Taking good care of your CPAP supplies especially your CPAP mask is imperative in order to keep sleep therapy equipment functioning at a high level. In addition, keeping your CPAP mask clean is optimal for your health since you will potentially be breathing in the germs and bacteria that could enter the lungs and cause infections. Cleaning the CPAP masks can also help prolong the life, optimize its effectiveness and maintain efficient therapy.

Cleaning your CPAP supplies is a relatively easy process. The most important thing to remember is to never use an alcohol based solvent to clean your CPAP equipment. Alcohol can break down cushions, tubing and other plastic and rubber parts. CPAP mask cleaner such as Citrus II, a mixture with a corn, coconut, and citrus base, will not harm the cushion or other components of your CPAP mask or tubing. CPAP mask wipes also work well for a quick, daily cleaning. We advised that your spray your CPAP mask surface daily, rinse with water and allow it to dry before using it again. Daily cleaning will prolong the longevity of your mask’s parts, reducing overall replacement parts cost.

Your CPAP mask is not the only component that needs cleaning. You should regularly clean your CPAP tubing and replace the CPAP machine filters. Moreover, if you have a heated humidifier, this should be taken apart and cleaned with warm water and mild soap. Make sure to get each part completely free of soap residue before drying. Some new humidifier chambers are dish washer safe(please check your owners manual). Once the CPAP humidifier parts are completely air-dried, simply put the machine and humidifier back together and reconnect the CPAP tubing and mask.

Sometimes, even if the parts are well taken care of, some CPAP supplies especially your CPAP mask will break. If the part is replaceable, it will be much less expensive to replace the part instead of the entire CPAP mask. For example, mask cushions break down over time and will prevent your mask from forming an adequate seal. In this case, you can replace just the cushion rather than replacing the whole mask. Another example is the heated humidifier chamber. Over time, even if the machine is well taken care of and cleaned regularly, you will notice that the chamber develops a film; this is normal. It is a sign that it may be time to replace your heated humidifier chamber.

In addition, there are other numerous CPAP accessories that need to be replaced. With CPAP tubing being exposed to constant moisture and stretching, it will begin to degrade and build up bacteria. Thus, CPAP tubing should be replaced a few times a year. In addition, CPAP supplies such as CPAP mask headgear and clips can easily fray or break and will need to be replaced for optimal sleep therapy conditions.

Keeping your CPAP equipment and supplies clean will help prolong their usefulness and maximize your sleep therapy experience. However, like most medical equipment, CPAP equipment will need to be replaced from time to time. By taking care of your CPAP supplies through cleaning and routine maintenance, you will reduce your long run out of pocket expense.