CPAP Maintenance & Cleaning FAQs

The only routine care a PAP machine requires is regular cleaning or replacement of the air intake filters. This is important to keep the internal parts from accumulating particulates. Disposable filters should be checked at least every other week and generally replaced every 2-4 weeks or when they appear dirty. The non-disposable filter may be rinsed with clear running water if they appear dirty, and reinserted into the machine after ample time to air dry. Non-disposable filters should be replaced every six months.

Keep the area around your machine clean. Remove any dust from around the machine to improve the air quality delivered to your machine. Keep the air intake of the machine unblocked. Curtains, bedding, and papers can easily block the air intake of your machine, reducing the airflow and increasing work on the blower motor.

Manufacturer warranties are voided by water damage to the machine. To avoid this, remove the chamber from the humidifier and then remove the humidifier from the machine rather than transporting them together. If a humidifier is used you should empty the water from the chamber every morning. Accidents happen. If a family pet or family member moves the machine and humidifier with water in the chamber it is more likely that water could be spilled into your machine.

Cushions should be washed daily with warm water or with gentle cleaning products like PAP specific cleaning products/wipes and left to air dry. Antibacterial soap is not recommended as it will break down the silicone cushion. Avoid soaps that include lotion which can coat  the mask and cause it to lose its seal. Going to bed with a freshly washed face may also help improve your seal and protect the lifespan of your mask. The best time to clean your mask is in the morning after use. This removes the oils left behind from your skin which can reduce the lifespan of your mask. For busy mornings we recommend using PAP mask wipes to make daily morning cleaning easy.

That’s a great question. First of all it’s important to distinguish when you need to replace your supplies and when you are eligible to receive coverage through your insurance provider. You may be eligible to receive coverage for certain supplies during specific periods of time. The supplies are generally subject to your deductible and coinsurance. Being eligible for supplies does not mean that your insurance will cover the cost of any or all of the supplies. A standard insurance replacement schedule is shown below:

Every month:
(1) full face mask cushion
(2) nasal mask cushions
(2) disposable filters

Every 3 months:
(1) full face or nasal mask (this does not include the headgear)
(1) heated tube

Every 6 months:
(1) headgear
(1) non-disposable filter

You may be eligible for replacement supplies but you are certainly not required to purchase any supplies. Good indications that it’s time to replace your supplies are when the mask cushion deteriorates and becomes too soft to seal effectively or when the headgear straps lose elasticity and must be tightened more and more to get the same quality seal. We strongly suggest replacing cushions and pillows as soon as they start to soften. Air leaks may reduce the effectiveness of CPAP therapy and headgear that is too tight may cause facial sores at pressure points.