Care & Buying Tips

Your CPAP mask, headgear and tubing must be cleaned weekly to prolong their lives. Products within the cleaning and comfort section will sanitize and help eliminate body oil, dirt, dust and/or bacteria which will aid in comfort and compliance. DO NOT USE alcohol to clean CPAP masks as it may adversely affect performance. DO NOT USE any cleaners containing fragrance or harsh soaps. This will leave residue on the CPAP mask or tubing which effects efficiency. Rinse thoroughly to insure that no detergent/soap residue remains. Headgear can be washed but only air dried. DO NOT USE bleach on headgear.

Hint: Always wash your face to remove facial oils before using your CPAP mask to help eliminate leaks.

Check CPAP filters weekly. Foam filters may be washed but should be replaced every few months. Replace dirty or old pollen filters to eliminate bacteria.

CPAP Mask Cleaning

Daily: Wash the mask system with warm, soapy water. Do not use soaps with added scents. We recommend plain Ivory or Dove liquid soap or baby shampoo. Mask wipes are ideal for a quick cleaning but is not a substitute for a good thorough cleaning

Weekly: Separate and hand wash the mask components and headgear in warm, soapy water. Please follow the steps below:

Disassembly: Dis-assemble the mask according to the instructions in the User Guide.

Cleaning and Drying

Thoroughly clean the separated mask components (excluding headgear) with a soft bristle brush for one minute while soaking them in the cleaning agent according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use solutions containing vinegar, bleach, chlorine, alcohol, aromatics, moisturizers, antibacterial agents or scented oils to clean any part of the system or air tubing. These solutions may cause damage and reduce the life of the product.
Pay particular attention to all crevices and cavities.
Inspect each component and if required, repeat washing until visually clean.
Rinse the components twice by agitating them vigorously in drinking quality water (five litres per mask).
Allow the mask components to air dry out of direct sunlight.

Disinfection or sterilization method and drying
Thermal Disinfection

Using a certified hot water disinfection system, soak the disinfectable mask components using a temperature-time combination:

On completion, remove the mask components from the hot water disinfection system.
Allow the mask components to air dry out of direct sunlight.

Chemical Disinfection

Soak the disinfectable mask components in a commercially available solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions: ( Use approved chemical disinfectant and soak for 20 minutes.)
Rinse the mask components in drinking quality water.
Allow the mask components to air dry out of direct sunlight.

Inspection
Perform a visual inspection of each mask component. If any visible deterioration of a mask component is apparent (cracking, crazing, tears etc), the mask component should be discarded and replaced. Slight discoloration of the silicone components may occur and is acceptable.

Reassembly
Reassemble the mask according to the instructions in the User Guide.

Buying a Mask

Buying the right CPAP mask for you could be difficult but is one of the most important decisions when it comes to comfort and compliance. There are many different types of masks to choose from so you should not sacrifice your happiness and comfort or feel you must stick with one mask. In fact, having a few different CPAP masks is recommended. Try out a few masks in actual situations. The mask choice should be based on some simple guidelines:

Comfort — If the mask is not comfortable, your compliance rate will be low.
Convenience — If the mask is not easy to use, then you will eventually tire of wearing it.
Quality of Seal — Your mask should have a quality seal and should not leak. It should not require very tight headgear.
Quietness — Make sure you and your partner can tolerate the exhalation noise. Larger exhalation holes help reduce noise.

Accessory Replacement Guidelines

Accessories	Replacement Schedule
Full Face Mask	Every three months
Full Face Mask Cushion	Every two months
Nasal Mask	Every three months
Nasal Mask Cushion	Every two months
Nasal Pillows (Cannula-style interface)	Every two months
Headgear	Every six months
Air Filter(Disposable)	Every month
Air Filter (Non-Disposable)	Every three months

* Replacement schedules vary per CPAP patient.

Comfort Tips

If your face becomes red or sore, try nasal pillows, a skin protection tape or mask spacers.
For a dry nose or throat, increase room humidity, add a humidifier to your CPAP and/or use Saline nasal spray.
If nasal draining or sneezing occurs, change filter on your machine, use a humidifier or increase humidification on your unit. A doctor should be advised if symptoms persist.
A chin strap or heated humidifier should help mouth leaks.