Yes! Did you know that patients who use CPAP and don’t regularly clean their equipment are 32 percent more likely to get pneumonia?

CPAP cleaning can present a real challenge to some CPAP users. Sometimes understanding the REASON behind the recommended maintenance, along with some simple guidelines, can go a long way to making the process less of a chore. The proper maintenance of your CPAP unit and accessories plays a significant role in success of the treatment of your obstructive sleep apnea. A proper hygiene of the equipment will avoid complications such as leaks, bacterial and fungal growth and further health complications.

• Reasons to clean your CPAP
• What you need to clean your CPAP
• How and when to clean your CPAP and accessories
• Let us show you how!

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Reasons to clean your CPAP

1. Oil, sweat and dead skin cells can accumulate in the CPAP mask every time it’s used.
   The mask accumulates oil, sweat, dead skin cells and dirt which are absorbed by our skin and can lead to irritation. If you are waking up with acne, soreness or skin peeling, this is an indication that your mask is due for a good wash.
2. The water in the machine and the moisture in the mask and hose are potential breeding grounds for bacteria and germs.
   A study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School found 2,000+ bacteria counts evident after just 48 hours on 48 percent of samples from CPAP masks they collected. By implementing a cleaning regimen, you’ll be reducing the risks of infection and disease. Your equipment will also smell and look better and be more effective, which will contribute to the longevity of use of your CPAP.

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What you need to clean your CPAP

• CPAP mask wipes or a damp cloth
• Warm water
• CPAP soap or dishwashing soap

If you opt for dishwashing soap, it is important to select a soap that is neither antibacterial or hydrating. The alcohol in an antibacterial soap will cause the cushion of your mask to dry out and break sooner than expected. Avoid hydrating soap as the hydrating agent in the soap will leave a greasy residue on your equipment. If you want to ensure that you are eliminating all bacteria in your mask or if you’re not cleaning your mask daily because of the inconvenience, we recommend the Lumin to sterilize your mask, water chamber.

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How and when to clean your CPAP and accessories

Daily

Wipe down your mask

Use soap and warm water to wipe down your mask, especially the cushion which comes in contact with your skin, and allow to air dry. This will remove any oily residue, sweat and dead skin cells. For faster cleaning, pre-moistened wipes made specifically for CPAP masks are available .

Rinse and refill your water chamber

Empty the chamber, rinse with tap water and allow to air dry. Then refill with distilled water right before bedtime. Do not allow water to sit in your chamber all day as it is a good environment for bacteria and mold to thrive.

Weekly

Wash your mask

Fill your sink with warm, soapy water and gently wash your mask, including the headgear. Ideally, this should be scheduled early in the morning to allow your equipment to air dry.

Wash your air hose

Fill your tube with warm, soapy water and gently swirl the liquid back and forth. Run clean water through to rinse, and hang to air dry. Special brushes exist to help with the scrubbing inside the air hose.

Wash and sanitize your water chamber

Gently scrub the inside with soapy water then properly rinse it. Next, pour in a mixture of one-part vinegar and two-parts water, let sit for 30 minutes, then properly rinse and air dry. This will sanitize and decalcify your water chamber.

Every 3 Months

Replace your filter

By replacing your filter, you limit the deposit of dust and impurities in the compressor of your CPAP. It is important to replace the air filter of your CPAP once every three months especially if you have allergies.

Annually

Replace the mask, air hose and water chamber

This recommendation is widely known so most insurance company cover a certain percentage of the cost. With the proper upkeep of your CPAP device, your CPAP will continue to work optimally, you will be breathing clean air and be able achieve your goal of better night’s sleep.

Free CPAP check-up

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Let us show you how!

The mask is arguably the most important piece of equipment in your CPAP therapy arsenal.

There are lots of CPAP machines on the market.

All have different features and advantages, but without a well-fitted mask all the technology in the world won’t help your sleep therapy. Not only can the wrong mask cause minor annoyance with air leaks or chafing, but it can seriously get in the way of the therapy you’ve gone to the trouble of seeking out. In extreme cases, an ill-fitting mask can prove so irritating that patients will simply give up and hang up their hose for good.

But don’t give up – whatever your size, pressure needs or sleeping style there’s a perfect mask for you – it’s just a question of wading into the options and finding the right fit.

So how do you know which mask is right for you? Here’s a breakdown of pros and cons for different mask styles that’ll help you figure it out.

• The classic – the nasal mask
• Pros and cons of Nasal masks
• Shop Nasal Masks
• The big guns – the full-face mask
• Pros and Cons of Full Face masks
• Shop Full Face Masks
• A spin on the original – under the nose masks
• Pros and Cons of Under the nose masks
• Shop Under the nose Masks
• Minimalist’s dream – the nasal pillow mask
• Pros and Cons of Nasal Pillow Masks
• Shop Nasal Pillow Masks
• Putting it all together

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The classic – the nasal mask

This is far and away the most common style of mask in use, so we might as well start with the classic. The nasal mask goes right to the source of snoring and sleep apnea, keeping your nasal passages open while you sleep by providing positive air pressure through a mask that covers your entire nose, but not your mouth. There are different makes and models, but all nasal masks are made of rigid plastic, held in place with adjustable headgear using some form of cushion to provide a comfortable, leak-free fit on your face.

• Shop all nasal masks

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Pros and cons of Nasal masks

PROS:

• Widely used, proven technology
• Easy, intuitive fit and adjustments
• Stays securely put even for more “active” sleepers

CONS:

• Some patients can find a larger mask claustrophobic
• Headgear attachments can impede line of sight
• Not suitable for chronic mouth-breathers or those with very high pressure requirements

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Shop Nasal Masks

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The big guns – the full-face mask

No matter what the name sounds like, full-face masks don’t actually cover your whole face. Though some may be turned off by their larger size, full face masks actually have a lot of advantages and don’t have to feel like they’re in the way.

Just a little larger than common nasal masks, the full-face versions cover your nose and also dip down over your mouth with an airtight seal. These bad boys will stay in place no matter how high your pressure needs are, have a lower chance of shifting when you move, and will provide continuous pressure even if you’re in the habit of opening your mouth when you sleep. They’re also the only style of mask that works when your nose is congested from a cold or allergies, meaning you continue to get the best sleep you can, just when you need it the most.

They work so well in fact that many who prefer smaller masks will keep a full-face version around as an insurance policy for nights when they’re under the weather.

• Shop all Full face masks

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Pros and Cons of Full Face masks

PROS:

• A workhorse that won’t let you down even if your apnea demands high pressure treatment
• Will always stay in place and works perfectly for mouth-breathing sleepers
• Keeps working at full efficiency even if your nose is completely blocked, helping you get over a cold faster

CONS:

• They are bulkier than other types of mask
• Those with claustrophobia may find them intimidating

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Shop Full Face Masks

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A spin on the original – under the nose masks

Under the nose masks are a relative newcomer to the field, and they aim to provide the same performance and comfort as the classic style but in a less cumbersome shape that allows more freedom and a clear line of sight.

Under the nose designs are available in nasal (covering the bottom of your nose but not your mouth) and full-face (covering mouth and nose) versions. These are technically much like their larger cousins, providing a seal around the nose alone or the mouth along with it, but in a smaller package that sits under the nose for a less bulky feel.

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Pros and Cons of Under the nose masks

PROS:

• A newer take on a proven design
• Clear line of sight and a more open feel
• No contact or chafing on the bridge of your nose

CONS:

• Can be more challenging to securely fit than classic nasal or full-face masks
• Some people who move a lot in their sleep may find them harder to keep in place

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Shop Under the nose Masks

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Minimalist’s dream – the nasal pillow mask

If you love the benefits of CPAP treatment, but can’t stand having a mask covering part of your face, a nasal pillow mask might be just the thing for you. The sleekest, most minimized design available, these masks have unobtrusive hose connections and deliver pressurized air through two little silicone pillows directly into your nostrils.

They leave your nose and mouth completely uncovered, and there are no straps or bars climbing into your field of view. There can be some challenges with these masks – the fit needs to be perfect or they can shift if you toss around at night, occasionally leading to discomfort from over-tightening of straps, and they may not always maintain a seal under extreme air pressure situations.

They can also occasionally irritate the nostrils for new users who aren’t used to them, but using a nasal lubricant makes adapting to the new style much easier. Those minor issues aside, those who are well suited to the freedom of a minimalist nasal pillow mask swear by them.

• Shop all nasal pillow masks

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Pros and Cons of Nasal Pillow Masks

PROS:

• Sleekest, least obtrusive design available
• Clear sight-lines
• Airy, open, almost not-even-there feel

CONS:

• Some patients can find it difficult to maintain a secure seal
• Care must be taken to avoid over-tightening adjustable straps
• Not suitable for chronic mouth-breathers or those with very high pressure requirements
• Can be irritating when you are not used to it, but with the help of a nasal lubricant, you may find it easier to adapt

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Shop Nasal Pillow Masks

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Putting it all together

This outline gives a good overview of the different types of mask available, and finding the right one for you can make all the difference. On top of the different basic types, many masks come with various cushion sizes to adapt to any shape of face, and all have adjustable headgear to fine tune the fit.

Everyone is different, and style considerations aside, the key is finding the mask that works best for you. With the right mask, you’ll get the most benefit possible from your CPAP therapy and find yourself better rested and healthier for it.

If you’re still unsure which style is best for you, speak with one of our expert respiratory therapists – they’ll be happy to assess you and walk you through the options to make sure you find the mask of your dreams.

• Contact us

While wearing a CPAP mask can dramatically change your life for the better, it can come with some unfortunate side effects to your skin: redness, rashes, sores and chafing are unsightly or even painful problems that sometimes go with the territory.

CPAP users, particularly those new to the treatment, can fall victim to air leaks and rubbing that cause skin irritation. Even seasoned veterans will tell you it can happen from time to time, especially to those with more sensitive skin.

Fortunately, there are easy ways to avoid these irritations and get on with enjoying better sleep.

Read on for some helpful tips…

• Size matters.
• Don’t go to sleep with an oily face.
• Avoid heavy moisturizing at bedtime.
• Keep your equipment clean.
• Time for a new mask?
• Shop CPAP masks
• We’re here to help!

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Size matters.

A mask that’s too big or too small can cause skin irritations.

If your mask is too tight, it’ll leave indents on your face. If it’s too loose, it can leak air – this makes your mask shift around and rub against your skin, sometimes causing pretty painful sores. Adjusting the tightness of the straps on your CPAP mask at home can help customize your fit.

If strap adjustment isn’t enough to fix the problem, you could try a new mask with a different fit. There are masks out there with minimalist designs and reduced contact points; good ones include the AirFit P10, the Swift Fx, the Brevida, the DreamWear, the AirFit N30i and the AirFit P30i.

If you need the coverage of a full face mask but your skin is sensitive, a good option is the Airtouch F20 – instead of silicone, it has an UltraSoft memory foam cushion that’s uniquely comfortable.

It can be tough to tell just which mask you need when you’re new at it – but Apnea Health will help you figure that out.

• Free CPAP check up

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Don’t go to sleep with an oily face.

Your face can get pretty oily in the course of a day.

Be sure to wash your face with soap and water before putting on your mask, because clean skin will prevent your cushion from sliding around. A mask that moves too much while you sleep will leave red chafing marks on your cheeks. If you can, it’s ideal to do your washing an hour before bed, to avoid transferring products to your mask.

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Avoid heavy moisturizing at bedtime.

If you need to moisturize your face, Aeromate moisturizer and mask sealer helps alleviate chafing. Its non-petroleum, aloe-based formula soothes sensitive skin while providing a seal around the mask.

If it’s the bridge of your nose that tends to get irritated, try putting a nasal pad under your mask. The Gecko Nasal Pad is a comfortable, soft strip that goes across the nose to reduce irritation and leaks.

• Shop CPAP comfort products

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Keep your equipment clean.

Cleaning your CPAP mask is important. It helps eliminate bacteria that can cause irritation or infection, and it’s actually easy to do – you can watch Jess’s video to learn best practices for CPAP cleaning.

You should avoid scented soaps, and never use alcohol, vinegar, bleach, or over-the-counter antibacterial agents for cleaning, because they’ll dry out your mask. Remember to think of the mask as delicate, like your skin, even if you’re a pretty tough person.

We recommend you clean your mask daily, and give your headgear a wash once a week.

We’ve put together useful cleaning kits to give your CPAP equipment the proper care:

If you want to be certain your mask is rid of bacteria, the Lumin is your answer. It uses UV light to kill 99.9% of all bacteria, viruses, and other agents that may cause skin infections.

Whichever means you decide to use, remember that maintenance and cleaning are critical ways to avoid skin issues.

• Need more detailed info on cleaning your CPAP?

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Time for a new mask?

If your mask used to fit perfectly, but lately not so much, there’s a good chance it’s time for a replacement. Mask materials wear with time, and just like your toothbrush, it’s important to replace them regularly.

Clear signs that it’s time for a new mask include cracking, dryness or stiffness on the mask or the cushion. Any yellow discolouration on the cushion also means it’s time to go. Generally, if you notice a lot of leaking that wasn’t there when the mask was new, you should probably look into replacement.

Did you know that most insurers cover 1-2 replacement masks a year? Apnea Health recommends replacing your mask, or at a minimum replacing the cushion, at least once every 9-12 months.

If you start to see signs of wear and tear, it’s important you get a new mask right away.

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Shop CPAP Masks

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If you’re having trouble with skin irritation or mask leaks, Apnea Health is here to help!