How to Clean Your CPAP Mask, Step by Step
A clean mask matters for comfortable therapy, for your general health, and for how long your equipment lasts. Here's how to clean the cushion, headgear, tubing and humidifier properly.
In this guide
Step-by-step mask cleaning
Disassemble the mask before you start — this matters most for a thorough clean of the cushion and elbow.
Detach the headgear
Gently unclip the headgear from the mask frame.
Wash the headgear
Hand-wash under warm water with a small amount of mild, fragrance-free soap.
Let it dry fully
Rinse and leave to air-dry completely before reattaching — ideally with a full day to dry, out of direct sunlight.
Clean the cushion
Wash with warm water, mild soap and your fingers or a CPAP wipe. Rinse out any residue from inside the cushion.
Wipe the frame
Wipe down the hard plastic surfaces of the mask with a CPAP wipe or a damp cloth.
Air dry before use
Let every part dry fully before reassembling — dampness inside the mask can encourage bacteria and mould growth.
Even with proper care, mask cushions typically need replacing every 1–3 months, with headgear and frames lasting longer. Follow your specific mask's user guide for exact intervals — they vary by model.
What to clean each part with
Cleaning guidance varies slightly by manufacturer and mask model, so always check your mask's user guide. As a general reference:
| Mask & cushion | Tubing | Humidifier tub | Filters | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild soap & water | Yes — daily | Yes — weekly | Yes — daily rinse | Rinse only if reusable* |
| Diluted white vinegar | Occasional use only** | Yes — weekly deep clean | Yes — weekly (per ResMed guidance) | No |
| Bleach / alcohol / scented soap | No | No | No | No |
*Disposable filters can't be washed and should be replaced, not cleaned. **Vinegar is mildly acidic and can dry out silicone with frequent use — many users reserve it for tubing and the humidifier tub rather than the mask cushion. Check your model's guide before using it on the cushion.
Mild soap and warm water
For most parts, mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water is the cleaning method manufacturers recommend most consistently. Avoid soaps with added fragrance, oils, or antibacterial agents — these can leave a residue on silicone and, over time, cause skin irritation.
Why "mild" matters
Stronger detergents and antibacterial soaps carry a higher pH and can degrade silicone parts faster than a gentle, fragrance-free soap.
Non-toxic and odourless
A mild soap won't leave a scent or residue that you'd otherwise breathe in once the mask is back on your face.
Using vinegar safely
Diluted white vinegar is a widely used option for the weekly deep clean of tubing and the humidifier tub — for example, a solution of roughly one part vinegar to several parts water, soaked for 15–30 minutes and rinsed thoroughly afterwards.
On the mask cushion specifically, guidance is mixed: vinegar is mildly acidic and can dry out silicone with repeated exposure, so many manufacturers and CPAP suppliers reserve it for tubing and the humidifier rather than the cushion itself. If you do use it on the cushion, dilute it well, rinse thoroughly, and check your mask's user guide first.
Towels, wipes, and cleaning when you're sick
When soap and water aren't quite enough for oil spots or built-up residue, a CPAP wipe or a microfibre towel works well — microfibre helps avoid lint particles ending up in the mask or tubing.
If you've been unwell, especially with a respiratory infection, wash the mask, tubing, filter and humidifier tub more frequently than usual during and just after your illness.
When to clean vs. when to replace
Regular cleaning extends the life of your equipment, but it doesn't replace scheduled part changes. Replace a mask or part sooner than planned if you notice:
- Tears, cracks or other visible damage on the cushion or frame
- Stiffening, discolouration or loss of the cushion's seal against your skin
- Holes, blocked vents, or a headgear that's lost its elasticity
Structural damage can't be repaired — replace the affected part as soon as you notice it, since a poor seal reduces how effectively the mask delivers your prescribed pressure.
CPAP cleaning machines
Manual cleaning removes surface dirt and oils but may not fully sanitise deeper inside the mask and hose. Dedicated cleaning devices are a popular add-on for this reason — though they don't replace regular soap-and-water cleaning.
UV-C sanitisers
The 3B Lumin CPAP Cleaner uses UV-C light rather than ozone, with a cycle of around five minutes.
Ozone-based devices
Devices using ozone or "activated oxygen" (such as SoClean) are not tested or approved by ResMed for use with their equipment, and any resulting discolouration or degradation is typically excluded from the manufacturer's warranty.
Pro tips and things to avoid
- Build mask cleaning into your morning routine — it's quick and it protects both your therapy and your equipment.
- Keep your CPAP machine and mask out of direct sunlight, which can degrade silicone and plastic over time.
- Set a reminder for scheduled part replacement based on your mask's user guide.
Don't use:
- Bleach or chlorine-based cleaners
- Rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based wipes
- Scented, moisturising or antibacterial soaps
- Vinegar mixed with bleach — this combination produces toxic chlorine gas
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my CPAP mask?
Wipe the cushion and wash the headgear daily to weekly is typical practice, with a deeper clean of the tubing and humidifier tub weekly. Check your specific model's user guide for its recommended schedule.
Can I use vinegar on the mask cushion?
Guidance is mixed — vinegar is mildly acidic and can dry out silicone with frequent use, so many suppliers recommend keeping it for tubing and the humidifier tub rather than the cushion. If in doubt, mild soap and water is the safer daily choice for the cushion.
Are ozone-based cleaning machines safe to use?
Ozone and "activated oxygen" devices aren't tested or approved by ResMed, and using them can affect your equipment's warranty coverage. UV-C sanitisers are a manufacturer-neutral alternative some users prefer instead.
How long does a CPAP mask actually last?
Even with regular care, most masks need replacing after roughly a year, and cushions sooner — typically every 1–3 months. Exact intervals depend on the model, so check your user guide.
Please note: this guide is for general information and isn't medical advice. Cleaning recommendations vary by mask model and manufacturer — always follow the instructions in your mask's user guide, and speak to your sleep specialist or equipment provider if you notice persistent skin irritation, leaks, or signs of illness linked to your therapy.
