CPAP Equipment Cleaning Procedures

Your therapist should instruct you on proper care of your equipment.

Humidifiers:

• Distilled water must be used in all humidifiers.  (Filtered water still has minerals which can cause deterioration of the chamber.)
• The humidifier chambers should be hand-washed (not dishwasher safe) in warm water with a mild liquid detergent.  Rinse all parts with clean water.  Allow to air dry.
• For periodical disinfecting, the chamber can also be soaked in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for approximately 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
• Refill the chamber by adding water up to the water level indicator only.  (No higher than the maximum fill line located on the front and sides of the tank.)

Tubing:

• Clean the tubing weekly.  Disconnect the flexible tubing form the device and wash gently in a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly and air dry.  (Hang vertically)
• For periodical disinfecting, the ubing can also be soaked in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for approximately 20 minutes.  Rinse thoroughly.

Mask and Headgear:

• The  mask and headgear can be removed from the tubing and hand-washed twice weekly, preferably in the morning.
• **Fisher & Paykel** grey foam inserts should be wiped with a damp cloth.  (Do not immerse in water.)
• Wash the mask and headgear in warm soapy water quickly but thoroughly.  Rinse thoroughly under warm running water; gently squeeze water and hang to dry for use that night.

Summary:

• The mask and headgear should be hand-washed twice a week with warm, soapy water.
• The grey foam filter should be hand-washed twice a month with warm water and mild detergent.
• The humidifier chamber should be drained and hand-washed twice a week with warm soapy tap water.  Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• The tubing can be washed in warm soapy water rinse thoroughly and hang vertically to dry.
• Unplug and wipe the outside of the CPAP and humidifier unit with a damp cloth twice a week

Please refer to your owner’s manual for detailed instruction

If washed in the morning, all components should be dry for use at bed time.