CPAP Machine Cleaning and Disinfecting

Taking care of CPAP equipment is vital for sleep apnea patients to benefit the most from CPAP therapy (as I discussed in my post about sleep apnea).

Proper and routine care for CPAP machine cleaning and disinfecting will help:

• Prevent growth of bacteria and mold
• Prevent sickness and infection (eg, pneumonia or bronchitis)
• Keep device and equipment working properly
• Prolong the life of the equipment

First and foremost, CPAP machines should come with instructions for care, so patients should familiarize themselves with these instructions when they first get their machine.

How to clean CPAP equipment

Note: bleach, harsh soaps, antibacterial solutions, or alcohol-based solutions should never be used to clean CPAP masks, tubing, or related equipment to avoid damage.

There are many parts and accessories that come with CPAP machines, and each has its own proper guidance for cleaning and care:

CPAP mask

Mask cushions should be washed daily using warm, soap water or CPAP equipment-specific wipes or cleaners. After washing, they should be rinsed with water and allowed to air dry (out of direct sunlight).

When using masks, they should be placed on clean skin, free of makeup, oils and moisturizers.

This is because most mask cushions are made of silicone, which can be broken down faster by facial oils and moisturizers.

Once a week, the mask frame should be soaked in a white vinegar solution (1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water) and then rinsed in distilled water.

Mask headgear and chin straps should be hand-washed weekly using warm, soap water. After rinsing with water, they should be air dried. Headgear and chin straps should not be placed in a washing machine or dryer.

BEST Travel CPAP Machine

CPAP Hose/ Tubing

Tubing should be submerged (ie, in a sink) and washed in warm water and soap. Brushes can be used as necessary to gently clean the inside of the tubing.

Tubing should then be rinsed, hung, and allowed to air dry (out of direct sunlight).

Humidifier water chamber/reservoir

Firstly, when handling the humidifier water chamber, caution must be taken not to spill any water on or around the CPAP machine to avoid damage to the interior circuits.

The chamber must always be removed and then filled away from the machine.

Distilled water is typically recommended for humidifier water chambers and should never be reused (change water daily). The chamber should also be soaked daily in warm water and soap for 10 minutes, rinsed, and air dried.

CPAP filters

Replacing filters regularly helps CPAP machines last longer.

There are two types of filters for CPAP machines. Mostly all CPAP machines have a white fine filter which should be replaced as needed when it appears discolored or dirty. These are typically replaced every 1-2 months.

Some CPAP machines also have a second filter– a non-disposable, foam, gray or black filter. This filter should be hand-washed weekly with warm water and soap, rinsed, and air dried. They generally last for up to 1 year.

CPAP machine

The CPAP machine itself typically only needs to be wiped clean on the outside weekly or whenever necessary with a wipe or a cloth with warm water and soap.

The machine should be dried after being wiped clean and should never be submerged in water.

Replacing equipment

For replacement schedules, patients should check both the manufacturer’s recommendations and also their insurance allowance. Generally recommendations are as follows:

• Mask cushions: replace 1-2 times per month.
• Masks: replace every 3-6 months.
• Machines: should be checked yearly to make sure they are working properly. Expiration dates should also be checked.
• Filters: replace monthly.
• Humidifier water chambers: replace every 6 months or as needed.
• Headgear and chin straps: replace every 6 months.

When to clean CPAP equipment

As mentioned, it is important to maintain a regular cleaning schedule, even while traveling.

Depending on the equipment, cleaning should be performed daily and weekly. See the table below for a summary of when CPAP equipment should be cleaned.

Products for cleaning CPAP equipment

There are various types of recommended products and tools that fight bacterial and fungal growth on CPAP equipment without causing damage and make daily cleaning much easier.

See the following table to learn more about these products.

Sanitizing machines (CPAP Machine Cleaning)	Sanitizing machines can be used, but there is a lack of data on their safety and efficacy. Patients can place their CPAP accessories inside an apparatus to clean them or connect their CPAP tubing to the cleaning device for disinfecting.
Mask cleaner CPAP Mask & Hose Soap (Pack of 3 Bottles x 250mL) Green Tea Mint Scent | 8.4 fl oz, Alcohol Free, Silicone Safe, CPAP Hose Cleaner, Removes Dirt & Facial Oils, Gentle Cleaning, CPAP Supplies Gentle CPAP Cleaner: Specially designed for safe, daily washing of CPAP mask and hose, removing dirt, oil, and buildup while keeping equipment clean, soft, and comfortable. Leaves no harsh residue behind and helps extend the life of your CPAP accessories. Alcohol-Free Formula: Our CPAP soap contains no alcohol, bleach, conditioners and latex, ensuring gentle cleaning. Ideal for maintaining the hygiene and functionality of your CPAP equipment without compromising softness, elasticity, or performance. Preserves Silicone Softness: Our CPAP mask cleaner effectively cleans silicone CPAP mask surfaces. Designed to maintain elasticity and durability. Gently remove body oils and dirt while preventing silicone degradation caused by harsh cleaning agents. $14.99 In Stock Check Deals on Amazon Paid link · price checked October 31, 2026 09:23	As an alternative to soap water, specialty cleaners designed for use on CPAP equipment can be used to help fight bacterial and fungal growth.
Mask wipes Care Touch CPAP Mask Wipes 70 Count (Pack of 3) Unscented Quick Daily Mask Care: Designed for everyday upkeep, these CPAP mask wipes support fast surface cleaning, helping keep masks fresh between deeper cleans and nightly use routines, at home or on the go Removes Built-Up Residue: Formulated to lift dirt and grease from masks, tubing, and machines, these CPAP wipes for masks perform effortless cleaning hygiene without soaking or rinsing components Pack Contents Included: Each set comes with three packs, containing 70 unscented wipes per pack. Check Deals on Amazon Paid link	For a quick solution to daily morning cleaning, specially designed wipes for use on CPAP masks can be helpful.Wipes help remove any leftover dirt or oil and help keep masks clean in-between deeper washes (ie, soaks or washes in a sanitizer).
Tube-cleaning brushes Our original pick has been discontinued by Amazon. This is the closest current match we could find. CPAP Hose Cleaner Brush – 78.7" Dual-Ended CPAP Hose Brush for 15mm & 22mm Tubing, CPAP Tube Cleaning Brush with 2 Detail Brushes for Mask Vent & Humidifier Cleaning LONG-REACH CPAP HOSE CLEANING BRUSH — The 78.7" flexible CPAP hose cleaning brush is designed for routine cleaning inside standard 15 mm and 22 mm tubing. Dual-ended brush heads help reach hose interiors from either end and help clean routine residue with mild soap and water. DUAL-END DESIGN FOR CPAP TUBING — Two brush-head sizes support common slim and standard round tubing. The flexible spring core follows hose bends with less snagging. Guide the CPAP tubing brush gently and clean from both ends if needed. FLEXIBLE REINFORCED SPRING CORE — PA66-coated 304 spring steel combines strength and flexibility for repeated CPAP hose care. Secured brush heads help resist loosening during normal use while the flexible shaft moves through curved tubing with less snagging. $9.49 In Stock Check Deals on Amazon Paid link · price checked October 31, 2026 09:23	Brushes designed specifically for cleaning CPAP tubing(updated) are helpful for cleaning the inside of tubing.

 References

1. American Sleep Association. How to clean your CPAP. https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-treatments/cpap-machines-masks/how-to-clean-your-cpap/. Accessed January 2022.
2. American Sleep Association. Care and replacement of CPAP equipment. https://www.sleepapnea.org/treat/cpap-therapy/care-and-replacement-of-cpap-equipment/. Accessed January 2022.
3. Philips Respironics. Philips sleep apnea therapy equipment cleaning instructions. https://www.sleepapnea.com/living/equipment-care/. Accessed January 2022.
4. National Sleep Foundation. Simple steps to keep your CPAP machine clean. https://www.sleep.org/articles/simple-steps-keep-cpap-machine-clean/. Accessed January 2022.
5. Capital Health. CPAP equipment maintenance. https://www.capitalhealth.org/medical-services/sleep-medicine/patient-education/cpap-equipment-maintenance. Accessed January 2022.

Images courtesy of Flickr.