy and grimy. “Cleaning your CPAP can help prevent respiratory illnesses and also help the machine last longer,” said Kyle Weeding, a respiratory therapist with Banner Health.
Why you need to keep your CPAP clean
Regularly cleaning your CPAP machine is important for protecting your health. “If you are not routinely cleaning your mask, circuit and humidifier chamber, you dramatically increase your risk of getting pneumonia, bronchitis or another respiratory infection — the warm, moist air is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria,” Weeding said. Allergens, dead skin cells and mold can also build up in the CPAP.
Plus cleaning your machine also helps keep it working properly and can help it last longer. “Dust and grime can clog filters, make your CPAP less accurate and damage buttons, screens and ports,” Weeding said.
How often should you clean your CPAP machine?
“The frequency for cleaning your machine depends on your environment, the manufacturer’s guidelines and how many hours you use it,” Weeding said. Assume your machine is dirty after it’s been used. A good rule of thumb is to clean it weekly. Here’s how.
- If you have a reusable filter, clean it by soaking it for 15 minutes in warm, soapy water. “If possible, keep some extra filters on hand since clogged filters are the most common issue that leads to other problems,” Weeding said. Don’t clean disposable filters. Replace them as needed.
- Use alcohol wipes or CPAP cleaning wipes to clean the surfaces of the machine and hose and the inside and outside of the mask.
- Clean the hose and water chamber with CPAP cleaner or the disinfecting products and equipment your manufacturer recommends. Some use UV light or ozone gas for cleaning. “Some of the nicer sterilizing machines even accommodate the CPAP mask,” Weeding said.
- If you don’t have cleaning products or a sterilizing machine, mix one part distilled white vinegar with three parts distilled water and soak your equipment in it for about 15 minutes. You can use a soft brush to clean off any areas that might have buildup and a tube brush to clean inside the CPAP tubing.
Weeding says it’s preferable to use distilled water because it’s less likely to have contaminants, but if that’s not possible you can use regular tap water. The vinegar may help neutralize any contaminants. - Rinse the parts with tap water.
- Let everything air dry away from direct sunlight. “Don’t dry parts with paper towels or cloth rags since they can leave material behind that can keep your machine from working its best,” Weeding said.
Do not:
- Use harsh chemicals like bleach or alcohol that can cause damage.
- Put your CPAP equipment in the dishwasher.
- Reassemble your CPAP when it’s damp since that could cause mold to grow.
Once a month, check the tubing and mask for signs of wear or damage. Replace filters monthly unless your manufacturer recommends a different schedule.
When should you replace CPAP parts?
“Your components should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Your home health provider should make sure you get the components you need in a timely manner. Be sure to advocate for yourself if components or the machine are becoming visibly soiled and do not improve with routine maintenance,” Weeding said.
Replacing CPAP parts regularly helps keep the machine working properly. Look for signs of wear (such as cracks, discoloration or stiffness) and replace parts as needed.
In general, here’s how often you’ll need to replace parts:
- Mask cushion: Every one to two months
- Mask frame: Every three to six months
- Tubing: Every six to 12 months
- Disposable filters: Monthly or as needed
- Reusable filters: Every three to six months
Most insurance companies will replace CPAP machines every five years. “With routine, proper care they can last a lot longer,” Weeding said. Watch for these signs that your CPAP might need to be replaced:
- The air pressure settings feel uncomfortable (too high or too low).
- The machine starts to become noisy.
- You get a warning message about a possible malfunction.
The bottom line
Caring for your CPAP properly can help you sleep better, protect against potential health risks like respiratory illnesses and make your equipment last longer.
“Never hesitate to contact your provider or home health company for any issue regarding your machine, whether it’s for comfort, concerns or components,” Weeding said.
If you have any questions about your sleep issues or caring for your CPAP, you can also reach out to an expert at Banner Health for advice.
