CPAP Care and Maintenance of Equipment

Mask - Cushion and Frame

Cleaning and maintenance of your child's mask is your responsibility. Masks generally last for 12-24 months but if cared for properly the mask can last for several years.

It is recommended that the cushion and frame of the mask are cleaned every day using the hand-washing instructions or by wiping the mask with a clean damp cloth (or baby wipes). All parts of the mask should be cleaned at least once a week using the hand washing instructions or using the dishwasher instructions.

Hand washing instructions:

1. Disassemble the cushions from the mask frame (you will be shown how to do this)
2. Hand-wash the cushion and frame in warm water with a mild dishwashing detergent.
   Please note: Do not use products that could damage the mask i.e. bleach, alcohol, chlorine based solutions, conditioners, moisturisers and strong household cleaners.
3. Allow each part of the mask to air dry away from direct sunlight and check for damage before putting them back together.
   Please note: If any piece of the mask is damaged it will need to be replaced.

Dishwasher instructions:

1. Disassemble the cushion from the mask frame (you will be shown how to do this).
2. Place all parts of the mask (except the headgear) onto the top shelf of the dishwasher. The flat surface of the cushion must be placed down to avoid damaging the soft part of the cushion.
3. Allow all the mask parts to air dry and check for damage before putting them back together.
   Please note: If any piece of the mask is damaged it will need to be replaced.

Headgear

1. Take the headgear off the frame.
2. Clean the headgear in warm soapy water by hand or in the washing machine using laundry detergent.
   Please note: Do not use bleach.
3. Allow the headgear to dry away from direct sunlight or in the clothes dryer on a warm setting only.
4. Once dry, put the headgear back on the frame and adjust before use.

Tubing

It is your responsibility to clean the tubing once a week.

1. Disassemble the circuit parts (you will be shown how to do this)
2. Hand-wash the tubing and tubing connectors using dishwashing detergent and rinse thoroughly.Please note: Do not use products that could damage the headgear i.e. bleach, alcohol, chlorine based solutions, conditioners, moisturisers and strong household cleaners.
3. Hang the tubing up and allow to air dry away from direct sunlight.
4. When the tubing is dry check for holes or splits before putting back together.
   Please note: If the tubing is damaged it will need to be replaced.
5. Check the bacteria filter as it will need to be changed every 10-14 days once it has turned a dark colour.

CPAP/BiLevel machine

The machine has filters that filter pollens and dust from the air. These inline filters will need to be checked and cleaned on a regular basis. It is best to do this at the same time you clean the mask and tubing.

Cleaning instructions for the non-disposable machine filter

1. If the foam filter is dirty, rinse and squeeze the filter under running water.
2. Wash the filter in warm, soapy water and allow to air dry away from direct sunlight. It is a good idea to do this at the same time you clean the tubing and mask.
3. Once the filter is completely dry, put the filter back into the CPAP/Bi-Level machine.
   Please note: These filters will need to be replaced every 6 months.

Disposable filter

If the filter has turned a dark colour then it will need to be replaced. These filters will last about 3 months.

Bacterial filter

You will need to use a bacterial filter on all rental machines. These filters connect between the machine and the tubing. These filters will need changing every 10-14days. Bacterial filters can be purchased from the appliance centre.

The CPAP/BiLevel machine

The CPAP or Bi-Level machine can be wiped over with a clean damp cloth. Rental units from the Children's Hospital need to be serviced. The next service date is found on a yellow sticker on the side of the machine. When a service is due please contact the Biomedical Engineering Department.

• A mask can last several years if cared for properly.
• Every day - The mask should be cleaned or wiped over every day.
• Every week - The mask and tubing should be cleaned once a week.
• Every fortnight - The bacterial filter should be changed.
• Every 3 months - Disposable filters should last about 3 months before needing replacement.
• Every 6 months - Non disposable filters should be cleaned when dirty and it is a good idea to clean the filter each time you clean the tubing and mask. These filters need to be replaced every 6 months.

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