How to Clean a CPAP Machine

Sleep apnea is a quickly rising condition, where the airway of the sleeper closes multiple times per night. This can be a dangerous condition, for it makes the person fatigued enough to makeit unsafe for them to operate machinery, such as cars. Sleep apnea can also be hard on the heart. Treatment may require the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine every night to keep the airway open. Keeping this equipment clean is important, beause people breathe in the air that travels through the machine.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• CPAP machine
• Water
• Gentle cleanser

1. For safety’s sake, unplug the unit when cleaning. Begin with wiping the outside of the CPAP unit with a damp cloth. Let air dry.

2. Inspect the filters on the unit. One filter is usually a foam material that is easily taken out from the device by pinching the middle of the foam. The filter is normally found in the rear of the unit, but check the manual if it is not found. This should be cleaned with water and mild soap once every two weeks of use. An inner filter that is ultra fine and white should be replaced every 30 nights of use. If it does appear dirty before 30 days, replace it. Do not clean the white filter.

3. The tubing should be cleaned every day. Particles from the air can gather in the tubing through use, and mold can even accumulate, which wouldn’t be pleasant to inhale. Remove the tubing from the device and rinse with water and mild soap swishing the water back and forth through the tube and then emptying. Rinse thoroughly and hang to air dry.

4. The mask or nasal pillows connection can be wiped daily with a damp cloth and mild soap. Rinse and allow to air dry.

5. If the unit has a humidifier, check to make sure that there is enough distilled water in the unit. Clean the holding tank with a damp cloth and mild soap once a week. For disinfecting the holding tank, use a vinegar and water mix and let it sit in the holder for approximately 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

6. If device is working differently in any way, have it checked out for maintenance needs.

Tips & Warnings

• If the gray foam filter is ripped, replace it.
• Never immerse system in water.
• Never clean white filter, only replace when dirty.

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[walker7]

on 2/8/2009 Great tip...thanks!

[gapotter]

on 2/8/2009 You can opt to clean the mask and tubing every other day if you use a solution of 1 part white vinegar, 3 parts water instead of the soap. The vinegar acts as a disinfectant. An easy way to mix it is to use a 1-qt. bottle that has measurements printed on it in 4-oz. increments.