How and when should I clean my cpap and accessories?

Q: How do I clean my cpap and accessories?

A: Most manufacturers recommend cleaning your cpap and accessories on a schedule ranging from daily to weekly, using only mild solutions. Acceptable cleaning solutions include mild soap and warm water, vinegar and water solutions, and some detergents manufactured for hospitals and laboratories. Resmed recommends cleaning your mask cushion daily, your mask frame weekly, and your tubing weekly. Your water tank should be rinsed daily and cleaned weekly.

Recommended cleaning solutions

·       Mild liquid soap and water

·       Vinegar and water (solutions vary from 1 part vinegar to 3-9 parts water)

·       Alconox - React Health, the manufacturers of the Luna G3/G3X cpaps, recommends using

Alconox, a precision cleaner used in laboratories and hospitals

Recommended cleaning schedule

	Mask cushion	Mask frame	Mask headgear	Tubing	Water tank	Cpap machine
Daily	X				X
Weekly		X	X	X	X	X

DO NOT use these cleaning methods

• Aromatic-based solutions or scented oils (e.g. eucalyptus or essential oils)

• Antibacterial soaps

• Alcohol

• Bleach

• Strong-smelling products (e.g. soaps with citrus)

• Washing machine or dryer

• Ozone-producing machines (use of these types of products could void your warranty)

Although there is some variation, a standard cleaning schedule involves wiping down your mask cushion and emptying and drying your water tank daily. Weekly cleaning should include your mask, headgear, tubing, and water tank. You can also wipe down the outside of your cpap machine with a soft, damp cloth during your weekly cleaning routine. You should never submerge your cpap machine in liquid of any kind.

Most cpap manufacturers warn against using an ozone-producing machine to clean your equipment. Use of such equipment can void your warranty.

You should refer to your equipment’s user manual, and other leaflets or brochures from the manufacturer, for specific guidelines on the cleaning process.

REFERENCES

Resmed - how and when to clean your cpap equipment  

React Health - user manual

React Health – mask and headgear cleaning

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Material in this document is provided for general health education and informational purposes and to provide references to other resources only; it may not apply to you as an individual. While CPAP Z believes that the information provided through this communication is accurate and reliable, CPAP Z cannot and does not make any such guarantee. It is not intended to be a replacement for professional medical advice, evaluation, diagnosis, services or treatment (collectively, “medical treatment”). Please see your healthcare provider for medical treatment related to you and your specific health condition(s). Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical care because of something you have read on or accessed through this website. Reading this newsletter should not be construed to mean that you have a healthcare provider/patient relationship.