Best CPAP Cleaners

Key Takeaways

• Gentle soap and warm water are the safest and most effective way to clean CPAP masks, tubing, and accessories.
• CPAP cleaning machines that use ozone gas or ultraviolet (UV) light are not FDA-approved and may pose health and equipment risks.
• CPAP wipes can be useful for quick daily cleanup, but they should be used alongside—not instead of—regular washing with soap and water.
• Check your machine’s manual for model-specific cleaning recommendations to ensure safe and effective maintenance of your CPAP therapy.

Types of CPAP Cleaners

CPAP cleaners come in a variety of forms, ranging from simple cleaning supplies to automated devices designed to disinfect equipment. Understanding the different types of CPAP cleaners and how they’re intended to be used can help you decide which options are useful for your routine and which may not be necessary or recommended.

CPAP Wipes

What they are: CPAP wipes are disposable towelettes saturated with cleaning solution. They’re meant to be used on CPAP masks and other accessories to remove dirt, oil, and other contaminants that may build up after use.

Do they work? Yes, but CPAP wipes are designed for supplemental cleaning and aren't intended to replace a regular cleaning regimen using soap and water. It's important to only use wipes that are specific to CPAP machines, as other cleaning wipes may contain harsh chemicals that could be dangerous to inhale and may degrade your equipment.

UV Light Cleaners

What they are: A UV light CPAP cleaning machine is a device that uses ultraviolet light to kill or reduce bacteria and other microorganisms on CPAP masks, tubing, or accessories. 

Do they work? While UV light can reduce some surface microorganisms, UV CPAP cleaners haven’t been shown to reliably disinfect all CPAP components, especially internal air pathways. Additionally, they are not FDA-approved, as there isn’t sufficient evidence that they safely and consistently clean CPAP equipment as intended. And using a UV light cleaner may void CPAP machine warranties, depending on the manufacturer.

Ozone Cleaners

What they are: An ozone CPAP cleaner is a device that uses ozone gas to circulate through CPAP masks, tubing, and machines with the goal of killing bacteria and other microorganisms.

Do they work? While ozone gas can kill certain microorganisms, the FDA has received reports from users of ozone cleaners that cite unanticipated health issues after use, including headaches and loss of breath, as residual ozone can irritate the lungs. Some manufacturers also warn that using ozone cleaners can damage CPAP machines or void warranties.

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What Is the Best Way to Clean a CPAP Machine?

Despite the abundance of CPAP cleaning devices, solutions, and wipes available, it’s best to use gentle soap and warm water to clean CPAP masks, tubing, and other accessories. Always check your CPAP machine’s manual for cleaning recommendations, as there may be procedures specific to your model to keep in mind.

What You’ll Need

While you may want to purchase a cleaning brush for CPAP hosing, most of the items needed to clean CPAP equipment are readily available around the house:

• Sink or tub
• Warm potable water
• Mild soap
• Sponge or soft cleaning brush
• White vinegar (for humidifiers)
• Soft towel
• Place to dry

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Unplug the CPAP machine from the electrical outlet.
2. Detach the tube and face mask. Disassemble the mask into its component parts, including mask cushion and headgear.
3. Fill a sink or tub with warm, potable water and mix in a small amount of mild soap.
4. Submerge the mask parts and tube in the water and allow them to soak for a few minutes.
5. Use a sponge or soft clearing brush to wash the inside and outside of each component. You may need a long, thin, flexible brush to clean the inside of the tube.
6. Thoroughly rinse the components, removing all soap.
7. Air dry on a towel. Consider hanging the hose to speed the drying process.

CPAP Cleaning Tips

• If your CPAP machine includes a humidifier, check the device’s instructions for cleaning the water chamber. While some manufacturers suggest washing it with soap and water, others recommend using diluted white vinegar.
• To clean the humidifier tank using vinegar, soak it in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and potable water for 30 minutes. Then thoroughly rinse the water chamber with warm water and air dry.
• Never submerge the machine itself. When needed, use a soft cloth to remove dust or dirt.

How Often Should You Clean Your CPAP Equipment?

Properly cleaning your CPAP equipment on a regular basis prevents dirt, oils, residue, germs, and other impurities from building up and potentially causing serious health issues.

• Daily: Wipe down your mask cushion or nasal pillows to remove facial oils and residue that can affect the seal.
• Weekly: Wash your mask, tubing, and humidifier chamber with mild soap and warm water, then allow them to air dry completely.
• Regularly: Inspect all CPAP components for signs of wear, damage, or lingering odors, and replace parts as recommended to maintain effective therapy.