What Happens If You Don't Clean CPAP Mask?

A CPAP is a treatment machine that provides continuous positive airway pressure. CPAP treatment is given to people who have breathing problems. The CPAP mask may cover both your nose and mouth or just your nose.

Mask

• CPAP masks may become greasy from handling, due to sweat and body oil accumulation. These oils may come into contact with your mask from your fingers and the skin of your face. Wash your face and hands before applying your mask to prevent and reduce buildup on your mask.

  Unwashed masks may have an odor and harbor germs. Because you breathe through the mask for several hours each night---and particularly if you use a heated humidifier in conjunction with the CPAP machine---you create a warm, moist environment inside your mask. Fungi, bacteria and viruses can thrive in this environment. These infectious agents then have direct access to your airway.

Straps

• The straps that hold a CPAP mask in place may become stained and dirty from normal body contact. Sweat, oils from your skin, saliva, mucous, ear wax, makeup and hair products are just a few of the bodily excretions and personal products that may come into contact with your CPAP mask straps.

  Dirty straps can irritate the skin and clog your pores, leading to breakouts where the straps cross your face or scalp. The straps may also develop an odor. You can hand-wash straps and headgear or place them in the washing machine.

Other Issues

• Up to 30 percent of patients can develop sores or irritation where the CPAP mask comes in contact with the bridge of the nose, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While the medical center recommends a proper fitting to reduce this issue, dirty masks can lead to infection at the site of the sore. A dirty mask may make skin irritation worse during the period when you are adjusting to wearing the mask.

Mask Care and Cleaning

• The MedPro Respiratory Care website suggests the following steps for care of your CPAP mask: wipe the CPAP mask clean each day with a mild detergent and allow it to air dry. Disassemble your CPAP mask weekly in order to soak it in a mild detergent. Follow this with a clear water rinse, and allow the mask to air dry. Replace your mask every six to 12 months as needed to retain a proper fit.

  A properly-cared-for mask has the potential to last for several years, according to The Children's Hospital at Westmead. The hospital recommends baby wipes as an effective daily cleaning agent. Some masks are dishwasher-safe. Consult your manual to determine if you have such a mask before attempting to clean yours in the dishwasher.

Warnings

• Keep your mask out of direct sunlight. Do not use any of the following products on your mask or headgear, as they could damage the materials: bleach, alcohol, chlorine-based solutions, conditioners, moisturizers and strong household cleaners. The Canadian Lung Association further warns against using scented or antibacterial soap to clean your mask.