If you suffer from sleep apnea, you know how important it is to do everything you can to manage your condition. One of the most vital parts of that process is ensuring that your CPAP equipment stays clean. This not only keeps you from getting sick, but it also prolongs the life of your equipment, saving you both time and money. If you’re new to CPAP equipment, here’s a quick guide to keeping your CPAP equipment clean and in peak condition.

1. Clean Your CPAP Mask Daily

Your CPAP mask comes into direct contact with your skin every night, which means it collects oils, dirt, and bacteria. To keep it clean:

  • Wash your mask and cushion daily using warm, soapy water.
  • Let it air dry completely.
  • Use baby wipes to clean your mask and cushion daily.
  • Headgear should be cleaned once a week in warm, soapy water.
NuCara Tip: For quick and convenient cleaning, use our CPAP mask wipes.

2. Weekly Cleaning of Your CPAP Tubing

Over time, the tubing of your CPAP equipment will naturally accumulate moisture and bacteria. Without regular cleaning, these bacteria can get into your system and cause potentially serious health complications. To keep your tubing clean:

  • Disconnect it from both your mask and machine.
  • Wash with warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and hang to air dry completely before reassembly.
NuCara Tip: Use our CPAP Tube Cleaning Brush to scrub those hard-to-reach areas inside the tubing to ensure a thorough clean.

3. Sanitize the Humidifier Chamber

If your CPAP equipment includes a humidifier, bacteria and mineral deposits can build up over time. To prevent this:

  • Change the water daily.
  • Wash the humidifier chamber daily with warm, soapy water.
  • Rinse and let it air dry.
NuCara Tip: Always use distilled water in your humidifier to prevent mineral buildup.

4. Replace Your CPAP Filters Regularly

Just like your home air filter, your CPAP machine’s filters need to be replaced regularly to ensure you’re breathing clean air.

  • Change your disposable/ultra-fine filter every 2-4 weeks.

Check out our full CPAP and bilevel resupply schedule guide.

NuCara Tip: Make sure you always have a filter ready with our CPAP filter replacement kits!

5. Use a Sanitizer for Extra Protection

While the above steps will ensure that your CPAP equipment is always clean and ready to go, it never hurts to have an added layer of protection. That’s where a sanitizer comes in! A sanitizer uses UV light or LED technology to kill 99.9% of germs that washing alone can miss.

NuCara Tip: We offer sanitizers that make disinfecting your equipment quick and easy.

A CLEAN CPAP is a Happy CPAP

Keeping your CPAP equipment clean is essential for your health and the effectiveness of your therapy. By following these simple steps—and using high-quality CPAP supplies from NuCara Home Medical—you can breathe easier and sleep better every night.

Need CPAP cleaning supplies? Browse our website or contact us for expert advice today!
Get Help From an Expert