Equipment Maintenance and Reordering Supplies

You are about to experience the beginning of a new and improved period in your overall health and well being that only quality sleep without the presence of apneas can provide. CPAP therapy is the cornerstone of sleep apnea treatment and with consistent use, you will benefit greatly.

Your CPAP equipment is an important investment in your sleep health, take good care of it. Proper and routine care will help you prolong the life of your mask, machine and accessories.

Nearly all manufacturer defects for masks and machines will be apparent within the first days or weeks of use and well within the warranty time limit. Don’t leave your equipment vulnerable and within the reach of pets and small children; your mask is not a toy. Handle with care!

The outer casing of your CPAP should not require special maintenance. If necessary, unplug machine and wipe clean with a moist cloth using a mild pure soap detergent. Dry the unit thoroughly. Never submerge your CPAP in water.

Use extreme caution not to spill any liquid on or about your machine, this may damage the interior circuits and void the warranty. When filling your humidifier water chamber, always remove it from the CPAP unit and fill it away from the machine. Distilled water is recommended by most manufacturers. Do not reuse water; empty unused water each morning. Each morning, clean water chamber with a 10 minute soak in a mild pure soap, rinse well and air dry after each use.

Choose a mild pure soap for use in cleaning mask and tubing. Never use harsh soaps, chlorine bleach, antibacterial or alcohol based solutions. Aromatic solutions and scented oils should not be used. To cut soap residue or to disinfect, use 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water solution after cleaning.

Tubing should be replaced annually or more often if needed. Tiny holes can develop that are hard to see with the naked eye. These holes can compromise the proper delivery of prescribed and adequate pressure. Pets seem to love CPAP tubing, especially cat claws and tiny teeth. A tubing cover will protect the hose.

Clean tubing weekly. Fill sink with a mix of warm water and mild liquid soap. Lay tubing in mix to allow water to clean the entire inside surface area. A small baby bottle brush may be gently used to clean inside tubing if necessary. However be careful not to cut through the fragile tubing material between the coils. Rinse well and allow tubing to hang and air dry.

Filters are inexpensive and routine replacement will greatly add to the life of your machine. Some machines have 2 filters; the non disposable filter is usually made of foam and usually grey or black in color. This simply needs weekly hand cleaning in a mild dish washing soap mix, then a clear water rinse and air dry. These will last for up to one year. The white fine filters should be replaced as needed when visibly discolored and dirty, just as you would your home air and furnace filters. The disposable fine filters generally need replacing every month or two.

The mask is comprised of different components being the outer frame, inside soft cushion and the headgear. The soft mask cushion that lies against our face is fragile and most vulnerable. To help add longevity to your mask, remove make-up at night, place mask on clean skin free of oils and moisturizers. Daily, clean the soft cushion with a mild pure soap mix and air dry. Handle the delicate cushion gently to avoid tearing. Weekly, the mask frame and headgear should be hand washed in the same gentle manner. Always air dry.

The Medicare replacement schedule is provided in the table above. Private insurance typically allows mask and tubing replacement every 6 months, filters every 90 days and machines every 5 years. Everyone’s private insurance replacement schedule will vary. Refer to the Medicare recommended replacement of PAP supplies as listed in the table on this page to see what your durable medical equipment coverage allows.

Ref: American Sleep Apnea Association

To disinfect your supplies:

Wash equipment with warm, soapy water, rinse and then soak equipment in a solution of 1 part white distilled vinegar and 3 parts water for 15 to 30 minutes.  Rinse thoroughly (allow water to run for 3 minutes) with tap water and then allow to air dry. Cover dried parts with a clean towel until the equipment is reassembled. To dry your CPAP tubing, hang over a doorknob or hanger.  

Drying Hints:

Always hang tubing away from direct sunlight, as this will cause the tubing to become yellow, brittle and crack over a period of time. DO NOT attach the wet tubing to your CPAP unit to blow-dry it. The moisture from the tubing can drain back into your machine. Moisture in your unit can cause sudden pressure increases or short circuits. 

Cleaning the PAP unit: 

• Unplug the unit before cleaning it.
• Never immerse the unit in water.
• Using a cloth slightly dampened with water and dish detergent, wipe the outside   of the unit.
• Using a cloth slightly dampened with water only, wipe the outside of the unit again.
• Use a dry cloth to wipe the unit and then let it air dry.
• Make sure the unit is thoroughly dry before plugging it in. 

Cleaning and Disinfecting the Humidifier: 

DAILY

• Empty any remaining water after each use.
• Never immerse the unit in water.
• Wash your hands.
• Immerse the humidifier in warm, soapy water.
• Fill the humidifier with the soapy water and shake the humidifier vigorously.
• Rinse with clean water and allow to air dry.

WEEKLY

• Mix a solution of 1 part white distilled vinegar and 3 parts water. 
• Soak the humidifier in disinfectant for 20 minutes.
• Be sure the disinfectant completely covers and fills the humidifier.
• Remove the humidifier and shake out the excess solution and rinse with distilled   water.
• Allow to air dry. 

DO's and DON'Ts:

• DO NOT use alcohol-based products to clean your mask, because it can cause the materials to become hard and brittle. 
• DO replace supplies regularly and follow the recommended cleaning schedule 
• DO NOT use any caustic or household cleaning solutions such as bleach on your CPAP equipment. 
• DO NOT put headgear in the washer or dryer. 

OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR

WEEKLY: Wipe off the concentrator with a damp cloth.

DAILY:  If using a humidifier bottle, clean with warm soapy water, then soak in a solution of 3 parts water and 1 part white vinegar for about 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and re-use.