Machine Pro Tips
Daily Cleaning Routine
In terms of daily maintenance, your CPAP machine doesn’t need much. Simply empty your water chamber, rinse your tubing, then leave them both to air dry out of direct sunlight.
You'll also want to wash your mask cushion daily, or wipe it down with some CPAP cleaning wipes.
We recommend hanging your tube in the shower to drip dry, or using a dedicated hose hanger.
Weekly Deep Clean
Once a week, you’ll also want to soak your water chamber and tubing in warm, soapy water or a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3-4 parts water. You'll also want to soak your mask frame, headgear, and cushion while you're at it.
Leave equipment to dry out of direct sunlight or invest in a Hurricane Equipment Dryer.
CPAP Desensitization
Getting used to CPAP happens at different rates for different people. We recommend 'practicing' with CPAP during the day. Whether that's napping, wearing your mask while working from home, or simply lounging with your mask on watching TV or reading a book, all of these activities can help train your brain to adjust to CPAP faster.
Filter Replacement
Every machine is different, so be sure to consult your user manual to determine how often your air filter should be replaced. Some machines need monthly filter changes, while others only need a new filter every 6 months.
Comfort Features
Get familiar with how to access and change comfort features on your machine such as Ramp and pressure relief:
- Pressure relief can help breathing feel more natural by reducing pressure during inhalation.
- Ramp starts you at a lower pressure that's easier to fall asleep to before raising to your prescribed setting.
Comfort features can be very helpful for some people and detrimental to others, so it’s good to experiment with small changes if something isn’t working for you.
Humidifier Maintenance
Only use distilled water in your humidifier to prevent mineral buildup. Empty and dry the water chamber daily.
Hose Management
Use a CPAP hose holder or hanger to keep your hose elevated, limiting hose tangling and condensation buildup.
Power Backup
Invest in a CPAP backup battery to ensure uninterrupted therapy during power outages or while traveling.
Moisture Control
If you experience rainout (water condensation in the tubing), try a heated hose or insulated tube wrap to minimize moisture buildup.
Sleep Position
Experiment with different sleeping positions to find the most comfortable one that minimizes mask leaks and pressure points.
Side sleeping is typically the best position to prevent apnea events.
Communication with Healthcare Providers
Regularly update your doctor on your CPAP usage and any issues you encounter to ensure your therapy remains effective.
Optional Accessories
There are a handful of accessories that may make CPAP therapy easier or more convenient whether you're new or experienced with CPAP, such as:
- VCOM: Placed between your mask and hose, VCOM is an accessory that smoothes out turbulent air flow to make CPAP pressure more tolerable.
- A rubber mat or towel under your CPAP can slightly reduce noise while also catching small spills that may happen while filling or inserting your water chamber.
- Heated tubing or an insulated tube wrap can help reduce or eliminate water build up in your tubing.
- A UV sanitizer like the Lumin or Paptizer can give added peace of mind and make maintenance easier.
Find even more in-depth guides and reviews on the cpap.com blog, or reach out to our CPAP Guides for more personal recommendations.