CPAP is an important medical device used for treating sleep apnea patients but if you’re new to this type of technology, it’s normal to wonder how to maintain it. Don’t worry, I’m here to guide you with that!
So, how to clean CPAP nasal pillows? You should clean the CPAP nasal pillows at least once a week, there is no need to clean it daily unless you have been sick lately or have a sensitive condition.
Steps How to Clean CPAP Nasal Pillows
What you need to use for cleaning:
- Soft cloth
- Dish soap (mild antibacterial is better)
- Warm water
- Tub, basin or your sink
- Towel
Once you’ve prepared the tools we will use for the cleaning, we’re ready to start. Here’s the step by step procedure on how to clean CPAP nasal pillows.
1. Unplug the machine
The most important step is by making sure the machine is unplugged for safety precaution. We must avoid unwanted accidents such as electrical shocks when cleaning.
2. Disassemble the parts
Now, it’s time to disassemble the parts to make sure everything is thoroughly cleaned.
Disconnect the mask or nasal pillow from the CPAP tubing. If your mask or nasal pillow has a headgear, remove or detach it. If there are other parts that are easily reattached, you should also separate them.
Remove the CPAP tubing from any connectors, the humidifier output or from the CPAP machine itself if they are connected to each other directly.
If you have a water chamber, it must be removed from the humidifier unit of the CPAP machine as well. Separate the water chamber pieces if it’s designed to have several, removable parts.
For most cases, the newly developed water chambers can be opened but cannot be separated into different parts.
3. Wet the soft cloth with warm water
Using the soft cloth that you prepared earlier, wet it with warm water. Make sure it’s not completely soaked so you don’t flood the surface of the CPAP machine.
Gently wipe the external surface of the CPAP machine to remove dust once the soft cloth is properly soaked. Once again, make sure everything is unplugged to avoid accidents.
4. Fill the tub, basin or sink with warm water
Add a small amount of dish soap in the water. Some people also add a ratio of 1:1 diluted vinegar but this is completely optional. The vinegar prevents mold growth in the humidifier.
Now, submerge the mask or nasal pillow, headgear if you have one, tubing and any connectors or parts in the warm soapy water. Let it sit in there for a short period of time, at least 30 minutes at most.
You can also wipe out the mask or nasal pillow with a soft cloth and warm water during the process to make sure it is cleaned properly. Swish soapy water through the tubing.
The humidifier’s water chamber must be cleaned with hot water and mild soap.
When it’s all done, allow everything to air dry on a towel or by hanging. Don’t hang it outside where it can be exposed to polluted air and such.
Remember to use distilled water in the humidifier to avoid mineral build up and risk of getting exposed to other illnesses.
Companies recommend users to clean these items on a daily basis but it can be too much work and not really necessary. You can clean these products once a week safely.
5. Rinse the filters
Depending on your manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean CPAP machine filters, maintaining it can be different.
Some filters can be rinsed but others are required to be replaced at least once a month. The replacement time can be different depending on the product.
We recommend inquiring with your product manufacturer’s instructions to determine the best way how you can maintain the filters.
6. Reassemble the machine
Once everything has been completely dried, place the parts back together. Apply the headgear to your mask or nasal pillow, hook the mask or pillow back onto the tubing and make sure to connect everything.
The tubing must be connected to the humidifier or directly to the CPAP machine. Turn the machine on briefly and check if the sound seems right.
Leave it on for a while before using it, that will also dry up the areas that haven’t been properly dried yet.
If you notice anything odd or different, or if the machine isn’t working as it should, you should feel free to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Cleaning the machine shouldn’t do any damages unless there was something sensitive or wrong about the machine parts.
Other tips for cleaning CPAP Nasal Pillow
Always remember that you must keep your equipment clean, after all, you are breathing through the help of it and if left unmaintained, who knows what you might end up breathing in through that?
Like what was mentioned above, if you are sensitive in terms of your health condition, then cleaning it on a daily basis may be the right choice for you. As long as you are able to do it properly, then you should.
Usually, when you purchase products like the CPAP nasal pillows it will come with an instruction or a guide from the manufacturer. Make sure to read everything to avoid accidents or machine breakage.
Make sure you don’t use perfumes, cleaning solutions, scenting products or anything similar when cleaning your CPAP nasal pillow. This type of devices don’t need special cleaning materials.
Just a regular dish soap can do the job!
If you use any other products, it might end up irritating your lungs and make your condition worse. Make sure the water in the humidifier is distilled water to avoid mineral build up in the water chamber.
Also, please do not clean your equipment using a dishwasher or washing machine. This could end up breaking your equipment.
Related Questions
Can you clean CPAP with vinegar?
Yes, you can clean your CPAP machine with vinegar because it avoids mold build up in the items. You can disinfect weekly using a diluted solution of 2 parts white vinegar to 3 parts water.
For example, 1 cup white vinegar to 1 ½ cups water. Rinse thoroughly and you can leave it alone to air dry. After using, you can now throw away the vinegar and water solution.
You must not use it more than once.
What happens if I don’t clean my CPAP?
You can be infected by bacteria and experience different kinds of irritation when you don’t clean your CPAP machine. The filter from the CPAP machine easily gathers dirt which must be cleaned at least weekly.
The dirt contamination will be trapped inside the filter if not cleaned properly.
Are CPAP cleaning machines worth the money?
CPAP cleaning machines do work but they are not really worth the money. You can clean the CPAP machines on your own at least once a week so it doesn’t require too much time being cleaned daily.
Perhaps, if your brand truly requires daily cleaning, then the cleaning machine may be worth it. However, most CPAP machine brands can be safely cleaned on a weekly basis without the need of cleaning machines.
