To get the best possible therapy for your sleep apnea, it’s important to properly clean your CPAP equipment on a regular basis including mask, air tubing and humidifier tub. This cleaning should be done at least once a week.

• Your mask and tubing need a full bath at least once a week to keep it free of dust, bacteria, and germs.
• Clean the CPAP tubing, nasal mask, and headgear in a bathroom sink filled with warm water and a few drops of ammonia-free mild liquid dish detergent. Avoid using stronger cleaning products, as they may damage the mask or leave harmful residue. Swirl all parts around for about five minutes, rinse well and let air dry during the day. Hang the tubing over the shower rod, on a towel rack to ensure all the water drips out.
• The mask and headgear can be air-dried on a towel or hung on a hook or hanger.
• You should also wipe down your CPAP machine with a clean damp cloth to remove any dust. Ensure the unit is unplugged. The towel shouldn’t be too damp or wet, as water could get into the machine.
• Do not wash your machine’s white filter, if one is present—those are disposable and should be replaced every two weeks.
• If your CPAP has a humidifier water tub, that also needs to be cleaned weekly. Empty any remaining water and then wash the water tub in the sink with warm soapy water. Rinse well and drain out as much of the water as possible. Let the chamber air-dry before placing it back into the CPAP unit.
• Every other week, you should disinfect the humidifier water tub. Do that by soaking it in a solution of one-part vinegar to five parts water for 30 minutes, thoroughly rinsing with water and let the chamber air-dry before placing it back into the CPAP unit. Keep it clean by using only distilled water when using machine to prevent mineral deposits that can build up and cause damage to your machine.

Along with proper cpap cleaning, it is recommended that you replace your mask’s cushions/pillows every month, complete mask and tubing every 3 months, filter every 2 weeks and finally your water chamber every 6 months. Please contact American HomeCare Equipment to order your Cpap supply replacement parts.