How To Clean a CPAP Machine

It may seem a daunting task, but CPAP machines work best when you clean them regularly.

Fortunately, it isn’t complicated or time-intensive to clean a CPAP. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines have several parts that disconnect.

“Most cleaning steps take less than a few minutes,” says certified nurse practitioner and sleep medicine specialist Jennifer Brubaker, PhD, APRN-CNP.

And because the mask is directly in contact with your skin, it’s important to ensure that it’s clean and free of germs that may cause skin irritation or infection.

For example, the mask and headgear (straps) of a CPAP machine rest on your face, potentially trapping oil, dirt and germs. “You may develop acne or skin irritation if the mask or straps aren’t clean,” notes Dr. Brubaker.

Oil and dirt can also cause the straps to lose elasticity or prevent the fasteners from closing tightly. “You won’t get the full benefits of positive airway pressure if the mask doesn’t seal properly,” adds Dr. Brubaker.

The best way to clean a CPAP machine

Different companies make CPAP machines. These tips from Brubaker should work for most machines. But you should always read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions that come with your device. “Using the wrong cleaning solutions or methods may void the warranty or affect how well the machine functions or lasts,” warns Dr. Brubaker.

Before you get started, make sure you have the following handy:

• Mild liquid, unscented, dye-free dish soap
• White vinegar
• Warm water
• A towel
• A stable surface to air-dry each component away from direct sunlight

How often should you clean a CPAP machine?

Some CPAP components, like the mask that directly makes contact with your skin, require daily cleaning. Others can be cleaned less often. And you may want to clean certain parts more frequently if you’re sick with a cold or COVID-19.

When cleaning any part of your CPAP machine, make sure it’s unplugged from a power source and that you disconnect and separate the parts you’re cleaning from the ones you’re not.

Daily cleaning tips

1. Unplug your CPAP machine and disconnect the mask cushion or nasal pillows, headgear and water chamber.
2. Empty the water chamber of distilled water from the night before.
3. Remove the fabric from the headgear (like cloth straps) and place them in the washing machine or clean them alongside the other parts in the next step.
4. Using mild dish soap and warm water, gently lather the mask, headgear and water chamber with your hands. Alternatively, you can fill the water chamber with warm, soapy water and gently shake it to lather the surfaces on the inside of the chamber.
5. Rinse the mask, headgear and water chamber with warm water.
6. Dry the water chamber with a clean towel. Leaving it open, place it alongside the mask and headgear on top of a towel on a flat surface to air-dry away from direct sunlight.
7. You can also air-dry the fabric parts or dry them in the dryer to shrink and tighten loose fabric and help the fasteners stick better, if need be.
8. At the end of the day, before you reconnect the water chamber, fill it with distilled water.

Weekly cleaning tips

1. Once a week, remove the CPAP filter and disconnect the tubing and water chamber.
2. Soak the filter in warm, soapy water.
3. Empty the water chamber of distilled water from the night before and fill it with warm, soapy water or with equal parts white vinegar and water.
4. Let the filled water chamber soak for 20 minutes.
5. Plug one end of the tubing with your hand or thumb and place a drop of mild liquid soap into the other end of the tubing.
6. Fill the tubing with warm water and cover the open end of the tubing with your other hand.
7. Shake the tubing so the foamy soap cleans the entire tube.
8. Drain the tube of soapy liquid and rinse the tubing with warm water until there aren’t any soap bubbles.
9. Hang the tubing to air-dry away from direct sunlight.
10. Run the CPAP filter under warm water to remove soap and use a clean towel to gently blot excess water.
11. Place the filter on a towel to air-dry away from direct sunlight. Only install a filter into the CPAP machine once it’s fully dry.
12. Replace the filter once every one to three months.
13. After 20 minutes, empty the water chamber and rinse it in warm water.
14. Dry the water chamber with a clean towel, then air-dry it on a flat surface, leaving it open, alongside the CPAP filter.
15. Wipe the outside of the CPAP machine with a soft, lightly dampened cloth before reinstalling the rest of the dry components.

Cleaning products to avoid

You should never use CPAP cleaning machines because there’s no evidence that the machines are safe or effective. They also haven’t been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for routine CPAP cleanings.

In fact, the FDA cautions that CPAP cleaning machines may:

• Damage the CPAP machine or void the warranty
• Cause asthma attacks, headaches and shortness of breath from ozone gas exposure
• Leak potentially dangerous ozone gas into your home
• Unnecessarily expose you to unsafe UV radiation levels

You can also skip commercial CPAP cleaners like mask wipes. “There’s no reason to spend money on unproven devices or wipes when soap and water work well, and the cleaning process is so easy,” says Dr. Brubaker.

Other products you should avoid that could damage your CPAP machine or leave residue that may affect your breathing include:

• Antibacterial or moisturizing soaps
• Bleach or chlorine
• Boiling water
• Cleaners that have fragrances, dyes or harsh chemicals
• Essential oils
• Rubbing alcohol

Make CPAP cleaning part of your routine

It isn’t complicated and doesn’t take long to clean the parts of your CPAP machine — and your face and lungs will thank you for the regular maintenance and upkeep.

“I encourage people to make mask-cleaning part of their morning routine, similar to brushing your teeth or washing your face after you wake up,” recommends Dr. Brubaker.