Maintaining Your "Z's": Tips To Clean And Maintain Your C-Pap Machine

Sleep apnea may seem like a unique medical condition, but it actually affects an estimated 22 million Americans. Characterized by frequent stops in your breathing while asleep, the condition can be dangerous if left untreated. Fortunately, positive airway pressure machines are effective treatments for sleep apnea. By wearing a full or partial mask on your face, the machine forces air directly into your airways to prevent pauses in your breathing while asleep.

If you are currently using CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, learning how to clean and maintain your machine is smart. Using this guide, you can clean and maintain your CPAP machine to ensure a healthy night's sleep.

Mask

Your mask will depend on your specific case of sleep apnea, but most masks cover the nose, mouth, or both. No matter which type of mask you use, it will become dirty. Dirt, dust, dead skin, and bacteria may all develop on your mask after continued use, so cleaning it each week is imperative.

To clean your mask efficiently, wipe down your mask, headgear, and facial straps with a damp cloth and gentle dish soap. Rinse with lukewarm water and allow to air dry. Many medical supply stores sell specialized cleaning wipes for your mask, as well.

Hose

Without proper cleaning of your air hose, bacteria can build up and enter your airway. This not only affects your sleep, but can also lead to serious respiratory issues. Each week, complete the following steps to clean your CPAP hose:

  1. Power off your machine and disconnect your air hose.
  2. Fill your sink with warm water and a few drops of ammonia-free, liquid dish soap.
  3. Place your air hose into the soapy water and allow to soak for a few hours. Be sure the soapy water cleans the interior of your hose by moving the tubing around in the water.
  4. Rinse the interior and exterior of your tubing with water from your faucet. Be sure the hose is completely free of soap.
  5. Place the air hose tubing on a dry towel and allow to air dry.

Replace your tubing every 12 months.

Filters

Every PAP machine offers a type of filter that prevents dust, dirt, and dander from entering your airway when sleeping with your device. If your CPAP machine utilizes a disposable filter, be sure to change it every other week.

If using a reusable filter, clean it every few weeks by soaking it in warm water and gentle dish soap. Allow to air dry completely before reinstalling. Consider replacing your reusable filter every few months.

While overwhelming at first, a sleep apnea diagnosis does not have to be frightening. With proper care and treatment, you will have a healthy night's sleep using your CPAP machine.


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