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Tips for Cleaning Your CPAP or BiPAP Machine
You may be wondering if you should be cleaning your CPAP or BiPAP equipment in any specific way. Over time, your CPAP or BiPAP device will collect dust, debris, and bacteria, making your treatment less effective.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your device extends your equipment’s life, while allowing you to get the best therapy possible. Dirty or worn-out equipment delivers low air quality and low pressure.
CPAP Mask Cleaning
Most CPAP and BiPAP masks are made of silicone, a soft, nonirritating material. Though silicone is a very comfortable material for masks, it doesn’t have a long lifespan, and without proper care, it can break down faster than expected. Cleaning your CPAP mask is essential in making it as efficient as possible. The following steps are what you need to do daily, weekly, and monthly to care for your mask.
Daily
- Wash your mask daily with warm water and mild, unscented soap or buy BiPAP mask specific wipes and detergents.
- Rinse with water and allow to air dry on a clean cloth or paper towel out of direct sunshine.
Nightly
- Before using your mask at night, wash your face carefully and don’t use facial moisturizers. Facial oils and moisturizers can break down the silicone quickly.
Weekly
- Once a week, soak your mask in a solution of 1-part white vinegar 3 parts water prior to rinsing in distilled water.
- Headgear and chin-straps should be washed as required by hand using warm soapy water, rinsed well, and air-dried. Do not place headgear or chin-straps in the washing device or dryer.
- BiPAP tubing should be cleaned every week in a sink of warm, soapy water, rinsed well, and left to hang-dry out of direct sunlight.
Monthly
- For replacement schedules of BiPAP masks, you should check both your manufacturer’s recommendations and your insurance allowance. However, for most masks it is recommended that you replace the cushions 1-2 times per month and the mask every 3-6 months.
Overall BiPAP Maintenance & CPAP Cleaning Tips
All of the tasks for cleaning and maintaining your CPAP BiPAP machine might seem tiresome at first. Nevertheless, keeping up with the cleaning and maintenance of your device will assist make your treatment go more smoothly.
Making your CPAP BiPAP cleaning part of your morning routine will assist make the task seem less overwhelming. Cleaning in the morning will also give your machine a lot of time to dry during the day.
Your BiPAP machine itself does not require to be cleaned, but you may want to dust it down with a slightly damp cloth as needed. Here are some more guidelines on cleaning and maintaining your BiPAP:
- Keep your machine and accessories out of direct sunlight to evade damaging them.
- Never utilize bleach to clean accessories.
- Other equipment accessories like power cords and data cards may need to be replaced due to equipment malfunctions.
- Constantly use distilled or sterile water when cleaning components.
Remember to never use bleach to clean or soak the components of your BiPAP. This can damage your machine. Submerging your BiPAP machine in water to let it soak will also damage your device.
In addition to cleaning, ensure you are careful where you place your CPAP. Place your machine on a level surface away from objects like curtains or clutter that may interfere with the air intake.
Soclean CPAP BIPAP Cleaner Disinfector Sterilizer
Cleaning your BiPAP machine can be devastating. There is now a device, the SoClean CPAP Mask and Hose Sanitizer, that can make cleaning your mask a snap. SoClean destroys 99.9% of CPAP germs and bacteria in your mask, tube, and reservoir with no disassembly, no water, and no chemicals.
All you have to do is place your mask directly into the SoClean unit and choose the cleaning time, and the machine does the sanitizing work of for you—no more scrubbing or measuring out vinegar to disinfect your mask.
If you have any concerns about the care of your equipment or to purchase the SoClean machine, please contact us at Best CPAP Cleaners.
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