CPAP Cleaning and Care

CPAP Cleaning Guide

Below is a CPAP equipment cleaning guide, which is based on manufacturer recommendations and our clinical experiences looking after CPAP equipment and patients..

Daily Cleaning Recommendations:

• The silicone CPAP mask parts should be washed after each use to remove any body oils and dead skin.
• Pull apart the mask parts and hand wash the silicone mask components in warm soapy water using simple detergent or try our specialised liquid mask and tube cleaner.
• Rinse well and allow to air dry away from direct sunlight and heat.
• If you are short on time, try our special CPAP and mask cleaning wipes!
• If you are using a humidifier, empty the water in the morning and again refill in the evenings.
• Place the parts on a flat surface, on a towel, to air dry and avoid placing them in direct sunlight.

Weekly Cleaning Recommendations:

• Hand wash the mask headgear, mask frame components, air tubing, humidifier tub and seal in simple detergent or our specialised liquid mask and tube cleaner.
• Rinse well, air dry and out of direct sunlight.
• Lay the headgear flat when drying. Do not iron headgear, as the material is heat-sensitive and could be damaged.
• Hand wash the humidifier tub, rinse thoroughly and air dry. Note: The chamber should always be clean and free of any discoloration or build-up. Use can use a simple detergent or our specialised liquid mask and tube cleaner.
• Some areas of Australia have very different quality of water, if you find normal cleaning is not enough, consider soaking your humidifier tub in a solution of 1-part white vinegar to 10 parts water for 15 to 20 minutes.
• If you have issues with your water quality, another option is to try distilled water.
• Hand wash the air tubing with a simple detergent or our specialised liquid mask and tube cleaner and Tube cleaning brush, which helps you get in to those hard to reach places, such as inside the air tubing.
• Rinse thoroughly and allow it to drip dry. You can hang it over a shower head, so the water residue drips into the shower tray and not all over the floor!

Monthly Cleaning Recommendations:

• The device filter should be replaced regularly approx. every 3 to 4 months, although you should visually check it monthly (only change if required) to ensure that the filter is clean and dust free. 
• Wipe the outside of the machine with a damp cloth or special CPAP cleaning wipes to keep it dust free.

Important Notes:

• Do not use solutions containing bleach, chlorine, alcohol, aromatics, moisturizers, antibacterial agents or scented oils to clean any part of the mask system or air tubing. These solutions may cause damage, allergic reaction and reduce the life of your product.
• Remember to not expose any part of the mask system or tubing to direct sunlight as it may deteriorate.
• Never iron headgear, as the material is heat-sensitive and could be damaged.
• Do not immerse the flow generator/machine or power cord in water. Only wipe the device with a damp cloth or special CPAP cleaning wipes.

See our CPAP Cleaning Products

Also See our FAQs:

What products should I avoid using when cleaning my CPAP equipment?

Can I use an Ozone device to clean my CPAP?

Does it matter if my CPAP equipment is a bit dirty?