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How Do You Clean Your CPAP Mask
A clean mask will last longer, provide a better seal, and give you a fresher, more comfortable therapy experience. The user guide for your mask offers full instructions on cleaning, but we’ve also provided answers to some frequently asked questions below. We hope you find them useful!
Why do I need to clean my mask?
There are lots of good reasons to clean your mask. Dirt, oils, and residues from your skin and your surroundings can build up on your CPAP Mask if they are not removed daily. These can irritate your skin and damage the materials used to make your mask.
Regularly cleaning your mask will help maintain it in good condition, optimize the seal for better therapy, and help protect your skin and the air quality you breathe.
How often should I clean my mask and headgear?
You should clean your mask every day, or after each use. You should clean your headgear every week.
You should hand wash your mask and headgear by gently rubbing in warm water (approximately 30°C/86°F) with mild soap. All components should be rinsed well with drinking-quality water and allowed to air dry out of direct sunlight. Please refer to your mask user guide, or the question below, for more detailed instructions. Using a CPAP Cleaner, such as SoClean, makes it effortless and more thorough.
You can also use CPAP Mask Cleansing Wipes. These 100% cotton wipes are a fast, easy, and convenient way to clean your mask. Please note that they are not a substitute for regular cleaning: as stated above, you should hand wash your mask components and headgear in warm, soapy water every week.
How do I clean my mask?
You should refer to your mask user guide for detailed instructions on cleaning your mask model. In general, the following cleaning instructions apply to most masks:
Every day, or after each use:
- Disassemble the mask components (see your mask user guide if you need guidance). If you use a nasal pillow mask, you should disassemble the pillows from the frame.
- Thoroughly hand wash the separated mask components (excluding headgear and soft sleeves) by gently rubbing in warm water (approximately 30°C/86°F) with mild soap. To optimize the mask seal, facial oils should be removed from the cushion after use.
- Use a soft bristle brush to clean the vent, or any rotating parts on your mask such as the swivel, swivel ring or ball joint that require cleaning.
- Inspect each component and, if required, repeat washing until visually clean.
- Rinse all the parts thoroughly with drinking-quality water and allow to air dry out of direct sunlight.
- When all components, including the vent, are dry, reassemble your mask (see your mask user guide if you need instructions).
Every week, you should:
- Hand Wash the headgear, including the soft sleeves, if these form part of your mask. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry out of direct sunlight.
- Please note that the headgear can be washed without being disassembled and that the dye used in the headgear may run during the first wash.
If any component remains unclean after cleaning, or if you notice a visible deterioration of a system component (cracking, discoloration, tears, etc.), you should replace it.
Can I disinfect my mask?
We do not recommend sharing your mask with another person. If you share your mask, please ask your healthcare provider about obtaining another one for your individual use.
Please remember that you must not use solutions containing vinegar, bleach, chlorine, alcohol, aromatics, moisturizers, antibacterial agents, or scented oils to clean any part of the mask system or air tubing. These solutions could cause damage and reduce the life of the product. You may use a CPAP cleaner, such as SoClean to disinfect your CPAP mask.
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