The four commandments of CPAP equipment care

Sleep apnea affects millions across North America and around the globe. The most common way to treat the condition is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP. CPAP machines can help tremendously in alleviating the symptoms of sleep apnea and getting a a good night’s rest.

However, in order to get the best from your equipment you need to be aware of the specific care requirements for CPAP treatment and what each of the constituent parts of your CPAP setup are:

CPAP components

CPAP mask: the CPAP mask is a crucial part of the treatment. It not only provides comfort to the patient but also maintains proper air pressure flow. The mask must provide a tight seal in order to maintain constant pressure. CPAP masks come in various sizes and shapes and can cover the mouth, nose or both.

Tube: This is a flexible hose which connects the CPAP mask to the motor of the machine.

Motor: Also known as the flow generator, the motor blows a steady stream of air into the tube which flows through the mask and keeping throat and airway passage open. Modern CPAP machines are usually very compact and quiet and can be kept on a bedside table without causing too much disturbance at night.

CPAP filter: CPAP devices comes with a filter which is located at the back of the machine at the entrance of the air intake. CPAP filters are essential to prevent particles of dust and debris entering your breathing passage. You can get both disposable and reusable filters. You must replace CPAP filters from time-to-time when they wear out.

We have compiled a tight, compact list of To Do’s Commandments when generally caring for your CPAP.

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Daily or Weekly Routine

1) Thou Shall Discover The Power Of Clean Mask Parts

Examine the mask cushion (that touches your face or nostrils) for signs of yellowing, softening, stickiness, stretching, and or discoloring. Skin oils, soap residue, etc. contribute to your mask cushion condition. A daily/weekly wash assures the mask cushion to last until its replacement becomes necessary, which is six to nine months for most mask cushions.

2) Thou Shall Enjoy The Power of Non-Stretched Out Headgear

Examine the mask headgear that wraps around your head. If you have to keep tightening it nightly, it will stretch out. Look for whether it’s longer, discolored, misshaped and maybe hardening up in spots. These are all hints that your headgear needs changing.

It will sustain a hand-wash with soap and water but will stretch prematurely if you dry it in a clothes dryer. It is best to air-dry for longevity. The average life for a headgear is one year, per most manufacturers.

Weekly or Monthly Routine

3) Thou Shall Inherit Clean, Breathable Air

Take your CPAP tubing and smell the air that comes from it as it’s connected to your running machine. If you smell anything strange, mildew-like or odoriferous, it may be time to give that tubing a good wash or a trip to the trash (i.e. purchasing new tubing). Most tubing will last up to a year according to CPAP accessory manufacturers. Being mindful of its condition will help you decide how much care is necessary.

Also, check your CPAP filter on the back of your unit. If you can trace a discolored line on your filter, see particles erupt into the air and/or dirt on your fingertip, it is time to either change the filter completely or rinse it clean.

4) Thou Shall Have Appropriate Humidity

The container that holds water heats up and gives you humidity during your sleep can get a bit dirty from the water being used. Some users report calcium deposits even when distilled water is used consistently.

Be sure to give that humidifier chamber a good wash with soap and water, like doing dishes. Another optional disinfection method is to soak this chamber in one part white vinegar and three parts water for thirty minutes, followed by a good rinse and air dry. This is done as needed. Lastly, if the chamber does not clean out using the previous steps, it may be time to replace it.

The Unspoken Commandment (quiet please)

5) Thou Shall Read The CPAP machine Owner’s Manual About Each And Every Component Of Your CPAP Circuit

I know. I can hear you now. All are reading it. So why mention it?

Well, many bypass the owner’s manual thinking the use and operation of a medical device is as easy as “plug and play” or “setting it and forgetting it.” This approach may work in the short-term but will do no one any favors in the long run.

This is especially true if a device requires basic care for consistent sleep-time results. Small details of care, like filter changes and cleaning can spell the difference between a pleasant night sleep or a not-so-good sleep. Remember, manuals are written to support your long-term success.

Wishing you the best in sleep!

Sleep Well!

4 thoughts on “The four commandments of CPAP equipment care”

  1. Is there a need to clean the inside of the machine itself? I haven’t used my CPAP in a long time and there was water in the reservoir. I know I need to clean the reservoir, tubing, and mask. But, will there be mold growing inside the machine itself? How do I address that?

  2. Not sure how some people only change HEADGEAR every one year. For me is at least 5-6 times per year, maybe because I use a full head mask.

  3. Well the industry states that is the case. However…… mold rarely exist in areas where there is airflow. Humidity is needed for mold to grow. Since the water chamber is the last part before it ends up in the tubing…. I do not see how mold is growing in the machine itself. Unless the air entering the CPAP is super humid. In that case there is mold in your bedroom etc. So if that is not the case… there is no mld in your bedroom itself and humidity is only added before it enters into the tubing I would say you are Ok to just clean the water chamber, tubing and mask and be good to go again.

  4. How do I get rid of the plastic smell of my mask? I have a new F&P Evora which is very comfortable and fantastic but I can’t stand the INTENSE strange plastic smell. Does it go away after a while? Are there similar masks that don’t smell so much?

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