By Lily, Registered Respiratory Therapist
Your CPAP machine, mask, and related accessories are essential for your CPAP therapy routine. But since they’re used nightly, it’s best to clean your CPAP equipment frequently to keep it in top working condition.
Jump to:
- How to Clean Your CPAP Mask
- How to Clean Your CPAP Hose
- How to Clean Your Humidifier Water Chamber
- How to Clean Your CPAP Filter
- CPAP Equipment Cleaning and Replacement Schedule
Here’s a video explaining how to clean your CPAP mask, tubing and humidifier water chamber:
How to Clean Your CPAP Mask
Since your mask comes into direct contact with your face, it’s best to clean it every day. This prevents face oils and dead skin cells from building up on your CPAP mask cushion, which can lead to skin irritation and breakouts.
Follow these steps to clean your nasal, full face or nasal pillow CPAP mask:
- Disassemble your mask according to the user manual. Hand wash all parts in a basin of warm, soapy water using a mild detergent that is free from bleach, moisturizers and hard chemicals.
- Use a soft bristle brush such as a toothbrush to gently scrub the exhalation ports on your mask elbow connector or wherever they may be located on your mask.
- Rinse all components thoroughly under running water.
- Lay the parts out flat to air dry. Make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight.
CPAP Mask Cleaning FAQ
Q: What is the best soap to clean a CPAP mask?
A: Any mild, unscented soap can be used. However, not all “mild soaps” are created equal and some aren’t the best for cleaning silicone. Learn more about what exactly is a mild soap and what to look for when choosing a CPAP soap with our best CPAP soap guide.
Q: Why did my CPAP mask cushion turn yellow?
A: Mask cushions can turn yellow from dirt and oil build-up over time. This can be prevented by regular cleaning with warm soapy water or using CPAP wipes/sprays to remove face oils and other residue.
Q: How do I clean CPAP headgear?
A: Remove the headgear from the rest of the CPAP mask. Please refer to your mask user manual for instructions on how to remove the headgear from the mask. Once removed, hand wash the headgear with laundry detergent or soap and lay flat to air dry.
Q: Can I use cleaning wipes on my CPAP mask?
A: We do not recommend using cleaning or disinfecting wipes on your CPAP mask. These wipes contain antimicrobial chemicals that dry out the silicone cushion over time. This doesn’t mean you have to use soap and water. CPAP wipes are specially designed to be used on silicone and provide a quick and easy way to clean your mask.
Q: How do I disinfect my CPAP mask?
A: You can disinfect your mask using a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Soak the mask components in the vinegar-water solution for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse well to remove the vinegar smell.
How to Clean Your CPAP Filter
Before cleaning your filter, it’s important to find out what type of filter your CPAP machine uses. Some machines use disposable filters that are not washable and should be replaced when dirty. Washing can damage disposable filters, which aren’t designed to withstand washing. Additionally, water can become trapped in the filter, leading to mold growth that can compromise your health. If your CPAP machine uses a disposable filter, stock up on extras and replace the filter regularly. This type of filter typically needs to be replaced about once a month.
On the other hand, if your CPAP machine uses a reusable filter, also known as a foam filter, then it can be washed. Reusable filters should be washed every week or every two weeks.
Follow these steps to clean your reusable CPAP filter:
- Remove the filter from the CPAP machine and rinse it under warm running water.
- Squeeze and rinse the filter until no more dust or debris can be seen on the filter.
- Place the filter on a clean, dry towel. Fold the towel over the the filter and squeeze gently to remove excess water. Lay the filter flat to air dry, keeping it away from direct sunlight.
CPAP Filter Cleaning FAQ
Q: Do I need to replace my CPAP filter if my machine uses a reusable filter?
A: Yes, a reusable filter still needs to be replaced. Like most things on this earth, it does not last forever. Reusable filters should be replaced every 6 months for optimal filtration efficiency.
Q: How can I tell if my CPAP filter is dirty?
A: Your filter should be white. If it’s gray, throw it away (unless it’s a reusable filter). An easy way to tell is to compare it to a brand new filter.
Q: Do I need to use a filter with my CPAP machine?
A: Yes, you do. Your CPAP filter prevents dust and other airborne particles from entering the machine motor. We’ve seen countless machines break down after just a few years because of dust accumulation in the motor. Buying replacement filters is much cheaper than buying a new machine or paying for repairs.
How to Clean Your CPAP Humidifier Water Chamber
Your CPAP humidifier is essential to preventing dry mouth, sore throat and dry nasal passages. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you keep it in top working condition.
Each day, you should empty the leftover water in the humidifier water chamber and refill it with clean distilled water right before going to bed. This helps keep the water tank free from mold and bacteria. In addition to changing the water daily, you should also clean the humidifier water tank once a week. For convenience, we suggest washing your water chamber when you wash your CPAP mask.
Follow these steps to clean your water chamber:
- Empty the water chamber.
- Wash the water chamber in a basin of warm soapy water. Make sure to use a mild detergent.
- Rinse the chamber well and allow it to air dry away from direct sunlight. Make sure it is completely dry before reinserting/reattaching it to your CPAP.
We also recommend disinfecting your humidifier water tank once a month with vinegar.
- Empty any leftover water in the water chamber.
- Soak the chamber for 20 to 30 minutes in a solution of 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar.
- Rinse well under running water to remove the vinegar smell.
- Allow the water chamber to air dry away from direct sunlight.
CPAP Humidifier Water Chamber Cleaning FAQ
Q: Can I clean the water chamber using a dishwasher?
A: It depends on whether or not your water chamber is dishwasher safe. If you’re not sure, refer to your machine user manual. CPAP manufacturers make dishwasher safe versions of standard (aka not dishwasher safe) water tubs that cost a couple dollars more than the standard version. For instance, the ResMed AirSense 11 comes with the Standard HumidAir Water Tub which is hand wash only, but you can purchase the Cleanable HumidAir Water Tub for an extra $10 and let your dishwasher do all the work.
Q: Do I have to use distilled water in my humidifier?
A: Yes, it’s recommended to use distilled water in your CPAP humidifier because distilled water is free from minerals. Tap water, on the other hand, contains minerals that will built up in the water chamber over time. This buildup appears as a chalky white residue on the bottom of the water chamber and be difficult to remove, especially if you let it accumulate.
How to Clean Your CPAP Tubing
If you use a heated humidifier, your CPAP hose can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Condensation inside the hose creates a warm, moist environment that is ideal for mold and bacterial growth. Even if you don’t use a humidifier, it’s still a good idea to clean your CPAP tubing at least once a week—the air you breathe in needs to travel through the CPAP tube before it can reach you.
Follow these steps to clean your CPAP hose:
- Soak the hose in a basin of warm, soapy water. Use a mild detergent that is free from harsh chemicals.
- Optional Use a CPAP hose brush to scrub the inside of the hose, making sure you choose a brush in the correct length for your hose.
- Rinse the hose out thoroughly under running water. We like to connect one end of the tubing to the faucet, turn on the tap and let the water run through the tube.
- Hang the hose over the shower curtain rod to air dry.
CPAP Tubing Cleaning FAQ
Q: Can I wash heated tubing?
A: Yes, heated tubing can be submersed in water and washed with soap. Just remember to make sure the machine connection end is completely dry before you attach the hose to your CPAP.
Q: How do I disinfect my CPAP tubing?
A: You can disinfect your tubing using a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Soak the CPAP hose in the solution for 20 to 30 minutes and rinse well to remove the smell of vinegar.
CPAP Equipment Cleaning and Replacement Schedule
We’ve compiled a quick reference chart for cleaning and replacing your CPAP mask, filter, hose, and water chamber so you can stay on top of your CPAP therapy.
If you have any questions about CPAP cleaning or about sleep apnea treatment, the RespShop team is here to help. Use one of the options below to get in touch. We are here to help you sleep better!