A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a first-line treatment for severe sleep apnea. This treatment not only helps you sleep better, it can also save your life. But do you know how to clean a CPAP machine? If you are a regular CPAP user, cleaning your CPAP machine is a crucial part of its use. Here are five CPAP cleaning tips to get you started.

What happens if you don’t clean your CPAP machine?

Since your CPAP machine helps keep your airway open at night with a steady flow of pressurized air, the air itself needs to be as clean as possible. When the air enters the machine, it is as clean as what you are breathing regularly, but it must then circulate through your CPAP machine. In this process, the air is filtered and humidified before being delivered through your mask. You then exhale warm, moist air into the mask that covers your mouth, nose, or both, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and mold.

If your CPAP machine and all of its parts are not properly cleaned on a regular basis, you might experience health risks or side effects from treatment. These include:

  • Potential exposure to bacteria and mold
  • Development of allergy symptoms (or worsening of already-present symptoms)
  • Increased risk of sinus infections

A dirty CPAP machine may develop a foul odor, which might make you less inclined to use it regularly. In extreme cases, vulnerable people may even be susceptible to pneumonia or other infections in the lungs.

Of course, properly cleaning your CPAP machine also prolongs its life and keeps the warranty intact. Some manufacturers may not cover problems with your machine if it is not maintained according to their guidelines. Mineralization within the machine may occur if it is not cleaned regularly, and this may also void your warranty.

CPAP hygiene is a simple but important part of not only your sleep apnea treatment but also in terms of your overall health.

How often should you clean your CPAP machine?

Because each CPAP machine is different, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines about how often to clean your CPAP machine. Some manufacturers recommend daily cleaning, which can feel like a lot of work. In general, a thorough cleaning at least every three days, with a daily check or quick clean using CPAP cleaning wipes, is enough for most machines.

Because the mask itself can trap bacteria against your skin, it’s a good idea to wipe down the mask every morning too. This bacteria can cause rashes or acne to occur where the mask contacts your skin, but a simple wipe can help prevent this.

If you wait until your CPAP machine has a foul or musty odor, chances are good you have been breathing in bacteria for a while. Set regular cleaning alarms and stick to them. Once you are in the routine of cleaning your CPAP machine it will become just like any other regular cleaning task, taking less time as you develop a more efficient cleaning system.

How to clean a CPAP machine

Knowing how to clean a CPAP machine starts with just five basic steps. Again, always follow your machine’s care instructions if they differ from these general guidelines.

Step 1: Disconnect all parts that you can

Working with an unplugged machine, disconnect all tubing, hoses, masks, and connectors from your CPAP machine. Remove the water (humidification) chamber if your machine has one.

Your user’s manual for your specific machine can guide you on what disconnects for cleaning, but if you cannot find it, disconnect what easily comes apart.

Step 2: Soak disconnected parts

Fill a sink or basin with warm, soapy water. Diluted vinegar solution can also be used. Submerge your mask, tubing, and any other connectors in the water and allow to soak for 30 minutes. You may also be able to submerge your water chamber.

In between these soaks, you can use CPAP cleaning wipes for the masks and the outside of the tubing, but soaking is the only way to really clean the inside of tubes and connectors.

Rinse all parts thoroughly, then allow to air dry. Tubes can be draped over a shower curtain rod so that all water drips out.

Step 3: Wipe down the machine

While the disassembled parts are drying, use CPAP cleaning wipes or a damp cloth to wipe down the external parts of your CPAP machine.

Make sure the machine is still unplugged while you do this. This can stop dust from building up on the outside of the machine.

Step 4: Clean the filter

Not all CPAP machines have filters, but if they do, clean your filter according to your manufacturer’s instructions.

Some filters can be rinsed, but some need to be replaced and cannot be cleaned. Disposable filters may need to be replaced as frequently as every two weeks, depending on where you are using your CPAP machine.

Step 5: Reassemble your CPAP machine

The final step is to carefully reassemble your CPAP machine. Make sure all parts are dry, then simply put it back together. Attach the headgear to the mask and connect tubing to both the mask and the machine.

Turn on your machine and listen for any hissing sounds that indicate an air leak. If not, you’re all done!

Additional cleaning tips

Other things to note:

  • Use only distilled water when you refill your water chamber. This can prevent mineralization and helps your CPAP machine run more effectively.
  • Some water chambers can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Check your manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Water chambers may need to be replaced on a regular basis. Again, check with the manufacturer.
  • Bleach is not recommended for sanitizing your CPAP machine. Generally, you can use one part white vinegar to three parts water as a sanitizing soak instead.

If you are not interested in regularly disconnecting tubing, masks, and hoses and want an all-in-one CPAP sanitizer, there are a couple of different options available. Although these machines do eliminate some steps, the UV light these machines use only cleans the areas that are exposed to light. Additionally, these machines release not only unpleasant smells, but may also release ozone, a gas that is known to cause respiratory issues even in small doses. Ultimately, the best CPAP cleaner is plain old soap and water, with a vinegar soak.

If you still have questions about how to clean your CPAP machine, or sleep apnea in general (including a home test for sleep apnea) get in touch with your Phoenix area sleep apnea dentist – AZ Dentist.  

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