How to Get Mold Off of a Sleep Apnea Container

Sleep apnea is a common respiratory disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. A continuous positive airway pressure machine is prescribed to patients diagnosed with sleep apnea. This machine delivers a steady amount of air that keeps your airways open while you sleep. A CPAP machine includes a water container, which helps humidify the air that enters your lungs. It is possible for mold to accumulate in this container. Mold can cause serious respiratory problems if not removed. Inspect the water container of your CPAP unit regularly and remove any mold that you see.

Things You'll Need

• Basin
• Vinegar
• Spoon
• Dish brush

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Instructions

• 1

  Turn off your CPAP machine, unplug it from the wall outlet and remove the water container. Read the instruction manual that came with the unit if you don't know how to remove it.

• 2

  Fill a clean basin with equal amounts of vinegar and water. Mix the solution with a clean spoon.

• 3

  Wash your hands thoroughly then submerge the container in the solution for about 15 minutes. Using a clean new dish brush, scrub the surface and inside of the container, especially the areas with mold.

• 4

  Rinse the container under running water after soaking. Place the container on a clean dry surface and let air dry.

• 5

  Put the water container back into the CPAP machine after it has dried.