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How to Clean a CPAP Humidifier That Is Growing Mold

Cricket Webber

A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine provides its users with a steady volume of air that keeps their airways open while they sleep. Those who suffer from sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing conditions that can cause you to stop breathing benefit from using a CPAP machine.

Maintaining your CPAP machine properly is essential to keep it operating effectively. Your doctor will show you how to clean your CPAP equipment properly when you receive your machine. If your machine starts to show signs of mold growth, you need to remove it as quickly as possible. Mold can cause serious health problems, particularly in the respiratory system, so inspect your CPAP machine regularly for mold growth.

Tip

Always use plain distilled water in your CPAP machine to prevent mold from forming. Detach the humidifier from your CPAP machine each morning to allow it to dry out. Remove and hang your mask and tubing to allow them to dry out each day as well. Clean your CPAP machine, tubing and mask regularly to help prevent mold growth.

Warning

Mold can cause respiratory illnesses; keep your CPAP equipment properly maintained to prevent mold growth.

  1. Remove the tubing, mask and humidifier from the CPAP machine.

  2. Soak the tubing and the mask for at least 30 minutes in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water.

  3. Clean the humidifier with undiluted white vinegar and a soft cloth while the tubing and mask soak. Make sure you get the vinegar into all corners of the humidifier. If you cannot remove the mold completely, you need to replace the humidifier.

  4. Rinse the humidifier with fresh distilled water and allow it to air dry completely.

  5. Examine the tubing and mask to be sure there is no mold inside either. If you cannot remove all of the mold, you have to replace them. Rinse the tubing and mask with fresh distilled water and allow them to air dry.

The Drip Cap

  • A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine provides its users with a steady volume of air that keeps their airways open while they sleep.
  • Those who suffer from sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing conditions that can cause you to stop breathing benefit from using a CPAP machine.
  • If you cannot remove the mold completely, you need to replace the humidifier.
  • Rinse the tubing and mask with fresh distilled water and allow them to air dry.