Your CPAP system is made up of multiple parts and works best with proper maintenance, which involves regular maintenance and replacement of certain parts. Moisture from your breath as well as oils from your hair and skin create bacteria and/or mould over time that are dangerous to your health, and decrease the effectiveness of your therapy. This is why it is important to regularly clean your CPAP Equipment, and replace the mask, tubing, water chamber, and component parts according to Health Canada's recommended schedule.

When your CPAP system is at its best, you'll be able to tell the difference. In fact, 7 in 10 patients say they sleep better after replacing their supplies. And 1 in 3 say they get more sleep after replacing supplies.

How to clean your CPAP Equipment

Part	Frequency	Description
Mask	Daily	Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to air dry on a clean paper towel or cloth, away from direct sunlight
Tubing	3-4x per week	Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to hang dry, away from direct sunlight
Water Chamber	3-4x per week	Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to air dry on a clean paper towel or cloth, away from direct sunlight Once per week, soak your water chamber for 15-20 minutes in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water. Rinse thoroughly. *NOTE: some Water Chambers may be dishwasher safe. Be sure to follow manufacturers guidelines, or contact us CPAP Support, before washing your chamber in the dishwasher

 

Regular cleaning is a critical part of your CPAP Therapy. Following the steps above will make a world of difference in the effectiveness of your therapy, as well as your long term health. CPAP Machines Canada carries products to help you keep clean, from specialized CPAP soaps and hose brushes to plug-and-play CPAP Machine Cleaners and Sanitizers like the So Clean or Lumin.

When to replace your CPAP Mask and Supplies

Regular cleaning and proper maintenance will help extend the life of your CPAP equipment; however, regular replacement is also critical.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Most manufacturers recommend replacing your CPAP mask every 3 to 6 months
• An independent Harvard Medical School study found that:
  • Bacteria on CPAP equipment could be managed effectively with regular soap and water cleaning up to six months
  • However increased levels of bacteria were found on masks that had been used for six months or more regardless of cleaning frequency, implying that bacteria build-up on the masks is unavoidable.

Part	Replacement Frequency
Machine Air Filter	Every month
Mask Cushion	Every 2 to 3 months
Mask	Every 3 to 6 months
Tubing	Every 3 to 6 months
Water Chamber	Every 6 months
CPAP Machine	Every 3 to 5 years