CPAP Filters

CPAP filters are designed to remove dust, mold, and other impurities from the air you breathe as part of your CPAP therapy. There are 3 main types of filters available for CPAP machines: reusable filters, disposable filters, and bacteria filters. Most machines will use both reusable and disposable filters. For CPAP therapy, bacteria filters are optional.

Find all compatible CPAP filters by popular machines using our part finder:

• ResMed AirSense 10 Replacement Parts
• ResMed AirSense 11 Replacement Parts
• ResMed S9 Parts List & Accessories
• ResMed AirMini Parts List
• Philips Respironics DreamStation Parts List
• DreamStation Go Replacement Parts
• Luna 2 CPAP Replacement Parts
• Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Parts List

CPAP filters have varying lifespans and should be changed according to the following replacement schedule:

• Disposable Filters: Should be replaced every 4 weeks or sooner if the filter begins to get discolored.
• Reusable Filters: Should be replaced every 6 months or sooner if the foam begins to degrade.
• Bacteria Filters: They're disposable and should be replaced every 30 days or discarded sooner if the filter begins to look discolored.

Typically made of fine mesh paper, disposable CPAP filters are a very common type of filter. Like the air filter in your home or car, they are designed to improve the quality of the air you breathe and keep harmful toxins out of your body. A disposable filter is exactly what the name sounds like: it should be disposed of and replaced when the filter begins to look discolored, or after a certain period of time. Each machine uses a disposable filter of a slightly different style, so in order to find the right filter for your machine, you'll need to shop by make, model, and brand. CPAP.com has a handy replacement part finder that can help you find the right replacement parts for your specific machine.

Reusable Filters are made of foam and can be cleaned and reused. Reusable filters aren't substitutes for disposable filters since some CPAP machines are designed to use a specific type of filter. Some CPAP machines are able to use both reusable and disposable filters like the DreamStation. Reusable filters should be replaced every 6 months, or sooner if the foam degrades to the point that it starts to break down.

A bacteria filter is self-contained inside a hard plastic bubble and is placed at the end of the hose, in-between the hose and the mask. If you're not using a heated hose, the bacteria filter can go in between the machine air outlet and the hose as well. A bacteria filter removes the smallest irritants and microbes that can still be in your air after running through two different sets of filters. It's disposable and can be discarded and replaced when the filter begins to show signs of discoloration. Bacteria filters are completely optional in CPAP treatment, but many people use them to make sure that the air they're breathing is of the highest quality.

Reusable CPAP filters are the only type of filters that should be cleaned. It is recommend to clean filters once a week. 

1. Place the filter, upside down, under warm water to remove debris 
2. Gently shake remaining debris off and squeeze out excess water
3. Blot down the filter with a dry towel and  let the filter dry away from direct sunlight

Depending on the manufacturer, instructions may be slightly different. Be sure to check the 'important tips' section of our product pages for specific cleaning instructions.