How To Clean Your CPAP Equipment?
It is so important to keep CPAP equipment clean. Without proper and regular cleaning, your equipment can become covered with dirt, bacteria, mold and viruses. Here are some quick pointers for cleaning the various parts of your machine:
- Mask, Cushion or Nasal Pillow: It’s a good practice to wipe down your mask with a disinfectant towel every morning after you wake up. Additionally, every week be sure to clean your mask. You can do this by rinsing it in soapy water and leaving it out to air dry.
- Headgear: Don’t forget to wash your headgear every week as well. You can also clean your head gear in the same manner that you clean your mask. Use a little soapy water and a good rinse. It is important that you never use any chemicals on your headgear that can irritate your skin, such as bleach. The soft material will soak up these irritants and harm your skin. Air dry your headgear, and do NOT put in the dryer.
- Tubing: At a minimum, your CPAP tubing should be washed weekly. Ideally, it should be washed daily. Like your mask and headgear, you can clean your tubing by filling a tub with soapy water and swirling the tube around for a few minutes. Be sure that the water makes its way the inside of the tubing to dislodge any dust or particles caught inside.
- Air Filter: Change or clean your filters as frequently as necessary. So, filters can be washed and should be washed weekly. Others should be changed when they are dirtily since this might inhibit clean air getting thought to the mask.
- Humidifier and Water Reservoirs: First and foremost, it is important to dump any remaining water from the previous night and replace with fresh distilled water before bedtime. Some humidifier chambers are dishwasher safe, which is a great convenience. If not, you can still wash your CPAP humidifier with soap and water. Be sure to dry the chamber as much as possible with a paper towel or cloth, and then leave it out to air dry the rest of the way. Once a week, it is also important to disinfect your humidifier by soaking it in a solution of one-part vinegar and three parts waters for 15-20 minutes. After disinfecting your humidifier, be sure to rinse it thoroughly.
Other Good Cleaning Practices:
- Get into the habit of using a disinfectant wipe to clean off your machine and parts every day.
- Wash you face before bed to reduce the number of contaminants that can get onto your CPAP mask. Additionally, avoid using moisturizers or lotions that can rub off onto your CPAP device.
- Set a calendar notification to remind you when it is time to give your equipment a more thorough clean or replace parts.
- When possible, use distilled or sterile water for cleaning your CPAP machine and parts (the chemicals and minerals in tap water can damage your device).
- Use products specifically manufactured for CPAP devices, as these products will take into consideration any chemicals that might harm your device and avoid them accordingly.
- If you get sick, cleaning is even more important. Give a little extra attention to your cleaning routine if you’re feeling a bit under the weather.
- If you find it difficult to clean your CPAP machine manually, try investing in an automated sanitizer. The SoClean 2 or the Lumin will destroy germs and molds for you.
Chris Vasta is the president of The CPAP Shop and an expert in sleep and respiratory therapy. He often provides insights on product design and functionality on various manufacturers’ prototypes.
This post was updated with the latest information in January 2026.
If you are new to sleep apnea therapy, the idea of cleaning a machine every day can feel overwhelming. But here is the hard truth: a dirty CPAP is a dangerous CPAP.
In 2026, the conversation around hygiene has shifted. Following several FDA safety communications regarding ozone and UV light cleaners, the medical community has firmly returned to the basics. The safest, most effective way to protect your lungs and your warranty is simple: soap, water, and consistency.
Here is your updated roadmap to keeping your equipment (and your airway) pristine.
Biggest Cleaning Rules for 2026
Before you start scrubbing, you need to know the ground rules that apply to every machine.
-
No Ozone: Manufacturers like ResMed may void your warranty if they find evidence of ozone damage (which causes internal foam and silicone to crumble).
-
No Alcohol or Bleach: These harsh chemicals dry out the soft silicone of your mask, causing it to crack and leak weeks ahead of schedule.
-
AM/PM Routine: Make cleaning part of your morning routine, so your gear is dry and ready by bedtime.
Recommended Daily Routine
You don't need to wash everything every day. Focus on the parts that touch your face and hold water.
-
Mask Cushion: Facial oils are the enemy of a good seal. Wipe your cushion daily with a specialized CPAP Wipe or wash it with warm soapy water to prevent leaks.
-
Humidifier Chamber: Empty the leftover water immediately after waking up. Standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria and pink mold. Rinse it and let it air dry on a paper towel.
Recommended Weekly Routine
Pick a day to do a full reset of your equipment.
-
The Bath: Fill a clean sink with warm water and a mild, uncomplicated soap. Submerge your tubing, mask frame, headgear, and water chamber.
-
The Soak: Let them sit for 20 minutes. This loosens mineral deposits and kills microbes.
-
The Rinse: Run fresh water through the hose and over all parts until no suds remain.
-
The Dry: Hang your tubing over a shower rod (ends facing down) and lay other parts on a towel out of direct sunlight.
Pro Tip: If you are recovering from a cold or flu, add a step. Soak your equipment in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for 30 minutes to kill viruses, then rinse thoroughly.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Philips Respironics DreamWear Full Face Mask HeadgearSpecial Price $23.20 Regular Price $37.00 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Resmed Mirage FX for Her nasal mask complete system21 ReviewsAs low as $115.00 Regular Price $127.00
-
-
-
What Soap Should I Use?
The old advice was "Baby Shampoo," and while that still works, 2026 offers better options designed specifically to rinse clean without leaving a residue.
-
Best Overall: Pürdoux CPAP Soap (specifically designed to preserve silicone).
-
Avoid: Any soap with "Moisturizing," "Antibacterial," or heavy "Citrus" labels. These leave a film that can irritate your lungs and degrade the plastic.
The Replacement Schedule: When Cleaning Isn't Enough
No amount of scrubbing can save a filter that’s done its job. Sticking to this schedule ensures your machine motor doesn't burn out from fighting through clogged parts.
| Component | Replacement Frequency |
| Disposable Filters | Every 2 Weeks |
| Mask Cushions | Every 2–4 Weeks |
| Tubing | Every 3 Months |
| Headgear | Every 6 Months |
| Water Chamber | Every 6 Months |
Want to learn more about cleaning and replacement your CPAP equipment? Check out this comprehensive guide to get the most comfortable and successful CPAP experience. Have any questions or need assistance ordering CPAP products? Contact our customer care team at 866-414-9700.
