CPAP & BiPAP – Weekly Cleaning Procedures

It is important to keep your CPAP or BiPAP machine, humidifier and supplies clean. Breathe recommends the following steps on a weekly basis.

1. Disconnect the mask from the tubing. It is necessary to remove the seal from the mask.
2. With a soft towel, gently wash your mask and seal in warm soapy water. Do not use bleach, chlorine, alcohol, or aromatic based solutions, moisturizing or antibacterial soaps or scented oils to clean the cushion, mask frame, headgear or tubing. These solutions may cause damage to and/or reduce the life of the product.
3. Rinse thoroughly. Any residue left on the mask may shorten its usable life and may also irritate your skin.
4. Hand-wash your headgear in a mild detergent. Do not wash headgear in the washing machine or dry in a dryer. This will wear out the elastic properties of the headgear and it will shorten its useful life.
5. Let all items dry completely before using them again. Air-drying is the best way to dry your equipment. Make sure to keep all equipment out of direct sunlight, as it will cause the product to deteriorate. Many people hang their tubing over the shower rod to facilitate drying. (Be careful, as tubing will drip water onto the floor.)
6. All parts of your humidifier should be disassembled and washed in a mild dish detergent. Do not use bleach, chlorine, alcohol, or aromatic based solutions, moisturizing or antibacterial soaps or scented oils to clean any parts of your humidifier. Do not clean your humidifier using a dishwasher or autoclave. These cleaning processes may harden and deform the flexible plastic parts of the system and can affect their function. Rinse thoroughly and air dry out of direct sunlight. Inspect your humidifier to ensure no residue remains after cleaning.

Medicare and other insurances allow for regular replacement of supplies. Please call Breathe at 785-272-0445 to learn about our resupply program.