How To Clean CPAP Machines?

The continuous use of CPAP devices can lead to the collection of dead skin cells, mineral deposits, and other issues. That's why it is important to ensure daily cleaning of your CPAP machine. For proper cleaning, we are providing you with this guide that will help you learn everything. The thorough cleaning of your CPAP machine won't take too long, and it will take just a few minutes each day. Follow the guide for more:

CPAP Cleaning Items You Might Need

You will need the manual of your CPAP machine to understand how to detach or disconnect all the parts and components.

Prepare warm water and use mild soap or a detergent. Avoid perfumed and rough soaps.

Get a damp cloth, a microfibre cloth, and a towel rack.

This is optional - You can buy a CPAP machine sanitiser or UV Lights to kill off the bacteria and germs.

There's no need to invest in high-end cleaners and solvents for the CPAP Machine.

Cleaning The CPAP Equipment Step-By-Step

Before you begin CPAP cleaning, it is a good idea to have the manual and read it to make sure that you know what you're doing. There might be guidelines on it to help you understand how to clean a CPAP machine. With that, move ahead with this step-by-step guide:

Power Off The Machine

First, make sure to disconnect the power cord, or the battery, whichever your CPAP equipment uses. Wait for five minutes for the machine to discharge. Also, make sure that you don't produce static electricity, so ground yourself before cleaning your CPAP machine. Otherwise, you could end up damaging its components.

Disassemble The Parts

Upon inspecting your CPAP equipment, you will notice that your machine will have a separate CPAP mask, CPAP tubing, and CPAP water chamber. Make sure to disconnect each part.

Disconnect the mask from the machine and the CPAP hose, and separate the tubing as well. Get the water chamber away and also pull out the air filter.

Initiate The Washing Process With Warm Soapy Water

The best CPAP cleaning is done with warm soapy water. Make sure to use your hands to rinse around, and if you want, you can also clean the inside of the tubing by using this method. You might have to blow into it, however. So, if you don't want that soapy water taste, you might not want to do it, but it works well.

Don't forget to clean your air filter in a similar way. However, if you use disposable filters, don't use this method.

Using The Clean Water

After using the soap water, go ahead and use the room temperature water to clean a CPAP machine and rinse off the soap water. There's no need for warm water in this step.

After you're done with the washing process, you can use a clean towel, or cloth, to wipe off the excessive water and finish cleaning your CPAP supplies.

Cleaning The CPAP Machine

Unlike your CPAP equipment, your dirty CPAP machine doesn't require you to rinse or wash it with water. Don't do that, as it could damage your machine.

Instead, use a damp towel or a cloth. You can also use a microfiber cloth and easily wipe the dust off the CPAP machines. Most guides will tell you to avoid using solvents and other items.

However, we believe that you can use cleaning alcohol as long as you don't power your machine immediately afterwards. Using hand sanitizers also works great for your entire CPAP equipment after the actual CPAP cleaning.

Connect All The Parts Again

Once you are done with CPAP cleaning, go ahead and reconnect and reassemble all the parts. Make sure to let it air dry. Avoid sun dry and other processes. No need for you to use hair dryer, or ventilation system to speed up the drying process.

Sanitize Your CPAP Machine

There are many sellers that offer CPAP cleaning supplies. However, there's no need for you to use them if you follow the instructions given above. If you still feel the need to invest in CPAP supplies, then go for UV light, also known as CPAP sanitizing machine, which helps in killing germs and bacterias.

If you use the sanitizing machine, no need to invest in cleaning your CPAP through hand sanitizer or alcohol.

Don't Leave It In The Sun Or Sunlight

Whether you're cleaning CPAP masks, or the CPAP humidifier chamber, try not to use sunlight to dry it out. While it sounds like a great way, it can compromise the quality of your machine. Use only distilled water, and let your CPAP equipment air dry.