Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a widely used treatment for sleep apnea, delivering pressurized air to keep airways open during sleep. Many CPAP machines include a heated humidifier, which relies on a removable water tank to add moisture to the pressurized air. This humidification is important for user comfort, helping to prevent the drying of nasal passages and throat. Regular cleaning of this water tank ensures both hygiene and the proper function of the machine. Failing to clean the tank allows for the buildup of mineral deposits and creates a moist environment where microbes can thrive.
Preparing the Tank and Supplies
Before beginning the cleaning process, you must gather a few supplies. You will need white distilled vinegar, which is a mild acid effective for dissolving mineral scale, and distilled water for rinsing. A clean sink or basin is required for the washing and soaking steps, along with a soft cleaning tool, such as a bottle brush or a non-abrasive cloth, to reach all the interior surfaces.
The first step in preparation is to fully disconnect your CPAP machine from its power source for safety. Carefully detach the water tank from the main CPAP unit. Most humidifier chambers are designed to be disassembled, allowing you to separate the water reservoir from its housing or heating plate. Taking the tank apart ensures that the cleaning solution can reach every surface, including small crevices where residue often accumulates.
Step-by-Step Vinegar Cleaning Procedure
Once the tank is disassembled, prepare the cleaning solution by mixing one part white distilled vinegar with four parts distilled water. This dilution creates a mild acetic acid solution, which is strong enough to chemically break down the alkaline mineral deposits left behind by water evaporation.
Pour the entire volume of the prepared vinegar solution directly into the water tank chamber, ensuring all interior surfaces are submerged. Gently swirl the solution inside the tank to coat the walls, and then allow the chamber to soak for approximately 30 minutes. This soaking time gives the acetic acid adequate time to react with and loosen stubborn calcium and limescale deposits. After soaking, use your soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the interior walls, paying close attention to corners and any visible residue lines.
The brush helps dislodge any final mineral fragments that the acid solution has softened. Once the interior appears clean and free of deposits, carefully pour out the used vinegar solution.
Essential Rinsing and Drying Steps
Rinsing is important after cleaning, serving to remove all traces of the vinegar solution and the dissolved mineral residue. Empty the tank and then fill it completely with distilled water. Swirl this water around and pour it out, repeating this rinse cycle at least twice to ensure the removal of any lingering vinegar odor.
Any residual acetic acid left in the chamber could potentially irritate the sensitive membranes of the respiratory system when aerosolized by the CPAP machine. After the final rinse, the chamber must be allowed to air-dry completely before reassembling and reconnecting it to the CPAP unit.
Place the components on a clean towel or drying rack. Allowing the tank to dry fully is a protection measure against the growth of mold or mildew. Reassemble the tank only when it is thoroughly dry and refill it with fresh distilled water immediately before the next use.
Frequency and Cleaning Warnings
The CPAP water tank requires regular attention to maintain optimal hygiene and machine performance. It is recommended that you empty any unused water from the tank daily and wipe it down, replacing it with fresh distilled water each time. A deeper cleaning, such as the vinegar soak procedure, should be performed at least once a week to prevent the long-term accumulation of mineral scale and microbial growth.
You must only use distilled water in the CPAP machine during therapy, as the mineral-free composition prevents the formation of the scale that requires the vinegar cleaning. Never introduce harsh chemical cleaners, bleach, alcohol, or scented soaps into the tank, as these substances can damage the plastic or release toxic fumes that are then inhaled. Avoid using abrasive sponges or scouring pads, which could scratch the tank’s surface and create microscopic crevices where bacteria can hide and multiply.