By Patty – Certified Polysomnographic Technician
CPAP Cleaning and Replacement
Equipment | Cleaning | Replacement |
Machine & Humidifier (if applicable) | Wipe down the machine every 2 weeks with a damp cloth | Approximately every 5 years or as needed |
Mask Cushion | Daily – wash with warm water and mild soap. Rinse well and air dry away from direct sunlight. | Every 2 – 3 months for optimal seal |
Mask Headgear & Frame | Once a week – wash with warm water and mild soap. Rinse well and air dry away from direct sunlight. | Every 6 – 12 months |
Humidifier/Water Chamber | **Use distilled water only when filling the chamber** Once a week – wash with warm water and mild soap. Rinse well and air dry away from direct sunlight. | Every 6 – 12 months for optimal and bacteria-free therapy. |
Heated or Non-Heated Tubing | Once a week – wash with warm water and mild soap. Rinse well and air dry away from direct sunlight. Hang over shower curtain rod to dry. **switching between two hoses will give each hose the opportunity to dry fully after each wash** | Every 3 months, or 6 months if you are switching between two hoses. |
*A toothbrush is an excellent tool to help clean all the nooks and crannies on your CPAP mask.
CPAP Equipment Disinfection
Disinfect the CPAP mask, humidifier chamber, and hose once a month with 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water. Soak for 20-30 minutes or as needed. Rinse well.
Filter Replacement
Here is how often you should change your CPAP filter based on the specific filter you have.
Filter | Replacement Schedule |
ResMed | |
S9/AirSense 10/11 Disposable Filter S9/AirSense 10/11 Disposable Hypoallergenic Filter | Every 2 – 6 months depending on air quality and dust build-up |
AirMini Disposable Fine Filter | Every 2 – 6 months depending on air quality and dust build-up |
Philips Respironics | |
DreamStation Light Blue Ultra Fine Disposable Filter | Every 30 days |
DreamStation Dark Blue Reusable Pollen Filter | Every 6 months **switching between two filters will give each filter the opportunity to dry fully after washing** |
DreamStation 2 Light Blue Ultra Fine Disposable Filter | Every 30 days |
DreamStation 2 Gray Reusable Pollen Filter | Every 6 months **switching between two filters will give each filter the opportunity to dry fully after washing** |
DreamStation Go Travel CPAP Disposable Fine Filter | Every 30 days |
DreamStation Go Travel CPAP Reusable Pollen Filter | Every 6 months **switching between two filters will give each filter the opportunity to dry fully after washing** |
System One 50/60 Series, M Series Ultra Fine Disposable Filter | Every 1 – 2 months depending on air quality and dust build-up |
System One 50/60 Series, M Series Reusable Foam Filter | Every 6 months **switching between two filters will give each filter the opportunity to dry fully after washing** |
Fisher & Paykel | |
SleepStyle Disposable Air Filter | Every 2 – 6 months depending on air quality and dust build-up |
ICON Auto, Premo, and Novo Disposable Filter | Every 6 weeks depending on air quality and dust build-up |
React Health/3B Medical | |
Luna G3 Reusable Air Filter | Every 6 months **switching between two filters will give each filter the opportunity to dry fully after washing** |
Apex Medical | |
XT Series Reusable Foam Filter | Every 6 months **switching between two filters will give each filter the opportunity to dry fully after washing** |
Breas | |
Z1/Z2 Disposable Filter | Every 1 month depending on air quality and dust build-up |
Transcend | |
Micro Purefresh Reusable Air Filter | Every 6 months **switching between two filters will give each filter the opportunity to dry fully after washing** |
Resvent | |
iBreeze Disposable Air Filter | Every 2 – 4 weeks depending on air quality and dust build-up |
Beyond Medical | |
ResPlus Reusable Air Filter | Every 2 months depending on air quality and dust build-up**switching between two filters will give each filter the opportunity to dry fully after washing** |