How to Clean CPAP Equipments

A CPAP machine is the abbreviation for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This machine plays a vital role for persons suffering from sleep apnea. However, proper CPAP maintenance is important in order to prevent dirt particles accumulating the equipments. Dirt and debris can impair the machine’s ability to function well. Cleaning your CPAP equipments is easy and proper knowledge on the procedure is crucial.

The things that you will need are soft cotton cloth, dry towel, mild soap, distilled water, warm water, white vinegar and glass bowl.

Here are the steps in cleaning your CPA equipments:

• Make sure to read the manufacturer’s label first before proceeding on the cleaning process. This will also guide you on how to detach some important parts for cleaning.
• Unplug your CPAP machine and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Wipe the outer part of the CPAP device with a soft cotton cloth to remove dust particles.
• Check the CPAP filter for dirt and grime. Remove the filter foam following the directions on the label. Most CPAP filter can be removed by firm pinching of the middle part of the CPAP foam. Clean your filter using mild soap and warm water at least twice or thrice a month. Inspect the inner CPAP filter and replace it if necessary. Most inner filter is routinely replaced every month. Avoid cleaning the white CPAP filter.
• After cleaning the filter, inspect for the CPAP tubing. CPAP tubing should be kept clean every day. Dirt particles from the air entering the tubing may produce mold on the surface. Detach the CPAP tubing according to the label’s instruction. Rinse the tubing properly with running water. You can also mix in warm water and mild soap in a glass bowl and pour it into the tube. Let your soapy solution flow inside the CPAP tubing with back and forth motion and empty it after swishing.
• Rinse the tubing properly with warm running water and make sure to remove soapy residue. For final rinsing, use a distilled water to avoid mineral deposit.
• Wipe the outer surface of the tube with a clean towel and hang the CPAP tube in a clean place to keep it dry.
• After cleaning the CPAP tube, you can proceed on the mask. Use a soft cotton cloth and mild soap in wiping the surface of your CPAP mask. Rinse the mask with distilled water and allow it to dry completely.
• Most CPAP machine comes with a humidifier. Inspect the CPAP humidifier and make certain that it contains enough amounts of distilled water. Clean the humidifier holding tank with a soft cotton cloth and mild soap weekly. You can also disinfect the CPAP holding tank with equal amounts of white vinegar and distilled water. Let the vinegar solution sit for few minutes and rinse it properly with warm distilled water.
• Allow the holding tank to air dry.

If your CPAP machine is not working adequately, have it inspect for CPAP maintenance needs. Avoid using ammonia cleaning solution as this can be very dangerous if not properly rinsed.

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