You can get the information below on this page:
- Why should you clean your CPAP mask/parts?
- How long does it take to clean a mask?
- What are the materials needed for cleaning？
- Steps to clean the CPAP mask:
- What can I use to clean my CPAP mask?
- Can I use baby wipes to clean my CPAP mask?
- Can I use vinegar to clean my CPAP mask?
- What should I not use to clean my mask?
- How often should you clean your CPAP mask?
- How to make your CPAP mask safer to use and longer lasting?
- Cleaning and Disinfection
- Do I need to use a CPAP cleaner?
- Conclusion
Why should you clean your CPAP mask/parts?
What happens if you don't clean your CPAP mask?
If they are not cleaned, they can harbor germs. In addition, the mask is worn on your face and comes in contact with different organisms on your skin. Over time, the bacteria and oils on the mask can cause your skin to develop a rash or infection.
It's important to keep your CPAP equipment clean. You are breathing air that is circulated directly through the machine. The air is humidified and filtered, so it should be kept as clean as possible. In general, cleanliness is good for getting rid of odors and mildew, extending its life, and keeping the warranty.
Cleaning the mask and hoses is important and cleaning can help avoid potential dangers and problems. Such as:
- Prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Reduce allergy symptoms.
- Remove mineralization from the equipment.
- Reduce the risk of contracting sinus infections, upper respiratory infections or pneumonia.
- Keep the equipment in good working condition to avoid premature damage, and avoid voiding the equipment warranty.
How long does it take to clean a mask?
Required time: 5 minutes
What are the materials needed for cleaning？
- CPAP mask, headgear, hose, humidifier water chamber
- A Sink or tub or basin
- Warm drinking water
- Mild soap
- A soft cloth or a small sponge
- A soft bristle brush
- A clean towel or paper towel for drying
Steps to clean the CPAP mask:
1 First unplug the device, remove and disassemble the mask into 3 parts (headgear, cushion, and frame).
2 Make a soap solution with warm water and mild liquid soap. You can also use white vinegar to make a 1:3 solution.
3 Place the parts in the solution, let each part soak for a few minutes, and make sure the water and soap (or vinegar) can flow over the entire length of the hose.
4 Wash the mask, clean the inside and outside of the tube, wipe gently with a soft cloth to remove any oil, and use a soft bristle brush to help clean the parts.
5 Rinse each part thoroughly again with warm, potable water.
6 Check all parts to make sure they are clean and free of soap residue. If necessary, wash and rinse again.
7 Wipe off excess water from the surface with a clean towel and place the headgear, cushion and frame on a flat towel/paper towel to dry. Hang the tubes up to air dry for about an hour but avoid exposure in the sun.
What can I use to clean my CPAP mask?
We recommend using regular laundry detergent or baby shampoo to clean your mask and headgear. You can also use mild soap: Johnson & Johnson baby soap, Ivory soap (plain). Dawn Dish soap or Comparable is best for daily cleaning.
Can I use baby wipes to clean my CPAP mask?
Yes. Baby wipes are an economical and effective solution for regular cleaning and maintenance of your CPAP mask and pads. Wipes that claim to be unscented often have added fragrance, but "unscented" wipes should be safe for people with fragrance allergies. You can also use CPAP mask cleaning wipes. These 100% cotton wipes are a quick, easy, and convenient way to clean your facemask.
Can I use vinegar to clean my CPAP mask?
Yes, but it is not a substitute for scrubbing with soap and water. Vinegar will safely clean your CPAP supplies, but it will not remove any buildups. You can use a vinegar solution. Mix 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water once a month to disinfect your equipment such as masks and tubing.
1 Allow each component to soak in the vinegar solution for about 30 minutes.
2 Rinse each item thoroughly and hang it dry completely.
3 Do not use vinegar to clean cloth items, such as your headgear or filters.
What should I not use to clean my mask?
We strongly recommend not to use the products/solutions listed below to clean your CPAP equipment as inhaling the residue can be harmful:
1 Aromatic based solutions or fragrance oils (such as eucalyptus or essential oils)
2 Antibacterial soaps (may damage your mask and cause cracks, which can lead to skin irritation and poor mask performance.)
3 Strong cleaning products, dishwashing detergents (even mild ones), as they may damage the mask or leave harmful residues.
4 Alcohol/alcohol wipes (It can cause damage to the equipment and the steam can irritate your airways.)
5 Bleach
6 Strong smelling products (such as citrus soap)
7 Dishwashers / Washer or dryer (Equipment may cause damage and need to be replaced. Do not iron headbands, as the material is heat sensitive and may be damaged).
8 Clorox disinfectant or disinfectant wipes.
How often should you clean your CPAP mask?
At least once a week, preferably daily.
CPAP equipment manufacturers recommend regular cleaning. They recommend cleaning the mask, tubing and humidifier chamber at least once a week. Flushing the mask, hose and chamber daily is also a good practice to help keep it clean in the interim.
Experts also recommend washing out these parts daily if you normally get sick. It is also suggested that you do not share the equipment with others , as this can lead to sharing of infections.
How to make your CPAP mask safer to use and longer lasting?
Help your device work well and longer by following a few simple maintenance tips:
1 Wash your face before using your CPAP mask to reduce the amount of oil and dead skin cells that the mask comes in contact with.
2 If you've been sick recently, clean your equipment more often.
3 Remember to always follow your medical and equipment provider's recommendations, as well as the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your CPAP.
4 Never use any perfumes or cleaning solutions on your equipment other than mild soap. These can irritate your lungs and make you sick.
5 Don't put anything in your humidifier except distilled water to avoid mineral build-up in the water chamber. Minerals in regular tap water can deposit and build up in the unit over time.
6 Clean and replace the filters regularly. Some CPAP equipment models rely on filters to clean the air. Check the manual to find out how often these filters need to be cleaned and replaced. It is best to clean or replace them regularly.
Cleaning and Disinfection
In general, cleaning your equipment once a week is fine, but if you are sick, such as with an upper respiratory infection or have allergies, clean your equipment before each use until your illness is cured.
Thorough cleaning will be sufficient to eliminate the dangers posed by most pathogens, and vinegar can be used to regularly reduce the dangers associated with mold and fungus.
If you are one of the millions of CPAP users who do not meet the manufacturer's recommended cleaning schedule, you may consider using a
CPAP cleaner to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria or viruses between cleanings.
However, CPAP Cleaner are not substitute for a little manual work, and you should still clean your CPAP machine and components regularly to remove body oils, skin cells and mineral buildup.
These disinfection units use ozone, or in the case of Lumin, UV light, to clean the equipment. With UV disinfection, no harmful substances will be left on the equipment. If you use ozone disinfection, you need to confirm whether there is a pungent smell of ozone residue on the equipment after disinfection. If there is a pungent odor, place the equipment in a ventilated environment for a few minutes and then use it.
Compared with manual cleaning, CPAP cleaner can complete the work of disinfection faster and more conveniently, and the disinfection effect is more thorough, without any chemical residue.
Conclusion
Overall, it's important to keep your equipment clean. This is because you are breathing in what may be growing inside.
Weekly cleaning is fine, but it's best to clean it daily with warm water and mild soap, which takes about 5 minutes. Please READ and FOLLOW the cleaning steps and MAINTENANCE tips above.
If you find daily cleaning very complicated and tedious, you can also use
CPAP Cleaner to disinfect daily.
