CPAP-Reviews

• Before applying the mask, wash the area around the nose with Sunlight dish soap and water.  Any other mild soap like Ivory or Joy is ok, don’t use detergents that leave a residue.
• When using CPAP, avoid applying oil, oil products or cream moisturizers in or around your nose.
• Keep hydrated by drinking a lot of fluids through out the day.
• The air from the CPAP machine may cause dryness in the nostrils, if this occurs, use saline spray once in the morning and once at night before bed.

• Once a week, wash the headgear, mask, tubing and sponge filters with water and a few drops of mild soap.
• Try not to over tighten the headgear because it may result in nose sores or irritated skin around the nose.
• Remember that it might take a while to get used to the CPAP machine.  It can be awkward and uncomfortable for months, but stick with it and over time you’ll feel the benefits of using CPAP.

You should be using your CPAP machine (and mask) daily to treat your sleep apnea therefore you must keep your equipment clean for optimal performance. It is highly recommended to clean your mask CPAP daily however this can become burdensome. Masks with removable parts makes for easy daily cleaning. Currently I’m using the Fisher & Paykel Flexifit 405 mask for several reasons:

1. The silicone seal (the part that makes contact with your face around your nose) is removable
2. The forehead pads are removable
3. The foam diffusers are easily replaceable and it comes with 3-4 extras
4. The glider strap makes this mask very comfortable because you can turn your head and the mask follows

As for daily maintenance, the minimum I’ll do is clean the silicone seal with Joy dishwasher detergent (I never needed to use any type of specialized CPAP cleaner or solution). Since I’m on my 2nd mask, I have 2 seals that I can rotate daily so I only have to do this cleaning every other day.

Although the forehead pads contact my face daily, I only clean them about once every couple of weeks. They slide in and out easily.

I wash the entire mask about once per month. They recommend that you wash it every week, but I don’t have the time.

Switching out the diffuser/filter every month or so is also highly recommended. I noticed that after I saw visible dirt or dust in the diffuser it became more difficult to exhale even though I have C-Flex on my CPAP machine. After switching out the diffuser with a new one I could immediately tell the difference.

Make sure you also clean or replace your CPAP machine filter once every week or so. Keeping your CPAP equipment nice and clean will extend the life of your expensive equipment!