How to Clean Your CPAP: The Only Guide You Need

Your CPAP pumps air into your lungs all night. If that air pathway is dirty, you're breathing in whatever's growing there.

The good news: cleaning takes 5 minutes daily and prevents problems.

Daily Cleaning (Every Morning)

Water Chamber:

1. Empty remaining water
2. Rinse with warm tap water
3. Let air dry (don't leave water sitting all day)
4. Refill with distilled water before bed

Mask Cushion:

1. Wipe with CPAP mask wipe or damp cloth
2. Let dry before storing
3. Remove facial oils and residue

Time required: 2-3 minutes

Weekly Cleaning (Pick a Day)

Mask (all components):

1. Disassemble mask completely
2. Wash in warm water with mild soap (baby shampoo works)
3. Rinse thoroughly
4. Air dry completely before reassembling

Tubing:

1. Disconnect from machine and mask
2. Wash in warm soapy water
3. Rinse by running water through
4. Hang to dry (shower rod works well)

Headgear:

1. Hand wash in warm soapy water
2. Rinse thoroughly
3. Air dry (don't put in dryer)

Water Chamber:

1. Wash with warm soapy water
2. Rinse completely
3. Let dry thoroughly
4. Check for mineral deposits (white film)

Time required: 10-15 minutes

Monthly Tasks

Filter Check:

• Disposable filters: Replace monthly (or when discolored)
• Non-disposable filters: Rinse and dry, replace every 6 months

Mask Inspection:

• Check cushion for wear, cracks, or deformation
• Check headgear for stretched or frayed straps
• Replace worn components

Machine Exterior:

• Wipe down with slightly damp cloth
• Don't use chemicals or submerge

What NOT to Do

Never use:

• Bleach or harsh chemicals
• Dishwasher (too hot, damages materials)
• Scented soaps (residue can irritate)
• Vinegar regularly (occasionally okay for descaling)
• Alcohol wipes on silicone (degrades material)

Never:

• Leave water sitting in chamber during day
• Use tap water in humidifier
• Skip drying before storage
• Put mask in direct sunlight (UV degrades silicone)

About CPAP Cleaning Machines (SoClean, etc.)

Ozone and UV sanitizers are popular but controversial:

Pros:

• Convenient
• Kills bacteria effectively

Cons:

• Doesn't remove physical debris (still need to wash)
• May degrade mask materials faster
• Some manufacturer warranties affected
• FDA has raised concerns about ozone devices

Our take: Traditional soap and water is effective, cheap, and safe. Sanitizers are optional, not required.

Signs Your Equipment Needs Attention

Replace mask cushion if:

• Visible cracks or tears
• Lost shape/won't seal
• Discoloration that won't wash off
• Increased leak readings

Replace tubing if:

• Visible holes or cracks
• Discoloration inside
• Persistent odor despite cleaning
• Lost flexibility

Replace headgear if:

• Straps won't hold adjustment
• Fabric fraying
• Lost elasticity

What Happens If You Don't Clean

Short term:

• Increased breakouts on face
• Unpleasant odors
• Mask seal problems

Long term:

• Bacterial growth
• Mold in humidifier
• Respiratory infections possible
• Faster equipment degradation

Quick Cleaning Checklist

Daily:

• [ ] Empty and rinse water chamber
• [ ] Wipe mask cushion

Weekly:

• [ ] Wash mask, tubing, headgear
• [ ] Deep clean water chamber

Monthly:

• [ ] Replace/clean filters
• [ ] Inspect all equipment
• [ ] Order replacement supplies if needed

Need replacement supplies? Order through your Drift portal when you're eligible. [Log in →](/patient/login)