How To Clean A CPAP Mask

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP therapy is one of the most common methods of treatment for people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP machines help open up the blocked airways by delivering a constant stream of pressurized air all night, enabling the patient to sleep soundly without any interruptions. 

So, if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are undergoing sleep therapy, you are already on your way to managing the symptoms associated with this condition. But, people often tend to miss the next important step - cleaning the different components of the CPAP machine, especially the mask.  

But, unless you clean and maintain your CPAP mask properly, you won't be able to get the full benefit of your treatment. So, if you are new to CPAP therapy and are unsure of the right way to clean its mask and tubing, we are here to help. Read on to know why is it important to clean your CPAP mask, and the right way to do it. Check out out CPAP Cleaning offerings here at Sleeplay:

The first question that's likely to come to your mind is  - why do I need to clean my CPAP mask regularly? Well, your mask is the medium through which the pressurized air reaches your mouth and nostrils. So, unless you maintain it in a hygienic manner, not only will the lifespan of the mask decrease considerably, but you will also be at a higher risk of contracting infections. 

This is because unless you clean your CPAP mask and tubing, oil, residue, or minerals can slowly start building up inside, which may hinder its ability to work efficiently. In addition, the growth of bacteria and mold is also common in poorly maintained masks. And as you wear it every day during therapy, it can increase the chances of an allergic reaction too. 

But, when you carry out proper maintenance of your CPAP device and its components including the mask and tubing, you can keep it free of bad odors, germs, allergens, mineral deposits, and so on. It is also more likely to work efficiently for a longer duration, so you won't need to constantly replace your mask to ensure the proper continuation of your therapy. 

Now that you are aware of why it is necessary to keep your CPAP mask clean and well-maineined, it's time to move on to how exactly you can achieve that. Of course, cleaning your mask or other CPAP components might not seem like a big deal. But in case you do it wrong, you may end up damaging them. But not to worry, as here we have provided an easy guide to help you clean your CPAP mask quickly and efficiently.  

But before you start, you will need a few supplies for the task. These include a small sponge or a piece of cloth, mild soap, some warm water, and a towel for drying the components after cleaning. 

The first step is to unplug your CPAP device and remove the parts you intend to clean. Not all masks are built the same way, so it's best to refer to the instructions provided by the mask’s manufacturer for disassembling the different parts for cleaning. Usually, you will have three different parts after doing so- the headgear, the frame, and the cushion. 

Next, fill a small tub with warm water and add a few drops of mild soap to make a solution. Avoid using harsh detergents or stronger cleaning solutions - these can potentially damage your mask. Soak the components of the mask in the solution and gently rub to remove any accumulated oil, residue, or mineral deposits. Make sure to rinse well thereafter to get rid of all soap residue. 

Put the towel on a flat surface and place the components over it and let them dry naturally. Avoid exposing your mask’s components to direct sunlight. Once dry, you need to reassemble the parts together once again. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you do it the right way.  How Often Should You Clean? 

While there are no fixed rules when it comes to cleaning your CPAP mask and other components, it's best to wash them regularly to avoid dirt and oil buildup. Even if you have a busy lifestyle, washing your mask in the manner mentioned above at least once or twice a week is essential.   

Preferably, you should try to clean your mask and tubing daily. This will ensure that you aren't breathing in any allergens or particulates during your CPAP therapy, and also help extend the lifespan of your mask and device. Also, cleaning the components of your CPAP machine every day is mandatory if you fall sick due to some infection. 

Using a CPAP machine for the first time and confused about the right way to maintain the mask and other components? Here are a few tips to make cleaning a CPAP mask easier for you. 

• Make sure to check if the CPAP machine is unplugged before starting the cleaning process 
• Never use harsh detergents or cleaning products with strong scents to clean your CPAP components 
• Avoid using alcohol or bleach for cleaning 
• If you don't have any mild soap for cleaning the mask, you can also use white vinegar for the purpose 
• Avoid placing your mask in the washing machine or dishwasher for cleaning - it can cause damage to the components 
• Using mask-cleaning wipes is a good idea if you want a quick and effective method of keeping your CPAP components clean 
• Make sure to air dry all the components before reassembling and connecting them to the CPAP machine.

If you were wondering how to keep your CPAP mask clean, we hope this article was successful in answering all your queries. Wash your CPAP mask according to the method mentioned above and you won't have to worry about falling sick due to any contaminants accumulated within the components.