How to Properly Care For a CPAP Machine-Tips and Tricks for Proper CPAP Care
If you are new to CPAP therapy, or even if you have been on a CPAP for a long period of time, one of the questions you may be asking is how to properly care for a CPAP machine. Making sure that you properly care for your CPAP device is crucial to ensure that you receive the most out of it. A well maintained CPAP will provide the greatest benefit in providing relief for sleep apnea.
Many people who are on CPAP treatment may have not been given proper training when they were originally set up on the device. They do not care for the device or clean it on a scheduled basis. This can lead to the device becoming unsanitary or cause it to not function properly. This causes frustration and the CPAP user may "give up" on their therapy.
Do not let this happen to you. Knowing how to properly care for a CPAP machine is crucial. CPAP therapy is life sustaining and greatly increases the quality of your life. Below is a basic schedule you can use for maintenance of your CPAP device to make sure it is clean and runs well.
Blower Unit
1. Disconnect plug from electrical outlet, wipe the unit with a damp cloth and mild dish detergent as needed.
2. Allow unit to dry before plugging the unit into electrical outlet again.
Mask/Nasal Pillows ** Mask-Replace every 3 months
1. Daily, wash with mild soapy water (Ivory soap recommended), rinse well.
2. Never clean the mask with alcohol.
Chin Straps ** Replace every 6 months
1. Weekly, hand wash in a standard laundry detergent and air dry.
2. Do not use bleach.
3. Do not place in a clothes dryer or iron the chin strap.
Tubing ** Replace every 3 months
1. Weekly, wash in mild soapy water (Ivory), rinse and hang to dry.
Humidifier - Heated
1. Daily, wash humidifier water chamber in mild soapy water (Ivory), rinse well.
2. Monthly, soak the humidifier water chamber for 30 minutes in a solution containing:
• 1 part white vinegar
• 3 parts water
• Rinse well with warm water.
Filters
1. Respironics CPAP or Bi-Level
a. Gray foam- wash weekly with soapy water (Ivory), rinse well, allow to dry completely before placing back in unit.
b. White disposable (if using) ** Replace monthly
2. Resmed CPAP or Bi-Level
a. Check filter periodically and replace as needed.** Replace every 2 months at minimum
** Individual insurance plans determine the frequency as to when the supplies are covered.
Hopefully you will find this guide of how to properly care for a CPAP machine helpful. Your therapy will be much more successful with a well maintained and clean machine.
Many people who are on CPAP treatment may have not been given proper training when they were originally set up on the device. They do not care for the device or clean it on a scheduled basis. This can lead to the device becoming unsanitary or cause it to not function properly. This causes frustration and the CPAP user may "give up" on their therapy.
Do not let this happen to you. Knowing how to properly care for a CPAP machine is crucial. CPAP therapy is life sustaining and greatly increases the quality of your life. Below is a basic schedule you can use for maintenance of your CPAP device to make sure it is clean and runs well.
Blower Unit
1. Disconnect plug from electrical outlet, wipe the unit with a damp cloth and mild dish detergent as needed.
2. Allow unit to dry before plugging the unit into electrical outlet again.
Mask/Nasal Pillows ** Mask-Replace every 3 months
1. Daily, wash with mild soapy water (Ivory soap recommended), rinse well.
2. Never clean the mask with alcohol.
Chin Straps ** Replace every 6 months
1. Weekly, hand wash in a standard laundry detergent and air dry.
2. Do not use bleach.
3. Do not place in a clothes dryer or iron the chin strap.
Tubing ** Replace every 3 months
1. Weekly, wash in mild soapy water (Ivory), rinse and hang to dry.
Humidifier - Heated
1. Daily, wash humidifier water chamber in mild soapy water (Ivory), rinse well.
2. Monthly, soak the humidifier water chamber for 30 minutes in a solution containing:
• 1 part white vinegar
• 3 parts water
• Rinse well with warm water.
Filters
1. Respironics CPAP or Bi-Level
a. Gray foam- wash weekly with soapy water (Ivory), rinse well, allow to dry completely before placing back in unit.
b. White disposable (if using) ** Replace monthly
2. Resmed CPAP or Bi-Level
a. Check filter periodically and replace as needed.** Replace every 2 months at minimum
** Individual insurance plans determine the frequency as to when the supplies are covered.
Hopefully you will find this guide of how to properly care for a CPAP machine helpful. Your therapy will be much more successful with a well maintained and clean machine.
