Care of Equipment
Your respiratory therapist will advise you on the daily, weekly and monthly maintenance of the devices and accessories required for your therapy. We also will provide education on the cleaning and replacement of equipment. If you ever have questions about how to care for your equipment, please reach out to us or refer to our cleaning tips below.
Clean Your Mask Daily
We recommend to wash your mask system each morning with warm water and non-fragrant, mild soap. We suggest using plain Ivory liquid soap or unscented baby shampoo. After you have thoroughly cleaned the equipment, rinse well and allow for the pieces to air dry.
Another option is to use specific CPAP mask wipes, soaps or one-step machines like the SoClean to do the cleaning for you. You can find these products and more in our product catalog online or by stopping into your nearest location.
Daily Tips to Keep Your CPAP Mask Clean
- Don't use facial moisturizers as they can break the mask down
- Wash face each night before use to get the oils off your face
- Store your CPAP mask in a clean area to avoid dust and particles on it
Clean Your Equipment Weekly
In addition to the daily cleaning routine, each week, headgear and components must be washed in warm unscented soapy water, rinsed and allowed to air dry. This includes all tubing as well. Making this a part of your weekly routine makes it easier to remember. We suggest sticking to the same day weekly so it is easy to remember and you keep your CPAP equipment in great shape.
Clean Your CPAP Monthly
We suggest to replace your cushions 1-2 times a month, or as your insurance allows. It is also important to check your equipment each month as the mask typically needs to be replaced every 3-6 months. It's important to keep an eye on all filters and pieces to ensure proper usage. Daily and weekly cleaning will help with the longevity and performance of the machine.
Be aware of the following:
- Do not use solutions containing vinegar, bleach, chlorine, alcohol, aromatics, moisturizers, antibacterial agents or scented oils to clean any part of the CPAP equipment. These solutions may cause damage and reduce the life expectancy of the product.
- Do not expose any part of the system or tubing to direct sunlight as it may deteriorate the product.
- If visible deterioration of the component is apparent (cracking, tearing, etc), the component should be discarded or replaced.