How to Clean CPAP Supplies

Sleep apnea is now recognized as an underlying cause of snoring. People with this condition stop breathing periodically during sleep, resulting in fatigue, at best, and potentially heart disease and stroke. A non-invasive treatment is to use a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air during sleep. These continuous positive airway pressure -- or CPAP -- machines include a mask, tubing, filters and sometimes a humidifier. Proper care and cleaning of the equipment help ensure a good night's sleep.

Things You'll Need

• Warm tap water
• Distilled white vinegar
• Fragrance- and alcohol-free baby shampoo
• Paper towel or lint-free cloth

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Instructions

Daily

• 1

  Remove mask or nasal pillow before washing. Wash in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. Replace every six months to ensure a good fit.

• 2

  Remove the water chamber from the humidifier. Wash in warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

• 3

  Refill water chamber with distilled water to avoid mineral buildup.

Weekly

• 4

  Disconnect tubing from machine.

• 5

  Soak the tubing for 30 minutes in a dishpan or sink filled with warm, soapy water. Rinse in clean tap water and hang over a towel rack to air dry. Wash tubing monthly if your machine does not have a humidifier.

• 6

  Wash foam filters in warm soapy water and let air dry.

• 7

  Rinse humidifier water chamber with a vinegar-water solution to remove mineral deposits.

Monthly

• 8

  Remove the mask or nasal pillow before washing headgear. Wash in warm soapy water, rinse and air dry.

• 9

  Wash headgear more frequently if needed. Do not put in the washing machine or dryer.

• 10

  Replace fine mesh allergy filters; do not reuse. Inspect for visible dirt and replace more frequently if your house is especially dusty or you have pets.