CPAP therapy is widely regarded as the gold standard for managing sleep apnoea. Its effectiveness, however, relies heavily on how well you maintain your CPAP equipment.
Since you breathe into the mask, tube and other parts every night, they require regular cleaning. Without it, moisture build-up can encourage mould growth and potentially worsen health problems rather than improve them1.
Although cleaning your CPAP equipment may seem like a chore, it’s a simple and quick process that can easily fit into your routine. To make it even easier, we’ve created this guide to walk you through the essentials of cleaning and maintaining your CPAP equipment. In this article, you’ll learn:
- How often to clean your CPAP equipment
- How to clean your CPAP equipment and when to replace each part.
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Additional maintenance tips
Why Cleaning Your CPAP Equipment Matters
Neglecting CPAP hygiene isn’t just a comfort issue – it’s a health risk. A poorly maintained device can harbour mould, bacteria and allergens. In fact , in one reported case in 2017, a 67-year-old CPAP patient developed Legionnaires’ disease – a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling waterborne bacteria. The infection was later traced to lack of proper cleaning of her CPAP equipment2.
How Often Should You Clean Your CPAP Equipment?
Most of your CPAP equipment requires a combination of daily and weekly maintenance to stay hygienic and healthy. Although this might seem overwhelming at first, the cleaning process is straightforward. Regular cleaning is a proactive step that helps safeguard your from further health complications. We’ve made a recommended schedule to guide your routine:
CPAP Machines
- Weekly: Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
CPAP Masks
- Daily: Rinse and wipe down after every use with CPAP wipes
- Weekly: Wash with CPAP soap and water
CPAP Humidifier Chamber
- Daily: Empty leftover water each morning. Refill with distilled or demineralised water before use.
- Weekly: Clean with CPAP soap and water.
CPAP Filters
- Daily: Check for dirt or dust blockages
- Weekly: If reusable, wash every 2 weeks
CPAP Tubing
- Daily: Rinse and wipe down after each use
- Weekly: Wash thoroughly with CPAP soap and warm water. Use a CPAP hose brush to scrub the interior of the tubing for a deeper clean. Rinse well and hang to air dry.
To ensure your CPAP equipment is ready for bedtime, we recommend cleaning in the morning to give time for the equipment to dry during the day.
Guide to Cleaning Your CPAP Machine and Accessories
Getting the right cleaning products
The first step to cleaning your CPAP equipment is ensuring you have the right products to deter mould, bacteria and dust. Luckily, you only need these basics:
- Warm water
- CPAP Soap
- Tub or bucket
- CPAP Wipes
- Soft cloth
- Towel
- CPAP hose brush
We recommend using CPAP cleaning products specifically designed for CPAP equipment, such as CPAP soap, wipes, and hose brushes. These are designed to clean your CPAP equipment effectively.
You could also use the Lumin CPAP Cleaning Machine & Multipurpose Sanitiser. It uses powerful UVC light to sanitise your CPAP mask, water chamber, and accessories in just 5 minutes – no water, no harmful chemicals, and no mess. It’s ideal for busy users who want a fast, reliable, and hospital-grade clean without the daily scrubbing.
Cleaning the CPAP Machine
Before cleaning, make sure you unplug your machine from its power source. If your CPAP uses a battery, your manufacturer’s guide should show how to take it out. Once disconnected, detach any other CPAP equipment and wash it with CPAP soap, rinse the CPAP machine, then dry it off with a cloth dust.
Cleaning the CPAP Mask
We recommend wiping the mask once a day using CPAP wipes after use. These wipes are specially designed for cleaning CPAP equipment daily.
Once a week, you’ll want a deeper CPAP mask cleaning. To do this, you first need to disassemble the mask, then leave the parts in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. After soaking, rinse off all the soap, wipe it with a soft cloth and let it air dry on a clean towel. Before using it again, ensure it has dried completely to avoid mold growth.
Cleaning the CPAP Humidifier Chamber
After using, empty and rinse your humidifier with clean water, then leave it to air dry on a towel.
Follow the same steps to clean your mask above for weekly humidifier maintenance. If you find mineral buildup on the metal plate, soak the chamber with white vinegar and warm water (1:10 ratio).
Cleaning or Replacing the Filters
CPAP filters block dust, dirt and bacteria to prevent you from breathing it in. Because of this, CPAP filter replacement should happen every 2 months or as product guidelines recommend. If your area has high dust levels, you may need to replace them more frequently.
Cleaning the CPAP Tubing
After each use, rinse the inside with water and wipe the exterior with the CPAP wipes mentioned earlier.
There are a couple of ways you can clean CPAP tubing weekly. You can either:
- Fully submerge it in warm, soapy water for a few minutes, rinse, then dry.
- Or fill the tube with soapy water, swish it from end to end, then rinse and dry. You can use a CPAP hose brush in this step for a more thorough cleaning.
To make drying easier, hang it over your towel rail or shower.
Keep It Clean with Lumin
Consider using the Lumin CPAP Cleaning Machine & Multipurpose Sanitiser for a quick and effective sanitising solution. The Lumin sanitises your mask and accessories in just 5 minutes and uses the same safe, effective and environmentally-friendly UV-C technology.
How to Store Your CPAP Equipment Properly
Storing your equipment correctly is just as important as knowing how to clean it. Mould likes to grow in poorly ventilated, damp, dark places. When storing your CPAP equipment, keep it in a well-ventilated, dry place to discourage any growth. It is also best to keep it away from direct sunlight when drying, as this can cause plastic and elastic straps to degrade over time3.
To further protect your CPAP device, hose, and mask from dust, we recommend using a CPAP dust cover. These covers provide an added layer of protection and help extend the lifespan of your machine and accessories.
Signs That Your CPAP Equipment Needs Replacement
Using your CPAP equipment every night means replacement is inevitable over time. Recognising the signs that it’s time to replace parts is essential to keeping your therapy consistent and effective. These signs can typically fall into two categories.
Wear and tear indicators:
- Small holes
- Cracks
- Tears
Hygiene indicators:
- Smells on your equipment
- Buildup of dirt or mould
- Irritation to skin or allergy-like symptoms
These signs might not always be obvious – especially if your equipment isn’t cleaned regularly. Ignoring them can reduce the comfort and effectiveness of your CPAP therapy. For instance, if you notice dryness during use, it may indicate air escaping through a tear or crack. In that case, inspect your equipment closely and replace damaged parts immediately.
As mentioned, poor maintenance might result in an increased risk of respiratory infections. If you start to show symptoms (e.g. coughing, runny nose, fever, fatigue, shortness of breath), you should contact your doctor.
We understand that keeping track of when to replace your CPAP equipment can be challenging – that’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to make it easier for you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning CPAP Equipment
Using harsh detergents:
It is best to avoid using harsh detergents with strong fragrances when cleaning your equipment, as it can damage the plastic. We recommend opting for mild soaps or CPAP soap made of natural ingredients. It will also ensure you’re not breathing in any harsh or irritating chemicals.
Using tap water in humidifiers:
Tap water contains minerals that can cause buildup that slowly eats at metal. You can remove it by cleaning it in a water and vinegar solution. Still, we recommend using distilled water purified from minerals to avoid it entirely. It is important to note that distilled water is not the same as boiled water, though they are commonly confused.
Not cleaning the oxygen connector:
When disassembling your CPAP machine, it’s easy to forget to remove your machine’s oxygen connector. Removal can vary between machines, so we advise you to check your user manual for your specific device, though they tend to click in and out of the machine. Afterwards, simply wash in soapy water along with other equipment.
Using a dishwasher:
Please avoid washing your equipment in a dishwasher, as the high temperatures combined with harsh detergents typically used may damage them.
Maintaining your CPAP equipment through regular cleaning and timely replacement isn’t just about prolonging the life of your machine – it’s about protecting your health and ensuring your therapy works as effectively as possible.
Whether you’re sticking to a manual routine with CPAP soap, wipes, and hose brushes, or simplifying your cleaning with a UV sanitiser like the Lumin CPAP Cleaning Machine, having the right tools makes all the difference.
