How to Clean CPAP Supplies

CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is a therapy prescribed to treat breathing problems experienced while someone is sleeping. This type of therapy helps treat sleep apnea and other respiratory disorders.

There are different modes and devices providers prescribe based on individual needs. While each device or CPAP machine may work differently, it is important to keep the products clean. It is best to refer to the instruction manual that comes with your equipment for specific manufacturer recommendations; however, below is a general guide for cleaning your PAP equipment and supplies.

Supplies needed:

• Mild liquid dish detergent
• Sink or basin
• Clean hand towel
• Device to hang tubing (ie. drying rack, shower bar or towel rack)

View How to Clean:

How To Clean Your CPAP Mask

Wash daily. Natural body oils on your face can wear down the mask, which can cause a poor mask-to-face seal.

1. Remove the headgear from the mask.
2. Wash the mask in warm, soapy water.
3. Rinse the mask under running water.
4. Shake off excess water.
5. Place the mask on a clean hand towel to dry the mask.

In lieu of steps 1-5, use an approved mask cleaning wipe and allow to air-dry.

How to Clean Your Nasal Pillow

Wash daily.

1. Remove the nasal pillows from the frame.
2. Wash the nasal pillows in warm, soapy water.
3. Rinse the nasal pillows under running water.
4. Shake off excess water.
5. Place the nasal pillows on a clean hand towel to air-dry or use the hand towel to dry the nasal pillows.

In lieu of steps 1-5, use an approved mask cleaning wipe and allow to air-dry.

How to Clean Your CPAP Humidifier

Water or moisture that sits in the water chamber when not in use readily begins to grow mold and fungal material. When these are blown with pressure through your nose, it can trigger allergies, rhinitis (clear, runny nose) and congestion. This makes tolerating PAP difficult.

1. Daily empty the humidifier tub and wipe it thoroughly with a clean cloth. Allow it to dry out of direct sunlight. 
2. Weekly wash water chamber reservoir in the dishwasher if the water chamber instruction manual says it is safe to do so and you have a dishwasher. Otherwise, follow steps 3-6. 
3. Wash the inside of the water chamber with warm, soapy water or a solution with a ratio of 1 part vinegar and 9 parts water at room temperature. 
4. Rinse the inside of the water chamber thoroughly. 
5. Pour out excess water. 
6. Use a clean hand towel to wipe the outside of the water chamber and allow the inside of the water chamber to air-dry.

How to Clean Your CPAP Tubing

Wash weekly.

1. Separate tubing from the PAP unit and mask or nasal pillows.
2. Wash the tubing in warm, soapy water.
3. Rinse the tubing under running water.
4. Shake off excess water.
5. Allow tubing to air-dry by hanging it so that water will drain out. Tubing also can be dried by reattaching it to the PAP unit and turning the unit on for several minutes.

If using heated tubing, assure that electronic contacts are dry before reconnecting to your PAP device.

How to Clean Your CPAP Headgear

Wash weekly.

1. Close the Velcro tabs so they do not accumulate lint from the drying towel.
2. Hand wash the headgear in warm, soapy water. Do not wash the headgear in the clothes washer.
3. Rinse headgear thoroughly.

Place the headgear on a clean hand towel to air-dry or use the hand towel to dry the headgear. Do not dry the headgear in the clothes dryer.

How to Clean Your Washable CPAP Machine Filters*

Wash weekly when cleaning tubing.

1. Remove the filter from the PAP unit.
2. Wash the filter in warm, soapy water.
3. Rinse the filter under running water.
4. Squeeze out excess water or press filter in a clean hand towel.
5. Allow the filter to air-dry. Keep filter out of direct sunlight.
6. Do not reinstall filter until it is completely dry.

*not applicable to most PAP devices

How to Clean Your PAP Unit

1. Remove household dust from the PAP unit by wiping it with a damp cloth.
2. Do not place liquids on the top of the PAP unit.

You can travel with your PAP equipment. When traveling, PAP cleaning wipes can be used to clean your mask. PAP manufacturers normally recommend only distilled water is used with humidification due to potential mineral deposits in the system, hose or mask. In rare circumstances where distilled or purified water is not available, bottled water should be used in place of distilled water.

It is important to not use cleaning supplies that are expired and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on when to replace equipment and/or supplies. Do not put solutions in the water chamber that may be harmful to you, such as bleach and other cleaning products with similar, strong chemicals.

The Mayo Clinic Store offers a wide selection of CPAP supplies online, and several of our store locations throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin have CPAP machines and supplies available as well.

*This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice. For medical questions and advice, it is always best to consult with your trained physician.