Cleaning CPAP equipment: Everything you need to know | Resmed
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How to clean your CPAP equipment

To get the best possible therapy for your sleep apnea, it’s important to properly clean your CPAP equipment on a regular basis including the mask, air tubing and humidifier tub.

Time it takes: 5 minutes

Supplies you’ll need for cleaning:

  • A sink or tub
  • Warm, drinking-quality water (86°F/30°C)
  • Mild liquid detergent
  • A clean towel

Cleaning your CPAP mask cushion, frame & headgear

✔ AirFit series, Swift, Mirage, Quattro and Pixi masks | ✗ AirTouch F20 cushion1

Cleaning tips:
  1. Unplug your CPAP machine from the power source.
  2. Disconnect the mask and air tubing from the CPAP machine.
  3. Disassemble your mask into 3 parts (headgear, cushion and frame).

Please note: cushion should be cleaned daily, headgear and frame should be cleaned weekly.

  1. In a sink or tub, clean your mask cushion and headgear to remove any oils. Gently rub with a mild liquid detergent and warm, drinking-quality water.
    Avoid using stronger cleaning products as they may damage the mask or leave harmful residue.
  2. Rinse again thoroughly with warm, drinking-quality water.
  3. Place the cushion and frame on a flat surface, on top of a towel, to dry. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight.

Air tubing cleaning tips

✔ ClimateLineAir™ heated tube, SlimLine™ and standard tubing

Weekly cleaning tips:
  1. Unplug your CPAP machine from the power source.
  2. Disconnect the air tubing/hose from your mask and CPAP machine.
  1. In a sink or tub, rinse the inside and outside of the air tubing with mild dishwashing liquid and warm, drinking-quality water. Avoid using stronger cleaning products, including dish detergents, as they may damage the air tubing or leave harmful residue.
  2. Rinse again thoroughly with warm, drinking-quality water.
  3. Place the air tubing on a flat surface, on top of a towel, to dry. Avoid placing in direct sunlight.

Humidifier tub cleaning tips

Daily cleaning tips:
  1. Unplug your CPAP machine from the power source.
  2. Disconnect the humidifier tub from the CPAP machine.
  1. Empty the humidifier tub and wipe it thoroughly with a clean disposable cloth. Allow it to dry out of direct sunlight.
  2. The humidifier tub should always be clean, clear and free of discoloration.
Weekly cleaning tips:
  1. Once a week, soak your humidifier tub in warm water using a mild dishwashing liquid OR in a solution with a ratio of 1 part vinegar and 9 parts water at room temperature.
  1. After soaking, rinse thoroughly with warm, drinking-quality water.
  2. Place the humidifier tub on a flat surface, on top of a towel, to dry. Avoid placing in direct sunlight.

CPAP cleaning FAQs

Coronavirus doesn’t change your sleep apnea diagnosis – or your need to continue using CPAP therapy. You should continue to use your CPAP machine because a full night’s sleep benefits your overall health. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you need to follow the medical advice from your healthcare provider.

In the event of COVID-19 diagnosis, read the American Thoracic Society’s tips on daily mask cleaning. Their informational guide includes additional information and resources on COVID-19 diagnosis and PAP therapy usage. Please refer to your specific Resmed User Guide for specific step-by-step instructions on cleaning your device and mask.

We strongly discourage you from using the products/solutions listed below to clean CPAP equipment, as the residual vapors can be harmful if inhaled.

  • Aromatic-based solutions or scented oils (e.g. eucalyptus or essential oils)
  • Antibacterial soaps
  • Dish Detergent (even if they are mild)
  • Alcohol
  • Bleach
  • Strong-smelling products (e.g. soaps with citrus)
  • Washing machine or dryer

Resmed has observed that prolonged and repeated use of an ozone device2 may eventually cause internal damage to a Resmed machine, leading to an increase in motor noise. The Resmed limited warranty excludes damage to Resmed machines caused by use of ozone devices.

Antibacterial soaps, among others, may damage your mask and cause cracks, which may lead to skin irritation and poor mask performance.

The use of a washing machine or dryer to clean CPAP equipment is likely to cause damage and the need for replacement. Never iron headgear, as the material is heat-sensitive and could be damaged.

Daily:

  • Mask cushion
  • Humidifier water tub

Weekly:

  • Mask frame system
  • Mask headgear
  • Air tubing

Which CPAP parts do I need to replace?

Just like a car, your CPAP equipment works best with proper maintenance. And that means regularly replacing certain parts.3

Every month
  • Mask cushion
  • Air filter
Every 3 months
  • Mask frame
  • Air tubing
Every 6 months
  • Mask headgear
  • Humidifier tub

Need help replacing and ordering your CPAP supplies?

All Resmed CPAP supplies and replacement parts can be purchased separately through CPAP equipment stores across the United States or at an online retailer.

Where to buy

Worried about forgetting to replace your supplies?

We’ve got you covered. Register your CPAP products and get helpful replacement reminders. It only takes a minute.

Register now

References

  1. Source: Studies show that AirTouch mask cushions are hygienic to use for one month without cleaning. Learn more about our AirTouch mask here: AirTouch F20.
  2. Consistent with the FDA’s De Novo grant of the new SoClean 3+ device, users are reminded to follow Resmed’s instructions for use. Our User Guides instruct patients to clean Resmed products with mild detergent and warm water only. The new SoClean 3+ device has not been tested or approved by Resmed for use with our products. If the use of the new SoClean 3+ device causes damage, including discoloration, the replacement of the Resmed product will not be covered by our limited warranty. For more information about the limited warranty, please visit our website here.
  3. Source: Different insurers have different reimbursement replacement schedules, so make sure you consult with your CPAP equipment provider for more information.