How Often Should You Clean Your BiPAP Machine?

Bipap MachineFew things are as satisfying as finally, getting a good night’s sleep after suffering from sleep apnea. And few things are as frustrating as having that sleep soured with dirty CPAP devices.

As game-changing as a CPAP–continuous positive airway pressure—equipment can be for sleep apnea, it’s still not a magical solution. You require to take care of it as much as it takes care of you.

The average CPAP equipment has many interconnected parts, and each needs its special treatment when it comes to cleaning.

By reading this guide, you’ll become a professional on CPAP cleaning and maintenance, so take a look.

General Care Before You Begin Your CPAP Cleaning

Your CPAP is a medical tool. You know the respect it deserves, but your kids may not. And your pets definitely don’t. Ensure your CPAP is out of the reach of both children and animals. If you have it in a noticeable location while you sleep, place it out of the way when you wake up.

Find a nice secure nook for it that’s near your bed that you don’t even have to think about moving it in the morning.

Once it is time to clean a part of your machine, ensure it is unplugged before you start. Most CPAP equipment is without many protruding wires, but it’s still better to be safe when cleaning a piece of an electrical machine.

What CPAP Cleaning Solutions Should You Utilize?

Speaking of safety, let’s start our discussion of cleaning solutions with a list of cleaners and chemicals that should never go near your CPAP equipment.

Here is your “Steer Clear” list.

  • Harsh soaps: These can damage your apparatus and leave behind dangerous residue.
  • Chlorine bleach: Remember, this equipment regulates your breathing while you sleep. You don’t want bleach anywhere adjacent to your mouth, no matter how hard you rinse.
  • Antibacterial solutions and alcohol-based solutions: These are typically combined. You don’t want to clean with alcohol-based solutions for the same purpose; you don’t want to clean with bleach. It’s harmful to your health.
  • Aromatic solutions and scented oils: While less immediately hazardous to your health, scented soaps and oils can make breathing more problematic and unpleasant during the night.

And here is the list of accepted cleaning solutions to use in different combinations, depending on the equipment you’re cleaning.

  • Mild soap: There are a few applications where a gentle soap can help in the cleaning process.
  • Warm water: Some components of your CPAP can be cleaned with warm tap water. Though most require water with much fewer contaminants.
  • Distilled or sterilized water: This is the gold standard solution employed when cleaning your CPAP. You likely fill your humidifier cartridge with distilled water anyway, so you should have some leftover for periodic washings.
  • White vinegar: Utilized in combination with water, vinegar can make an effective cleaner for some CPAP parts.
  • CPAP-specific wipes and detergents: Obviously, these are made for precisely this purpose.

Sleeping Soundly

Cleaning Bipap and CPAP MasksProper and consistent care of your CPAP equipment can keep it operating at peak efficiency for years. CPAP cleaning can look like a time-consuming practice when laid out in such detailed steps, but when you build it into your routine, it takes almost no time.

Besides, if your schedule makes it hard to clean your CPAP equipment thoroughly, you should consider using one of the best CPAP cleaning machines. These come with numerous advantages above using soap and water.

References and Resources