The CPAP Machine can be dusted with a slightly damp cloth like you would use to dust a stereo or TV set.

The Filter care depends on the manufacturer.  Some are washable like the Respironics machines, and some are disposable.  Please consult the directions and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The Humidifier Chamber should be cleaned with a 10% vinegar/water solution.   Place a 10% vinegar/water solution (1 part vinegar to 9 parts water) in the humidifier chamber for ½ hour every week.  This will loosen any mineral build-up. Rinse well. You should always try to use distilled water for this technique.  You can boil the water you will use for 20 minutes and wait until cool.  Mineral buildup is very bad for the chamber and can create small holes in the bottom of some of them.  Most humidifier chambers come apart for cleaning, and are dishwasher safe. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to clean your humidifier.

The CPAP Mask should be washed with water and a mild dish detergent every day.  Place the soap on a wet hand towel and wipe the part of the mask that touches your face.  Any oily residue left on the mask from your skin can make the mask material harden and crack.  When this happens, it will not seal properly.  You can extend the life of your mask by cleaning it regularly. A well cared for mask can last up to12 months. Most manufacturers advise that their masks generally will provide a good fit for only three months without proper care; however, I believe that you may even be able to extend this to a year with great care.  

The Hose is a piece of equipment that the manufacturers generally recommend washing with mild dish detergent and rinsing well.  You can hang it to dry over your shower curtain for convenience.  An even more expedient way to dry it is to hook it up to your CPAP and let the air dry it out.  DO NOT swing it around like a lasso to dry it.  You will end up stretching it and that will only lead to the early failure of the hose. Rinsing the soap out carefully is also extremely important.  Unless you rinse the hose extremely well, you may get soap residue left in the hose.  Another way is to use a 10% solution of vinegar and water and then rinse well and hang dry.  Vinegar and water make a weak disinfectant which helps prevent bacteria from growing.

The Head Gear should be hand washed with mild dish detergent only.  The more you wash I, the faster you will wear out the velcro. Most of the head gear made today does not pick up dirt very easily, so be sure to wash your head gear only when absolutely necessary.  Please check your instructions carefully.  There are some made by the manufacturer that are considerably more able to handle machine washing.