Caring For Your Therapy Device
Introduction
Positive airway pressure therapy devices are used during sleep to treat sleep apnea. These devices work by blowing pressurized air through your mask into your airways. This helps keep your airways from collapsing, allowing for better breathing during sleep. Most people will have a humidifier attached to their device to help moisten the air they breathe to avoid dryness. It is very important to keep everything clean for your health and to allow the equipment to function properly.
Parts that require cleaning
- Mask (nasal pillows, nasal mask or full face mask)
- Humidifier
- Tubing (standard or heated)
- Air Intake Filters
The following chart provides a summary of when and how to clean your supplies
| Part | Frequency of Cleaning | How to Clean | Rinse | Drying | Replacement | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | Weekly | Monthly | |||||
| Humidifier Chamber | Empty your humidifier chamber every morning and refill before going to bed with distilled water. | Clean | Warm water with mild soap or equal parts vinegar and water. | Fresh warm water. | Air Dry- away from direct sunlight and/or heat. | Manufacturer recommends replacement every 6 months or as required. | |
| Mask Pillow or Cushion | Clean with damp cloth and mild soap, may use mask wipes. | Clean | Warm water with mild soap or equal parts vinegar and water. | Fresh warm water. | Air Dry- away from direct sunlight and/or heat. | Manufacturer recommends replacement every 6 months or as required. | |
| Mask – including headgear | Clean | Warm water with mild soap or equal parts vinegar and water. Do not use the vinegar and water mix with your headgear. | Fresh warm water. | Air Dry- away from direct sunlight and/or heat. | Mask should be replaced every 6 months for optimal therapy benefits. | ||
| Tubing | Clean | Warm water with mild soap or equal parts vinegar and water. | Fresh warm water. | Air dry by handing over a shower curtain rod or towel rack. Away from direct sunlight and heat | Manufacturer recommends replacement every 6 months or as required. | ||
| Reusable Filter | Clean | Based on manufacturer recommendations, some filters are not water safe. Ask our experts at CPAP Central for more details about the filter your device uses and its cleaning requirements. | Varies with manufacturer. | ||||
| Disposable Ultrafine Filter | Replace | Not recommended | Not recommended | Not recommended | Replace monthly. | ||
| PAP Device | Clean | Wipe outside of the device with a soft or damp cloth. | No | Yes if needed- air dry. | Replacement is based on function. Recommended to have a system check annually for optimal therapy. Consult CPAP Central for more questions. | ||
