Key Takeaways

• Regularly cleaning your sleep apnea device helps keep it clean, supports your treatment, and helps your equipment work properly.

• Follow the cleaning instructions for your specific device, since CPAP machines, oral appliances, and other sleep apnea devices have different care needs.

• Regular cleaning is an important part of CPAP. If you're having difficulty keeping up with the recommended cleaning routine, talk with your doctor.

• Watch for signs that your equipment may need to be replaced, such as damage, poor fit, or changes in how it works.

• If your current sleep apnea treatment is difficult to manage, your doctor can help you explore options that fit your lifestyle and needs.

Why is regular cleaning essential for your sleep apnea device? Keeping your sleep apnea device(s) clean can help protect your health and keep your equipment working properly. Typically, cleaning your sleep apnea device involves regularly washing the parts that come into contact with your body and deep cleaning other components, such as tubing, filters or other removable parts.

It’s a lot like why it’s recommended to clean your dirty dishes and clothes regularly. If you don’t, germs like bacteria and viruses can build up over time.

With sleep apnea devices like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) equipment and oral appliances, these germs can come from you—your hands, mouth, nose or breath—as well as from your environment. Dust, mold and other particles are naturally found in the air and on surfaces we interact with every day.

Dust and other buildup can also collect in your equipment, like your CPAP mask and hose or the nooks and crannies of your custom-made dental appliance, and may affect how well they work.

In other words, cleaning your sleep apnea equipment regularly is an important way to help protect your health and support your treatment. Because devices vary, the best sleep apnea device maintenance routine depends on the type of device you use and the instructions from your doctor or manufacturer.

How to Clean a CPAP Machine (Mask, Tubing & Humidifier)

CPAP machines use air pressure to help keep your airway open while you sleep. The machine connects to a mask that you wear at night. Learning how to clean a CPAP machine can help you keep your equipment clean and working properly.¹ Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual, since cleaning recommendations vary for different makes and models.

Generally, cleaning and maintenance includes:

• Wiping down the equipment regularly to remove dirt, dust and other debris that may build up over time.

• Detaching the mask and tubing and cleaning them with mild soap and water or according to the manufacturer’s instructions at least weekly.

• Changing the water in the humidifier each day and replacing the filters according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Finding a CPAP Cleaning Routine That Works for You

Understandably, the CPAP cleaning routine can feel like a lot—especially when you're juggling a busy lifestyle. In fact, the time and effort required for regular cleaning and maintenance is one of the reasons many people stop using their CPAP machine.²

With this in mind, if you’re one of the many CPAP users who find cleaning and maintenance difficult to keep up with, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to help you find an approach that better fits your lifestyle and needs. They can also discuss other treatment options, if CPAP is not the right fit for you.

CPAP ‘Cleaning’ Machines: Do You Need One?

The short answer is no—you don’t need a CPAP cleaning machine. Unfortunately, there isn’t a quick fix that replaces regular cleaning.

Some companies market products as sleep apnea cleaning devices or CPAP sanitizers. Researchers are still evaluating whether these sleep apnea cleaning devices safely and effectively clean CPAP equipment.³ The FDA has not cleared or approved these devices as a replacement for the regular cleaning methods recommended by CPAP manufacturers. FDA review helps ensure medical devices meet certain safety and regulatory requirements.

Some of these devices use ozone gas to reduce germs. The FDA has received reports of headaches, asthma attacks and trouble breathing after people used certain ozone-based CPAP cleaning devices.⁴ So far, the FDA has authorized only one device to reduce bacteria after regular cleaning—not instead of it.⁵

How to Clean Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea

Oral appliances are custom-made or over-the-counter devices worn in your mouth during sleep. They help keep the airway open by moving the jaw or tongue into a position that reduces blockage. Common types include mandibular advancement devices

(MADs), which move the lower jaw forward, and tongue-stabilizing devices (TSDs), which hold the tongue in a forward position.

Typically, it’s recommended to rinse your device before and after each use, gently brush it each day with a soft toothbrush, and air dry it completely to help keep it clean and reduce buildup. That said, recommended cleaning practices vary based on the type of device and the person using it. Follow your doctor or dentist’s guidance on how to keep your dental device clean.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Device or Components

Over time, your sleep apnea equipment can wear out, become less comfortable or not work as well as it should.

CPAP

In some cases, if your CPAP machine isn’t working properly, you may not need to replace it. Your doctor may be able to adjust your settings or your equipment supplier may be able to help troubleshoot the issue.

In other cases, equipment may need to be replaced, such as if the machine stops working, you notice changes in how your machine delivers air, you hear new noises coming from the machine or the humidifier is no longer working properly.

Other signs that a part may need to be replaced include visible damage, such as cracks or tears, tubing that is worn or damaged, mask leaks that continue even after adjusting the fit, or parts that no longer fit properly. For example, a cracked hose or worn mask can affect your comfort and how well your treatment works.

If everything seems to be working fine, refer to your CPAP owner’s manual for guidance on how often to replace accessories, parts and the machine itself. Replacement timelines can vary depending on your device and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand what is or isn’t covered and how often you may be able to replace certain parts. Some insurance plans may require a doctor’s referral to replace the entire system.

Oral devices

For oral appliances, visible wear, cracks, or changes in fit may be a sign that it’s time to check with your dentist or doctor.

The timing for replacement can vary greatly depending on the type of device and how it is used. For example, over-the-counter oral devices may need to be replaced more often, while custom-made oral appliances, like MADs, may last several years before needing replacement.

If you’re not sure whether something needs to be replaced, check with your doctor or equipment supplier. They can help you figure out what your equipment needs.

Traveling With Your Sleep Apnea Device: Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Traveling with a sleep apnea device may require some extra planning to keep up with your usual sleep apnea device maintenance routine. Whether you use CPAP or an oral appliance, bringing the right supplies and following your regular care routine can help you stay comfortable and continue using your treatment while you’re away.

Cleaning your CPAP while traveling

If you use CPAP, bring the cleaning supplies you normally use at home, along with any replacement supplies you may need during your trip. Keeping your mask, tubing, and other equipment clean can help you stay comfortable and continue using your treatment as directed.

It’s also a good idea to keep your CPAP machine and supplies in your carry-on bag when traveling. This can help ensure your equipment is available if your checked luggage is delayed or lost and may help reduce the risk of damage during travel. A protective case can also help keep your CPAP machine clean and protected while it is being stored, handled, or transported.

(Read more about Traveling with CPAP.)

Caring for oral appliances while traveling

If you use an oral appliance, such as a MAD or TSD, bring your protective case and cleaning supplies with you. Following your usual cleaning routine while traveling can help keep your device clean and ready to use.

Having trouble keeping up with your sleep apnea treatment?

If cleaning, maintenance or using your sleep apnea device has become difficult to manage, talk with your doctor. They can help you explore your options and find an approach that fits your lifestyle and needs.

If CPAP doesn’t work for you, Inspire® therapy is a long-term, mask-free⁶ solution. The only daily maintenance required with Inspire therapy is turning on the therapy with a small handheld remote. It is designed to fit your lifestyle—not the other way around. Learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I clean a CPAP machine, mask and tubing?
   Cleaning recommendations can vary depending on your CPAP machine, mask, tubing and the manufacturer’s instructions. In general, cleaning your equipment regularly can help remove germs, dust and other buildup that collects over time while helping keep your equipment working properly.

2. What can I use to clean my CPAP equipment?
   Many CPAP parts can be cleaned with mild soap and water, but it’s important to follow the instructions for your specific device. Keeping your equipment clean can help reduce buildup and support your treatment.

3. Do I need a CPAP cleaning machine?
   No. You don’t need a CPAP cleaning machine to care for your equipment. While these products are marketed as a way to clean or sanitize CPAP parts, they have not been shown to replace the regular cleaning methods recommended by CPAP manufacturers.

4. How do I clean an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
   Cleaning recommendations vary depending on the type of oral appliance you use. In general, rinsing your device, gently brushing it and allowing it to air dry completely can help keep it clean and reduce buildup. Follow your dentist or doctor’s guidance for your specific device.

5. When should I replace my sleep apnea equipment?
   Over time, your sleep apnea equipment can wear out, become less comfortable or not work as well as it should. Cracks, tears, poor fit, ongoing mask leaks or changes in how your device works may be signs that something needs to be replaced. Follow the replacement guidance from your equipment manufacturer and check with your doctor or equipment supplier if you’re unsure.

6. What happens if I don’t clean my sleep apnea device regularly?
   Dirt, dust and other buildup can collect in your equipment over time and may affect your comfort, your treatment and how well your device works. While research has not clearly shown that poor CPAP cleaning causes infections, regular cleaning is still an important part of caring for your device and supporting your health.