Tech Tips
Tech Tips
CPAP Care and Replacement Guide
CPAP Care and Replacement Guide
We recommend that you clean your CPAP mask, headgear and tubing weekly to ensure proper function. Cleaning routinely helps eliminate body oil, dirt, dust and/or bacteria which will aid in comfort and compliance. Never use alcohol to clean CPAP masks as it may adversely affect performance. Do not any cleaners containing fragrance or harsh soaps as they can affect the performance of your machine. Using fragrance soaps or other harsh cleaners can leave residue on the CPAP mask or tubing which effects efficiency. Rinse thoroughly to ensure that no detergent/soap residue remains.
Check CPAP filters bimonthly. Foam filters may be washed but should be replaced every few months. Replace dirty or old pollen filters to eliminate bacteria.
When Buying a CPAP Mask
There are many mask options available. Make sure you check all options to find the one that works for you or that is recommended by your physician. The mask choice should be based on some simple guidelines:
- Comfort — If the mask is not comfortable, your compliance rate will be much lower.
- Quality of Seal — Your mask should have a quality seal around your face or nose and should not leak.
- Convenience — The mask should be easy to take off and on.
- Noise — CPAP machines make noise, make sure you can tolerate the noise your machine and mask make.
CPAP Accessory Replacement Guidelines
| Accessories | Replacement Schedule |
|---|---|
| Full Face Mask | Every three months |
| Full Face Mask Cushion | Every two months |
| Nasal Mask | Every three months |
| Nasal Mask Cushion | Every two months |
| Nasal Pillows (Cannula-style interface) | Every two months |
| Headgear | Every six months |
| Air Filter (Disposable) | Every month |
| Air Filter (Non-Disposable) | Every three months |
We recommend that you clean your CPAP mask, headgear and tubing weekly to ensure proper function. Cleaning routinely helps eliminate body oil, dirt, dust and/or bacteria which will aid in comfort and compliance. Never use alcohol to clean CPAP masks as it may adversely affect performance. Do not any cleaners containing fragrance or harsh soaps as they can affect the performance of your machine. Using fragrance soaps or other harsh cleaners can leave residue on the CPAP mask or tubing which effects efficiency. Rinse thoroughly to ensure that no detergent/soap residue remains.
Check CPAP filters bimonthly. Foam filters may be washed but should be replaced every few months. Replace dirty or old pollen filters to eliminate bacteria.
When Buying a CPAP Mask
There are many mask options available. Make sure you check all options to find the one that works for you or that is recommended by your physician. The mask choice should be based on some simple guidelines:
- Comfort — If the mask is not comfortable, your compliance rate will be much lower.
- Quality of Seal — Your mask should have a quality seal around your face or nose and should not leak.
- Convenience — The mask should be easy to take off and on.
- Noise — CPAP machines make noise, make sure you can tolerate the noise your machine and mask make.
CPAP Accessory Replacement Guidelines
| Accessories | Replacement Schedule |
|---|---|
| Full Face Mask | Every three months |
| Full Face Mask Cushion | Every two months |
| Nasal Mask | Every three months |
| Nasal Mask Cushion | Every two months |
| Nasal Pillows (Cannula-style interface) | Every two months |
| Headgear | Every six months |
| Air Filter (Disposable) | Every month |
| Air Filter (Non-Disposable) | Every three months |