CPAP delivers pressurized air into the airways to keep them clear of obstruction and help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. It is important to clean CPAP equipment regularly to prevent a build-up of bacteria, dirt, mold, allergens,and other contaminants that could cause illness from using CPAP.
Cleaning CPAP equipment not only makes for healthier sleep apnea treatment, but it can also make for more effective treatment and help extend the lifespan of the parts.
The one question that can arise, though, is whether manual cleaning or CPAP cleaning machines are the better approaches to cleaning CPAP equipment.
What Are CPAP Cleaning Machines?
Cleaning machines aim to automate the CPAP cleaning process to thoroughly sanitize your CPAP equipment. The parts, including the mask, tubing, and water chamber, can be placed in the machine before referring to the manufacturer’s guidelines on how long to set the machine's timer.
There are two main types of CPAP cleaning machines.
- Ozone: These cleaning machines use ozone to kill off harmful bacteria and other microorganisms as part of the cleaning process. Ozone is effective, but it can be a toxic gas at high levels. Most cleaning machines will include filters to convert ozone back to oxygen.
- UV light: This is a safer alternative to ozone, but the cleaning time is longer. It uses a high-energy UV light to vaporize microorganisms that could be harmful when inhaled.
There is a third, less common, type of cleaning machine that uses a cleaning tablet in much the same way as you would clean your dishes at home in an automated dishwasher. You add a cleaning tablet to water and allow the machine to complete the process. However, these are far less common than machines using ozone or UV light for cleaning CPAP equipment.
Are Cleaning Machines Recommended?
The key fact to note here is that the FDA has not authorized the use of either ozone or UV light cleaning machines. This means that the FDA does not have the research data to say these machines are safe or that they effectively clean all CPAP parts.
Ozone can be a toxic gas that needs to be contained within the machine. The FDA has received adverse reports involving worsened asthma symptoms, coughing, headaches, and nasal irritation when using this machine type. If you do use an ozone CPAP cleaning machine, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how to use the machine.
In the case of UV light machines for cleaning CPAP equipment, there is doubt as to whether the machines generate enough light to effectively kill bacteria and remove other potentially harmful contaminants. Without thorough cleaning, CPAP can become unhygienic and lead to respiratory illnesses.
Cleaning CPAP by Hand
While you can still use an automated machine for cleaning CPAP equipment, many people will still opt for the tried and tested method of cleaning CPAP parts by hand. This is because it is simple and quick and can easily be built into a daily routine. Also, you only need a few basic household ingredients.
All you need are:
- warm water
- mild soap
- basin or tub
- dry towel
- flat surface
Once you have disconnected your CPAP device from its power source, disassemble the CPAP parts. This includes separating the mask to clean the frame, headgear, and mask cushion.
Wash the mask parts and tubing in warm water containing a mild soap free from oils. Once you have cleaned the outside of the tubing, submerge it beneath the water to ensure the inside is also thoroughly cleaned.
Rinse all the parts off with warm water before putting them on a clean, dry towel placed on a flat surface to air dry. It can be best to hang the tubing up to dry. If you clean CPAP parts first thing in the morning, they will have ample time to dry before you need them that night. However, you should avoid drying directly in the sun.
If you use a humidifier, you may want another basic household staple as part of your cleaning kit. The humidifier chamber can be soaked using one part vinegar and nine parts room-temperature water. However, a mild soap can still be used for this if you prefer.
How Often Do CPAP Parts Need Cleaning?
CPAP parts need regular cleaning to ensure healthy treatment of sleep apnea. Without a regular cleaning schedule, bacteria, viruses, allergens, dirt, and other similar elements can accumulate and make you ill.
You should always look to follow the manufacturer guidelines on cleaning your CPAP parts but, generally speaking, there are parts that need cleaning daily and others weekly.
1. Daily Cleaning
You will want to clean the mask cushion every day. This is the part that sits directly against the skin, and without daily cleaning, dirt and oils from the skin can degrade the material of the cushion. Not only does this mean the cushion will need replacing quicker, but the seal can be compromised. Skin irritation and sores can also develop.
You will also need to empty the water chamber of the humidifier each day and give it a wipe with a clean cloth before refilling with distilled water.
2. Weekly Cleaning
On one day each week, you will also want to clean the tubing, the mask frame, and mask headgear alongside the daily clean of the mask cushion. This is also the time to soak the humidifier water chamber.
Use a dry cloth and give the CPAP device a once over to remove any accumulated dirt and dust to prevent this from being drawn into the device and adding to what the filter already traps. Do not dampen this cloth.
While cleaning machines may be convenient, they are not authorized for use by the FDA. Manual cleaning using warm water and a mild soap therefore probably remains the safer and healthier approach to cleaning CPAP equipment, one which does not use a toxic gas like ozone, or UV rays that may not remove all contaminants and allergens from your CPAP equipment.
