The CPAP machine is the most popular and effective tool for treating obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore, having a proper cleaning schedule and an adequate cleanser is key to ensuring your CPAP machine and its accessories are in good condition so you can get the most out of your CPAP therapy.
If you want to learn how to choose the best soap for your CPAP machine, the importance of equipment hygiene and expert tips, you’ve come to the right place!
8 Best Soaps to Clean Your CPAP Machine
Purdoux CPAP Mask & Hose Soap
This mild soap is unscented and made specifically for cleaning silicone surfaces, such as the ones of the CPAP hose and mask. It does not include any harsh chemicals (such as alcohol, conditioners or bleach), and it is great for daily use. It comes in two soft scents: grapefruit & lemon and green tea & mint.
Snugell CPAP Soap Pre-Wash Solution
Snugell’s non-toxic delicate formula is free from harsh components such as dyes, alcohol, bleach, conditioners, and moisturizers. It’s adequate to clean your mask, hose, and water reservoir, effectively removing dirt, oil, and unpleasant odors from your CPAP equipment.
SoClean Neutralizing Pre-Wash - 8oz
This is a special fragrance-free hypoallergenic cleansing solution for your CPAP equipment. The cleaning solution helps remove dirt, oils, debris, and other organic materials from your CPAP equipment, ensuring that it is thoroughly cleaned before it is sanitized. Using the pre-wash cleansing solution before introducing new CPAP equipment to your CPAP system is recommended, ensuring the removal of manufacturing residues and neutralizing potential odors.
Dr. Bronner ’s Unscented Castile Liquid Soap
Made with organic, vegan oils, this gentle soap is perfect for effectively cleaning the CPAP mask, CPAP tubing and household cleaning.
Seventh Generation Liquid Dish Soap
This liquid soap is made from plant-based ingredients with no synthetic fragrances, making it a viable option for people with sensitive skin. Removes grease and stains from dishes and is safe to clean CPAP devices.
Care Touch CPAP Soap Cleaner
This cleaning solution is dye and fragrance-free, a great option for daily use. It costs around $11 for 130ml, which is quite reasonable for a quality product.
Ivory Concentrated Dishwashing Detergent
This is a powerful-multipurpose yet mild-scented cleanser that works for CPAP machines and CPAP tubing. You can use it as dish soap, which is suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Johnson’s Baby Shampoo with Tear-Free Formula
This hypoallergenic soap is a top choice for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
What is The Best Soap For Cleaning CPAP Equipment ?
There are many CPAP cleaners for you to choose from, including dish soaps, antibacterial or disinfectants, but the first thing you need to take into consideration is that this cleanser is going to be used on a regular basis, so ensuring it does not contain harmful ingredients is key for your health and the lifespan of your CPAP machine.
How Can I Clean My CPAP?
Using the most adequate soap is the first step in properly caring for your CPAP equipment. The second is to learn how the cleaning process works. Follow these 5 easy steps below to ensure your CPAP machine is cleaned appropriately.
5 Easy Steps to Clean CPAP Equipment
Step 1: Disassemble the CPAP
After you have unplugged your machine from the power source, disconnect all the pieces. Separate the mask and headgear from the tubes and the tubes from the rest of the other connecting parts. Also, remove the water chamber of the humidifier.
Step 2: Wipe the External Surfaces
Step 3: Wash the Components
- •Fill a basin or sink with warm water and add a small amount of soap
•Introduce the mask, tubing, headgear and any connectors in the water
•Leave it to soak for approximately half an hour. You can also wipe the mask with CPAP cleaning wipes or a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water and swirl additional soapy water through the tubing
•If the water chamber is detachable, wash it
•Use a towel rail to allow everything to fully air-dry
Step 4: Reassemble the CPAP Machine
Step 5: Clean or Replace Filters
How Often Should You Clean Your CPAP Machine ?
There are some parts of your CPAP that will need to be cleaned daily, while there are others that can be cleaned weekly.
Why Is It Important to Have a Clean CPAP Machine ?
When you use a CPAP machine, you put the CPAP mask directly on your skin, meaning all the natural skin oils and dead skin cells can stick to it. It can also collect dust and other contaminants in the environment. This could lead to skin irritation, or it could also negatively impact the seal of your mask.
Other Cleaning Items You Should Consider
CPAP Mask Wipes
Mask wipes are very convenient, making the cleaning process quick, simple, and travel-friendly. They are great for cleaning the mask cushion and frame but do not act as a replacement for other deep cleaning methods. Hence, you will still need to wash your mask parts (including your headgear ) at least once weekly.
CPAP Cleaning Brushes
Brushes make the cleaning process even easier. If you use soap to wash your CPAP device, you must always use a brush to help scrub away all the grime without damaging your machine. CPAP cleaning brushes are especially helpful in hard-to-reach areas, such as the inside of your CPAP tube.
Cleaning Machines for CPAP Masks and CPAP Hoses
Using an automatic CPAP cleaner is a much easier option. All you need to do is put your CPAP parts inside and wait until it finishes cleaning. Most of these CPAP cleaning machines will give you a ready-to-use CPAP in a short time and with practically no effort.
A proper cleaning routine will ensure the maintenance of your CPAP machine and its accessories, therefore making sure it will function correctly. This routine has to include not only a correct cleaning schedule but also adequate soap, which needs to be mild, with no harsh components that might damage your machine and have consequences for your wellbeing.
Keeping these main things in mind, you can take care of your CPAP equipment and, of course, your health!
FAQs
Can I Clean My CPAP with White Vinegar or Disinfectants?
Although it is effective for sanitizing your CPAP, it might take more time than other cleaning products because the parts need to be soaked and thoroughly rinsed in warm water to avoid unpleasant smells.
Should I Clean My CPAP with Hospital-Grade Disinfectants?
It is not necessary to use this kind of disinfectant . However, using a hospital-grade disinfectant like Control-III is a good alternative to soap. The concentrated soap makes it cost-effective, only takes 10 minutes to disinfect, and is effective against 99.9% of germs.
What is Mild Soap?
Mild soaps are made with a pH level similar to the skin, and they are usually made with gentler ingredients and sulfate-free formulations, making these types of soap both for the skin and for delicate equipment such as a CPAP.
What Soap Does ResMed Recommend?
ResMed recommends using distilled water with any mild, fragrance-free soap or mild liquid detergent and not using bleach .
How Do I Clean My CPAP Mask?
Clean your CPAP Mask with warm soapy water on a daily basis.
Can You Wash CPAP Headgear?
Yes, your headgear should be cleaned weekly.
Can I Put My CPAP Mask in the Dishwasher?
Can I Clean CPAP with Dish Soap?
Dish soap can be used to clean your CPAP as long as they don’t contain harsh chemicals.
At Sleeplay, we help you improve your CPAP therapy and get good rest. Find the best CPAP cleaning products to help you keep your device clean and make it last longer and other CPAP supplies available in our store.
