How to Disinfect a CPAP Machine After You Are Sick

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are used to help people keep their airways open while sleeping. A CPAP machine is used for other breathing problems, too, such as for people whose airways collapse or some newborns whose airways are not developed enough to remain open on their own. Sleep apnea is a common ailment that requires use of a CPAP machine at home. Making sure that the machine is kept clean is essential to the user's health. It is easy to disinfect a CPAP machine after you are sick. This way, lingering germs and viruses will not cause another infection.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Mild, hypoallergenic liquid soap
• Vinegar

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Instructions

• 1

  Unplug the CPAP machine and disconnect the breathing tubes from the machine and the breathing mask. Follow the instructions provided with the machine to do this properly.

• 2

  Add a small amount of mild liquid soap to lukewarm water and mix it until suds appear. Make sure that the soap is hypoallergenic and has no coloring or scent.

• 3

  Wash the breathing mask in the soap and water solution. Gently clean the foam lining on the mask, being careful not to tear the surface.

• 4

  Rinse the mask in a solution of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts lukewarm water and then rinse again in lukewarm water until there is no detectable smell of vinegar on the mask. Set the mask aside to air dry.

• 5

  Add a drop or two of mild, hypoallergenic soap to a solution of one part vinegar and 3 parts lukewarm water.

• 6

  Clean the breathing tubes using the soap, vinegar and water solution. Make sure to clean the outside as well as run the solution through the tube several times. Rinse the tube with lukewarm water until there are no more suds and is no smell of vinegar on the tubing.