How to clean your CPAP accessories

• Posted on 12 May 2021
• By Oxigo
• 0

Would you like to clean your CPAP equipment? Read more!

A good hygiene is very important during CPAP therapy. Cleaning your CPAP and its accessories is quite easy, as long as you know how to proceed. Would you like to know which parts you have to clean and how often? In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the cleaning process. We’re happy to share our best tips for cleaning your equipment!

Hygiene, a must for CPAP therapy

During your CPAP therapy, condensation and moisture will appear in the CPAP hose. If you don’t clean and dry your hose, it will become a breeding ground for dust, bacteria and fungi. In the worst case, germs can have a harmful effect on your health. You’ll be more likely to catch a cold or even an infection. It’s also very important to keep your CPAP mask clean. On the mask one often finds fat, saliva and hair.

Cleaning CPAP: which parts of the machine do I have to clean?

- Cleaning CPAP mask: A sleep apnea mask has different parts: a cushion, a frame, and a headband. Wipe off the visible dirt with a CPAP mask wipe after each night. A CPAP cleaning device is recommended for removing invisible dirt and germs. If necessary, you can wash the hard parts of the mask in warm soapy water. Foamy parts can only be cleaned with a damp cloth!

- CPAP hose: Clean your CPAP hose at least weekly. Rinse it with warm water and mild soap (Pürdoux CPAP soap, for example). CPAP soap helps you to eliminate fat and saliva quickly and effectively. The Pürdoux 2 in 1 CPAP hose brush is a perfect tool for cleaning and drying your hose thoroughly.

- Humidifier: Do you use a humidifier? Then it’s important to empty it after each night. It is recommended to use distilled water in order to prevent limescale inside. If there’s limescale in the humidifier, you can clean it with water and cleaning vinegar.

- Filters: There exist different types of CPAP filters: gross particle filters and fine dust filters. Gross particle filters are spongy and should be cleaned weekly, with water and mild soap. Let the filter air dry. Fine dust filters can’t be cleaned.

- CPAP machine: We advise you to clean the outside of the machine weekly, with a damp cloth.

Cleaning CPAP accessories automatically with a CPAP cleaner

CPAP wipes and soap are a good solution for removing visible dirt. However, invisible dirt will also remain on your accessories, possibly with germs. Would you like to eliminate invisible dirt as well? Good. We have included a high-quality CPAP cleaner in our product range: the 3B Medical Lumin. This CPAP cleaning device will clean your CPAP products quickly and automatically. This prevents germs from settling in the mask, hose and humidifier.

Lumin

“This prevents germs from settling in the mask, hose and humidifier.”

CPAP maintenance: replacing accessories

After some time, you’ll need to replace your CPAP parts. It is recommended to replace your CPAP mask and hose annually. The cushion needs to be replaced every six months. Replace the gross particle filters every six months, or when you notice that the filter is starting to crumble. Fine dust filters need to be replaced more often: monthly, or when the filter shows discoloration. Comfortable CPAP therapy guaranteed!

Cleaning your CPAP equipment: 3 tips

1. Never use cleaning agents containing alcohol, chlorine or corrosive substances for cleaning your CPAP.

2. Always follow the specific cleaning instructions of the manufacturer. Usually, you’ll find them in the user manual of the product.

3. Always fill your CPAP humidifier with distilled water and not with tap water. Tap water will deposit limescale in the humidifier, which can damage your machine.

Further reading:

• Website European Lung Foundation – Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
• Blog post "Treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy"
• Blog post "How sleep apnea affects everyday life"