Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat You NeedInstructionsWhy to Clean Your CPAPTips and PrecautionsSummary
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What You Need
Instructions
Why to Clean Your CPAP
Tips and Precautions
Summary
Learning how to clean yourcontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)machine and its accessories is an investment in both your equipment and your health. Doing so not only keeps things in good running order but prevents bacteria, fungus, and other contaminants that can make you sick from building up.
You don’t need expensive sanitizing devices or solutions to clean a CPAP machine or its accessories. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t back these and instead recommends the use of plain old soap and water.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
How CPAP Works for Sleep Apnea
Supplies for Cleaning a CPAP Machine
Everything you need to clean your CPAP machine can either be found in your home or at your local grocery store:
Avoid These Sanitizing MachinesThe FDA says you should avoid using CPAP sanitizing machines that use ozone gas or ultraviolet (UV) light. The gas used in the former can be toxic and dangerous above certain levels. The latter cannot kill bacteria, fungi, or other potentially harmful organisms as some manufacturers claim.
Avoid These Sanitizing Machines
The FDA says you should avoid using CPAP sanitizing machines that use ozone gas or ultraviolet (UV) light. The gas used in the former can be toxic and dangerous above certain levels. The latter cannot kill bacteria, fungi, or other potentially harmful organisms as some manufacturers claim.
Step 1: Disassemble the CPAP
Step 2: Wipe the External Surfaces
Step 3: Wash the Components
Step 4: Reassemble the CPAP Machine
Step 5: Clean or Replace Filters
Some CPAP machines havefiltersthat can be rinsed out, while others have ones that must be replaced.
Disposable filters are generally swapped out monthly; some are replaced as frequently as every two weeks. Read the directions that came with your machine to know what schedule you should be on.
Do I Need a CPAP Sanitizer?
Why You Need to Clean Your CPAP
CPAP machines are designed to deliver a flow of air at constant pressure and temperature. Some units have humidifiers that add extra moisture to the air and filters that sift out larger contaminants that can circulate through the machine.
If not cleaned regularly, germs from your skin and mouth can be transferred to the mask and hose. Thereafter, the temperature and accumulated moisture—not only from the humidifier but also your breath—can create the ideal environment for microorganisms to grow.
Cleaning the machine can help avoid potential harms, including:
Improperly cleaned machines can also develop musty or foul odors from mold and mildew.
There are other simple tips to keep in mind when cleaning or maintaining your CPAP machine:
If you feel that your CPAP isn’t working correctly and yoursleep apnea symptomshave returned, bring your machine to your equipment provider or sleep specialist to have it checked out.
To keep your CPAP machine working and to prevent contaminant buildup, it’s important to regularly clean the machine. To do so, all you need is soap, water, a cloth, towel, and a tub. The first step when cleaning your CPAP machine is to disassemble it. Then wipe the external surfaces and wash the components.
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Food and Drug Administration.Do you need a device that claims to clean a CPAP machine?.
Caring for your equipment.ResMed.
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