Once you have been evaluated for sleep apnea and received a prescription for your very first CPAP machine, you'll be happy to hear your new device requires only a little care to keep it in tip-top shape. Keep it clean and it will last for several years.

CPAP Masks

As you breathe you are creating a warm, moist environment inside your CPAP mask. This is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria so the mask should be washed with soap and water regularly.

Every morning immerse the mask in a sink of warm water with a little dish soap. Don't bother with antibacterial soap. Normal, inexpensive dish soap is all you need. Let the CPAP mask soak for several minutes, rinse it thoroughly then hang it dry. It is best to do this in the morning so the mask will be dry by the time you put it on that night.

Ideally you should wash the mask every day. It takes only a couple of minutes of your time and protects you against disease. Skipping a day now and then is fine, but you should wash the mask at least three times a week.

CPAP Tubing

Tubing is used as part of the necessary accessories in CPAP therapy. It connects to one end of the CPAP machine and the other end to the CPAP mask. It is thru this setup that the air flows to keep the air passageway open while a person sleeps.

Tubing comes in various lengths – 2 ft., 4 ft., 6 ft. and 8 and 10 ft. The most common designed tubing is called smooth bor. It is smooth on the inside, reducing the friction of air passing through and reduces buildup of mold and bacteria.

The largest problem with tubing isn’t bacteria but mold. If you use a CPAP humidifier you will get a buildup of moisture and mold inside the tubing. During the night you breathe in the mold spores which can be detrimental to your health. With clear tubing you may see the mold as small black spots but it is there even when it is too small to see.

Rather than washing, the best solution is to replace the tubing every few months. Medicare allows tubing replacements as often as one every 90 days and most insurance companies follow a similar schedule.

CPAP Filters

Cleaning the filter is important because it builds up dust. Without regular cleaning, the filters get clogged and sleep apnea machines have to work harder to keep the same airflow. This puts extra strain on the motor and leads to early demise of the device. It also lessens the quality of the air you are intaking.

Most CPAP machines come with two filters. One is disposable and should be inspected monthly and replaced as it becomes dirty. The other filter is washable and reusable. It should be removed weekly and rinsed with tap water. Washing is not necessary as you just need to rinse the dust off. Allow it to air dry thoroughly before replacing it in the machine to avoid introducing humidity into the device. The reusable filter should be replaced about once a year.