Caring for your CPAP

Caring for your Equipment and Mask

It’s really important to keep your equipment and accessories clean, so that you get the best from your therapy.
We suggest a daily routine for your mask cushion and humidifier water chamber, and a weekly routine for the rest of your equipment. Keeping your equipment clean ensures for a good mask fit and reduces your risk of infection. See attached below information and handouts that may help.

How to maintain and clean your CPAP machine and accessories

It is important to regularly maintain your Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine so as to maximise the benefits of your treatment. It will also help prevent contamination, thus reducing the risk of infection, as well as smells and overall wear and tear.

Here are some tips to help you maintain your CPAP machine:

Before cleaning the machine, make sure that it is turned off, by unplugging it. Use a damp (not wet) cloth that has been rinsed out to clean the surfaces of the device.
 

While cleaning, take this opportunity to check the overall state of the machine, the power lead, the humidifier  and all your accessories (mask, tubing & filters).

Daily Clean

Mask Cushion and Humidifier Water and Chamber

Clean your mask cushion with a damp face cloth. Do not use wipes unless specified. Use a solution of warm soapy water or just warm water. Do not use any cleaning solution with an inbuilt moisturiser as it will leave a slippery residue effect on the cushion and the mask will not seal. Allow the cushion to dry completely. Ensure the exhalation port (series of holes to allow you to breathe out from your mask) and the anti-asphyxia valves move when air is applied and are always clean.

Change water in your humidifier chamber daily before each use. Stagnant water can cause infection, so change each night before use. Manufacturers recommend using cooled down boiled water, water from a filter jug or distilled water.

Weekly Clean

Filters

Pick a day of the week (eg. a Saturday) which suits you best to clean your equipment.

Pollen filter – this is usually your sponge filter

Air/Ultra fine filter (disposable cotton wool style filter that is disposed of when dirty or grey – usually monthly):

Remove the washable sponge filter from the machine and wash it in warm water with a mild detergent (a few drops of diluted washing-up liquid, for example). Rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of the detergent. Let it air dry, out of direct sunlight, before placing it back into the machine. Replace the filter if it has holes, is torn or shows any other sign of damage. Change the filter according to the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer of your machine usually every 6 to 12 months.  Should you need any spares, please contact our Sleep Support team.

Tubing

Disconnect the tube from the machine and from your mask. If using a humidifier it is best to twist the rigid part of the tube side to side to remove it. Also ensure any mask connector has been removed from the tubing and attached back to the mask. Clean it with warm water using a mild detergent. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of the detergent. Hang the tube up to dry (on the back of a chair, door frame or shower head for example, with both openings face down) and keep directly out of direct sunlight. Before reconnecting it to the machine ensure that all water has been removed. Replace the tube if it shows any sign of damage, has weakened or torn. Change the tube according to the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer of your machine usually every 6 to 12 months. You may need to clean more regularly if water has gathered during humidification.

Monthly clean

Pick the 1st week of the month and a day that suits best for your monthly cleaning regime e.g.every first Saturday of the month.

Machine 

Ensure your device is unplugged and turned off. Clean the outside of the machine with a soft, slightly damp cloth with warm water or warm soapy water. Then, wipe the entire machine with a dry cloth and allow to air dry. 

Do not use harsh detergents, solutions containing alcohol or the abrasive side of a sponge to clean your machine.

Please refer to the user manual of your machine for complete instructions.