CPAP Water Tank Cleaning: Why You Must Do It, And The Steps

Last Updated on 1 year

There are many reasons why you should regularly clean the water tank of your CPAP machine. One reason is that it will help to prevent mold, bacteria, and other microorganisms from growing in your water tank. This can be very detrimental to health if not addressed quickly.

Another way that cleaning the water tank regularly will help is by preventing the buildup of minerals on the surface of the humidifier or air chamber. The accumulation of these minerals over time can cause reduced effectiveness of your CPAP device, which means less restful sleep for you!

To ensure all this doesn’t happen, read our article about how to properly clean a CPAP water tank with detailed instructions on how to do so correctly.

Steps to clean your CPAP water Tank:

  1. Turn off your CPAP machine and disconnect the power cord from the outlet.
  2. Remove the water tank from the machine and empty it into a sink or toilet.
  3. Rinse the inside of the tank with warm water, being sure to scrub away any build-up on the sides or bottom.
  4. Fill the tank with clean water and add a small drop of dish soap if desired. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow the water time to soak through any dirt or mineral buildup inside the tank.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with warm (not hot) water until you are certain all traces of soap have been removed from your CPAP machine’s humidifier chamber.
  6. Replace the water tank and make sure it is firmly in place before reconnecting the power cord to your CPAP machine.
  7. Turn on the device – you’re done!

Be sure to use these steps at least once every week or two weeks depending on usage – more frequently is better so that you never have to deal with any sort of build-up inside your machine’s humidifier chamber over time. If you notice a white powdery substance forming inside your CPAP device after cleaning it, do not be alarmed; simply follow these instructions again using slightly less dish soap until all residue has been removed from the water chamber.

Simplified Solution: Investing in CPAP Cleaner Device

This device automates the entire process of water tank cleaning for you. It is a one-time purchase that will save you time and hassle down the road! These devices use ozone or UV light to clean your water tank and humidifier, so you can be sure everything is sterilized and free of any harmful buildup.

But remember, the sterilizer is only a supplement to water tank cleaning. You must still clean your humidifier with soap and water before full UV or ozone sterilization.

What not to do when cleaning CPAP Water Tank:

  • Do not use any sort of bleach or vinegar to clean the tank as this may damage your humidifier chamber.
  • Never immerse a water chamber in boiling hot water, and do not put it under direct sunlight for extended periods of time as both can warp plastic components and ruin valves over time.
  • Do not use dishwasher machines to clean your water tank as this can cause damage as well.
  • Do not allow water to sit in the tank for longer than 24 hours as this increases the risk of mold and bacteria growth, which can lead to further health issues down the road if left untreated.
  • Do not use any scented products when cleaning your humidifier chamber as the scents can be harmful to some, and also negatively impact the effectiveness of CPAP therapy.

DO NOT BE LAZY AND FORGET TO CLEAN YOUR WATER TANK!

Remember: regular cleaning is key to keeping your CPAP machine running smoothly and ensuring that you get the most out of it! Follow our simple steps for a thorough cleaning and you’ll be on your way to better sleep in no time.

Don’t forget! If you want more information about how to properly clean CPAP equipment, check out our article on cleaning CPAP tubing with detailed instructions on what to do step by step.

2 thoughts on “CPAP Water Tank Cleaning: Why You Must Do It, And The Steps”

  1. My humidifier chamber has the capacity for a cup of distilled water. It can last a week. Is it necessary to empty and dry it daily? Is it a problem to reuse the water?

  2. NO!! Save your money and DO NOT use ozone or UV sanitizers such as Lumin, SoClean, etc. Using one of these devices can void your machine’s warranty and damage your cushion, frame, headgear, and hose. Also, it’s OK to use vinegar to clean out mold buildup in the water tank.

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