The Importance Of CPAP Cleaning

It is very important to clean your sleep apnea mask and other CPAP devices on a regular basis. If there is even smallest moisture present on your CPAP mask parts and CPAP humidifier, bacteria can grow very easily. If your CPAP mask parts and other devices are not properly dried and cleaned, bacteria can lead to infections on your skin and in your airway passages. By cleaning your Cpap sleep apnea mask and other devices properly and on a regular basis, you will also prolong their service life. To make sure you get the most from your sleep apnea mask, CPAP humidifier and other CPAP mask parts, make sure you stick to a regular CPAP cleaning routine and schedule.

• Daily Cpap Cleaning – Take a damp, clean cloth and wipe all surfaces of your sleep apnea mask that are get in direct contact with your face. Take off the water chamber of your CPAP humidifier, rinse it and refill it with new clean water.

• Weekly Cpap Cleaning – Always fallow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Take your mask apart and open the CPAP humidifier chamber. Submerge all parts in soapy, warm water. Only use mild dish detergent that is free of moisturizers, alcohol, perfumes, acid or dyes. After washing, rinse well and leave all CPAP mask parts to dry by exposing them to sunlight or wiping them off with a clean, soft cloth. If you do not know how to do this, ask your doctor or supplier to show you.

Regularly clean all filters. Depending on the manufacturer, there are different sizes and types of filters. But, typically, there are non-disposable and disposable filters which should be cleaned on a regular basis.

• Disposable Filters – These filters should be cleaned on a regular basis. When your filter is discolored, dirty or has collected lint, it is time to replace it with a new clean one. How frequently you need to replace your filter depends on your living environment. If you have smokers in your home or pets, you may need to replace your filters more often (every second week). Otherwise you should replace the filters every month or two.

• Non-Disposable Filters – These filters, also known as pollen filters can be easily washed. Take the filter out from your CPAP device and wash it with soapy, warm water. After washing, rinse it and make sure it completely dry before placing it in your machine. It is great to additional filter on hand, to use it while the other one is getting dry.

Make sure you fallow this CPAP cleaning schedule and always take good care for your sleep apnea devices. Also, before you start begin with CPAP cleaning, always unplug the machine and wipe it with a clean towel. Make sure you detach the tubing from machine and your sleep apnea mask so that each piece gets cleaned completely. After CPAP cleaning is done, make sure the machine is dry before using it again.