An ill-fitting CPAP mask, nasal congestion, skin irritation–there are various reasons why some people have trouble sticking to their CPAP therapy. But most of the time, these CPAP side effects can be easily prevented in one step: by properly cleaning their equipment. As with any task, you have to be armed with the right tools to thoroughly sanitize your sleep apnea supplies. So in this guide, we’ll help you choose the best soap to clean CPAP mask parts, tubing, and humidifier chambers.
Importance of Cleaning CPAP Equipment With Soap
Why is it so important to know how to clean CPAP hose and other supplies properly? And why do you have to regularly clean your equipment with soap, anyway? It isn’t just a matter of personal hygiene—it’s also the key to making the most of your CPAP therapy.
Before we share our recommendations for the best CPAP soap, let’s look at the benefits of keeping your CPAP equipment spick and span:
- Prevent microbes that cause infections and respiratory issues
- Get rid of dust and other allergens that cause skin and nasal irritation
- Maintain a good mask seal by removing oil and dust buildup
- Prolong the lifespan of your machine and mask
- Maximize the performance of your CPAP equipment
How to Choose the Best CPAP Soap
During the global pandemic, many people have learned the importance of disinfecting surfaces with bleach, rubbing alcohol, and other harsh cleaning products. So like other CPAP users, you might be tempted to use these products for CPAP cleaning in the post-COVID era.
But as your CPAP equipment manual likely states, it is not recommended to use harsh soap and other chemical-heavy products for cleaning your CPAP equipment. Instead, the best way to clean CPAP tubing and other supplies is to use mild soap.
Mild Soap for Cleaning CPAP: What to Look for
Traditional soaps and detergents can be too harsh on your sleep apnea supplies and even your skin. That’s why you should choose mild soap for cleaning CPAP equipment.
But what exactly is mild soap or detergent? Here we’ll break down what you should be looking for when shopping for a “mild soap.”
- Made for light cleaning: Light-duty detergents and mild soaps are formulated for washing lightly soiled surfaces and sensitive skin.
- Has a balanced pH: Though the average pH of the skin is 4.7, many commercial soaps have a pH of 9 to 10.1 Most mild soaps, on the other hand, have a near-neutral pH (around 7), which makes it ideal for gently cleansing your CPAP equipment.
- Contains gentle ingredients: Mild soaps don’t contain strong chemicals. They’re usually made of natural or plant-based ingredients.
- Leaves no residue: Harsh soaps typically leave residue after drying, which can affect the performance of your equipment. When shopping for a mild CPAP soap, look for soaps that rinse off easily.
- Has no allergens: Choose a hypoallergenic soap or check the label for common allergens. This is especially important since your CPAP equipment regularly comes in contact with your face and airway. If you still have an adverse reaction to the soap, stop using it and consult your doctor.
Harsh Cleaners: Ingredients to Avoid
Why do you have to avoid cleaning products with harsh ingredients? There are actually three reasons why harsh cleaners aren’t a good choice for your CPAP supplies and your body.
First, they can damage your CPAP equipment, affecting its performance. They can also create cracks in the silicone cushion, which provides a breeding ground for bacteria. Second, they can be detrimental to your health. Certain chemicals can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, or respiratory issues. Lastly, they can potentially void your CPAP warranty, particularly if your equipment manual explicitly warns you against using these cleaners.
When shopping for a CPAP soap, make sure to steer clear of soaps with the following:
- Alcohol
- Bleach
- Chlorine
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Moisturizers
- Fragrance (While sweet-smelling soaps seem appealing, it’s best to avoid them if you have asthma, COPD, or other conditions that can be exacerbated by strong scents.)
Recommendations: Best Soap to Clean CPAP Mask, Tubing, and Water Chambers
Lightly scented or fragrant-free, residue-free, hypoallergenic—these are some of the qualities to look for in a mild soap for cleaning CPAP supplies. But not all “mild soaps” are created equal. Some soaps that are advertised as “mild” can still leave residue and strong fragrances. Others truly meet the definition of “mild soaps” and clean CPAP equipment more gently and effectively.
Keep reading for our recommendations for the best CPAP soap:
Purdoux CPAP Mask & Hose Soap
The best soap to clean CPAP mask and tubing is one that’s specifically made for the job: Purdoux CPAP Mask & Hose Soap.
No bleach, alcohol, moisturizers, or other harsh chemicals were used in the making of this colorless soap. Formulated with gentle ingredients, Purdoux CPAP Mask and Hose Soap effectively removes oils from your CPAP mask and tubing while keeping them in pristine condition.
While it comes in two refreshing scents (“Grapefruit and Lemon” and “Green Tea and Mint”), it does not leave any residual fragrance which is perfect for anyone who is sensitive to strong smells. It’s also available in a travel-friendly 250ml bottle, so you can clean your equipment on the go.
Why We Recommend It:
- Specially formulated for CPAP equipment cleaning
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Lightly scented
- Designed to clean silicone surfaces while preserving their softness and elasticity
Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
When talking about mild soaps, one of the first things that comes to mind is baby shampoo. That’s why many CPAP users clean their equipment with baby shampoo from reputable brands, like Johnson’s.
Known for its tear-free hypoallergenic formula, Johnson’s Baby Shampoo is the best CPAP soap for users with allergies and sensitive skin. It’s also pH-balanced and made of 97% naturally derived ingredients, ideal for gently cleansing your equipment. What’s more, it’s one of the cheapest CPAP soaps on the list and comes in tiny travel-sized bottles, so you can stick to your CPAP cleaning schedule while on vacation.
Why We Recommend It:
- Hypoallergenic
- Mostly made of natural ingredients
- Neutral pH
Seventh Generation Dish Soap
Next on our list is the best dish soap to clean CPAP mask parts, tubing, and water chambers. A USDA Certified Biobased product, Seventh Generation Dish Soap is made of 95% plant-based ingredients. Its natural formula can break down stubborn grease and dirt from your CPAP equipment without harming it or your skin.
It comes in several scents (crafted with essential oils). Or if you prefer a CPAP soap without fragrances and dyes, an unscented version called “Free and Clear” is also available. For eco-conscious CPAP users, this dish soap is definitely a great choice. Besides using renewable ingredients, it’s Leaping Bunny certified for meeting cruelty-free standards and is packaged in a 100% recycled bottle.
Why We Recommend It:
- Mostly made of plant-based ingredients
- Eco-friendly
- Available in unscented and dye-free formula
Ivory Concentrated Dishwashing Detergent
Gentle on the skin (and your CPAP equipment) but tough on grease, Ivory Dishwashing Detergent is another option for the best dish soap to clean CPAP mask parts and other supplies.
It contains purely biodegradable ingredients and no phosphates. While it has the pleasant nostalgic scent of classic Ivory soaps, it leaves no strong fragrance. And while it can effectively break down dirt and grime from your CPAP equipment, it will neither damage it nor remove the natural oil from your skin.
Why We Recommend It:
- Powerful grease-removing action
- Gentle on the skin
- 100% biodegradable ingredients
Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Unscented Liquid Soap
Still looking for the best CPAP soap made of nonsynthetic ingredients? Consider getting Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Unscented Liquid Soap.
Like the Seventh Generation Dish Soap, it’s packaged in a 100% recycled bottle. This scentless soap is also formulated with organic, Fair Trade certified ingredients. As long as you follow its dilution guide, Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap can be safely used on your skin, CPAP equipment, and even Fido.
Why We Recommend It:
- Eco-friendly multipurpose cleaner
- Made of organic ingredients
- Fragrance-free
Alternatives to CPAP Soap: Are They Better at Cleaning?
You have to admit that cleaning CPAP supplies can be tedious. It’s something you need to do daily (for mask cushions) and weekly (for water chambers and mask headgear and frames). So instead of using soap and water, are there other options for cleaning CPAP supplies?
The short answer is: yes, but they come with certain limitations. Let’s take a look at a few soap-less CPAP cleaning products:
Ozone CPAP Cleaner
Pros
Also known as activated oxygen or O3, ozone can kill harmful bacteria and other pathogens. This gas is used by certain CPAP cleaners to sanitize CPAP tubing, masks, and water chambers—all without the use of soap and water.
Cons
According to a press release from the FDA,2 these devices can leak toxic levels of ozone gas, which have reportedly caused breathing issues or worsened users’ existing respiratory conditions. That’s why many ozone CPAP cleaners are currently discontinued.
Ozone Free CPAP Cleaner
Pros
If you’re looking for the best way to clean CPAP tubing and masks, consider an ozone free CPAP cleaner or an ultraviolet (UV) light-based cleaning device.
This type of CPAP cleaner doesn’t need soap or water to sanitize CPAP supplies, phones, and other household items. Plus, it doesn’t contain or produce ozone, mercury, and other harmful substances. Instead it uses UV-C light, heat, and circulated air to provide medical-grade sterilization.
Cons
In the same press release, the FDA asks users to be careful about UV light exposure. But you don’t have to worry about that with good-quality UV CPAP cleaners, like the Liviliti Paptizer UVC CPAP Sanitizer. When the lid is opened during operation, the machine automatically shuts off the UV light. Learn more about this non ozone CPAP cleaner in our detailed Liviliti Paptizer CPAP Sanitizer review.
When the FDA tested different UV cleaners, they also found that the amount of UV light and duration of UV exposure were not enough to adequately disinfect CPAP supplies. So before using an ozone free CPAP cleaner, you still need to clean your CPAP equipment with soap and water.
Wipes and Sprays
Pros
Another way to give your CPAP supplies a quick clean is by using CPAP sprays and wipes. As long as they’re specifically labeled for CPAP equipment cleaning, they can be used for safely cleaning your mask and the outside of your CPAP tubing in a pinch.
Cons
Using CPAP wipes and sprays is a great way to remove oil buildup from your equipment before washing it with soap and water. The problem is they can’t be used to clean the inside of a CPAP hose. To properly clean a CPAP hose, you have to soak it in soap and water, scrub the inside with a CPAP tube brush, and rinse it well.
View step-by-step instructions on how to clean CPAP hose and other supplies in our Ultimate CPAP Cleaning Guide.
The Takeaway
When selecting the best soap to clean CPAP mask parts, tubing, and humidifier chambers, it’s always a good idea to check the ingredients. Mild soaps or detergents can sanitize your equipment without damaging it or your skin. Meanwhile, soaps with alcohol, bleach, and other harsh ingredients can be detrimental to your CPAP supplies and health.
While you can use lightly scented mild soaps, you should stick to fragrant-free ones if you have COPD, asthma, or sensitivities to certain fragrances.
More often than not, the best CPAP soap is formulated specifically for cleaning sleep apnea equipment, like the Purdoux CPAP Mask & Hose Soap. Of course, you can also use baby shampoo and dish detergents made for sensitive skin.
Want to ensure a thoroughly sanitized set of CPAP supplies? Using UV CPAP cleaners, mask wipes, and sprays is fine–just as long as you still wash your equipment with soap and water. By properly sanitizing your equipment, you can protect it from damage and protect yourself from allergens and pathogens.
Keeping your equipment clean is, without a doubt, crucial to CPAP compliance. Complete your sleep therapy arsenal and explore our collection of CPAP cleaning supplies today!
References
- Tarun, J., Susan, J., Suria, J., Susan, V. J., & Criton, S. (2014). Evaluation of pH of Bathing Soaps and Shampoos for Skin and Hair Care. Indian journal of dermatology, 59(5), 442–444. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.139861
- FDA Reminds Patients that Devices Claiming to Clean, Disinfect or Sanitize CPAP Machines Using Ozone Gas or UV Light Have Not Been FDA Authorized. (2020, February 27). U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Retrieved January 3, 2024, from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-reminds-patients-devices-claiming-clean-disinfect-or-sanitize-cpap-machines-using-ozone-gas-or.