Sleep Solutions Education & Resources

Cleaning and Maintaining Your PAP Device

PAP device and humidifier

• Keep your PAP equipment clean and dust-free by wiping it down with a damp cloth. Only a qualified repair technician should diagnose problems, perform maintenance, or repair any part of your PAP device. Call your clinician if your PAP device is not functioning properly. Feel free to ask to have your device’s pressure checked at any time.

Headgear and chin strap (velcro and elastic parts)

• Hand wash every 2 to 4 weeks in warm soapy water.
• Use baking soda to remove any smells.
• Rinse well and air dry.

Mask, cushions, nasal pillows (silicon parts touching the face)

• Daily: Wipe off with a damp cloth, warm soapy water, or a specialized CPAP wipe.
• Weekly: Wash in warm soapy water (Do not use soap that cuts grease).
  • Rinse well and air dry.
• Deep clean option: Soak for 30 minutes in a solution made of 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water.
  • Wash with warm soapy water. (Do not use soap that cuts grease).
  • Rinse well and air dry.

Tubing

• Weekly: Wash in warm soapy water (Do not use soap that cuts grease).
  • Rinse well and air dry.
• Deep clean option: Soak for 30 minutes in a solution made of 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water.
  • Wash with warm soapy water. (Do not use soap that cuts grease).
  • Rinse well and air dry.

Humidifier chamber

• Daily: Replace with fresh distilled water. Do not use tap water.
• Weekly: Wash in warm soapy water (Do not use soap that cuts grease).
  • Rinse well and air dry.
• Deep clean option: Soak for 30 minutes in a solution made of 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water.
  • Wash with warm soapy water. (Do not use soap that cuts grease).
  • Rinse well and air dry.

Filters:

• Disposable filter: Discard the filter when it becomes discolored. Replace it with a new filter.
• Reusable filter: Clean with a vacuum cleaner or wash it in warm soapy water.
  • Rinse well and air dry. Do not use the filter until it is completely dry.

Replacing Your Accessories

No matter how well you clean and maintain your masks, cushions, pillows, filters, and tubing, they are all disposable and deteriorate over time. This can cause leaks, discomfort, or possibly harm the machine.

Your insurance has a replacement schedule for these items to keep you healthy and to make sure your equipment is free from bacteria, viruses, and allergens.

Our recommendation is to follow these replacement guidelines:

This table shows the most common time frames allowed by insurance companies to bill for supplies, but they may be different from your active policy. Deductibles or coinsurances apply according to your insurance policy guidelines. If you have any questions regarding time frames, deductibles, or coinsurance, please call UI Sleep Solutions at 319-354-0055.