Cleanliness and CPAP

There are stipulated steps one needs to follow while cleaning their CPAP machine. The first is separating all the parts as different parts need different techniques of cleaning to be sanitized completely.

Fight Against Covid 19 - Try our newly added iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kit

The process starts with wiping the mask (including parts that come in contact with the skin) using a damp towel with mild detergent and warm water. This will eliminate any oils, dead skin cells and sweat on the mask that can negate the quality of the seal. Next, gently rinse with a clean towel and let the mask air-dry. You might also use pre-moistened towels or disinfectants designed specifically for cleaning CPAP masks.

Maril Control III Disinfectant CPAP Cleaning Solution

If you have been using a CPAP humidifier, then start by emptying any leftover water instead of letting in sit in the unit all day. Refill the humidifier with clean, distilled water right before you sleep for optimal use. If you are suffering from cold, then cleaning all parts is highly necessary as they might infect the lungs.

In a sink or a tub, rinse the humidifier with a solution of mild soap and warm, bottled or distilled water. Avoid using harsh or strong disinfecting or cleaning products such as dish detergents as they might damage the humidifier and might sometimes also leave residue that might contaminate the humidifier.

Detach the tubing from the CPAP machine and begin by rinsing it in warm water. Then make a solution of soap with warm water and re-rinse the tubing gently in the solution. You can use a small brush to gently brush the interior of the tubing but make sure not to be harsh while doing so. Take a dry towel or dri-wipes and rest the tubing on it for it to air dry. Do not use any heat or keep it under direct sunlight to dry the tubing as it might damage the material of the tubing. Always replace the tube annually as cleaning tubes regularly creates holes in them at are not visible easily and might leak air outside.

There are generally two filters in a CPAP machine, a black or grey one and a white one. The black one can be gently washed with a mild soap solution on a weekly basis to remove the dust and minute contaminant particles from it.

The white filters are generally disposable and one should do away with them instead of cleaning them so as to ensure healthy and efficient functioning of the CPAP machine.

You can also conduct a biweekly or weekly cleaning process. Start by giving your mask and tubing a full bath 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 disinfectant. Hang the tubing over the shower rod, on a towel rack or in the laundry room to ensure all the water drains out. Let all the parts of the CPAP machine air-dry before assembling them back into the CPAP unit

There are a few important precautions one should take ensure the healthy, safe, and effective functioning of their CPAP machine.

• Never use harsh soaps or chemical-based detergent or disinfecting solutions as they can damage the delicate parts of your CPAP machine.
• Avoid drying the washed components under the sun. Always air-dry them. Don’t wash the white filter.
• Refrain from wiping the machine with a wet cloth or towel. Always use a damp towel or premoistened towels.