CPAP (continuous positive air pressure masks) are used as a treatment for sleep apnea. These masks pump a small amount of air through your airway while you sleep. This helps keep your airway from collapsing, which can keep you from waking up from obstructed breathing and can help reduce snoring. These masks need to be worn each night, which can cause them to get dirty and have bacteria grow on them. As a result, they need to be cleaned periodically.
Step 1
Disconnect all of the headgear from the nasal pillow or the mask. Disconnect the tubing from both the motor and the mask or nasal pillow.
Step 2
Soak a soft cloth in a mixture of warm water and unscented shampoo or detergent.
Step 3
Use this cloth to wipe down all of the mask's parts. This includes the interior and exterior of the mask, as well as any pillows (used for cushioning). Make sure you clean the swivel (the part of the mask that the air tube connects to).
Step 4
Rinse the mask thoroughly in warm water. Make sure that no portions of the mask appear oily or dirty. If they do, re-clean them.
Step 5
Immerse the mask and the tube in a solution of three parts distilled water and one part white vinegar. Allow the mask and tube to sit in this disinfecting solution for fifteen minutes.
Step 6
Rinse the mask and tube again using warm water. Make sure that no vinegar residue remains as it can gradually corrode the mask and its parts.
Step 7
Let all of the washed pieces dry completely before you use the mask again. If you need to speed up the drying process, use a hair dryer.
Step 8
Reassemble the mask or nasal pillow and reconnect the tubing to the mask and the motor.
Things You'll Need
- Warm water
- Mild unscented detergent or shampoo
- Washcloth
- Vinegar
- Distilled water
- Hair dryer (optional)
