CPAP Mask FAQs

What are the different types of CPAP Masks?

When and how should I clean my mask?

Please follow the manufacturer’s guidelines contained with the packaging or you may visit their website. Below are general considerations:

Daily
Wash the mask system with warm, soapy water.

Do not use soaps with added scents. Recommended soaps include plain Ivory® liquid soap or baby shampoo. Rinse well and allow to air dry out of direct sunlight.

Weekly
Separate and hand wash the mask components and headgear in warm, soapy water. Rinse the components well and allow them to air dry out of direct sunlight.

Cautions

Do not use solutions containing vinegar, bleach, chlorine, alcohol, aromatics, moisturizers, antibacterial agents or scented oils to clean any part of the system or air tubing. These solutions may cause damage and reduce the life of the product.
Do not expose any part of the system or tubing to direct sunlight as it may deteriorate the product.
If any visible deterioration of a component is apparent (cracking, tears, etc.) the component should be discarded and replaced.
Most headgears may be washed without being taken apart.
The dye used in some manufactures headgear may run during the first wash.

How often should I replace my cushion?

You should replace your mask cushion periodically because as it becomes worn, it becomes less effective.

The life of a mask cushion depends on use, the oils from your skin, and cleaning. It is always a good idea to inspect your mask routinely; poor care may adversely affect the fit of the cushion and thus performance.

To get the longest life from your mask, be sure to wash your face each night before putting on your mask, and wash your mask after each use. Use only mild soap, nothing with perfumes, moisturizers, antibacterial agents, bleaches, etc, always dry your mask and cushion out of direct sunlight.

Poor performance is often the first clue that your cushion may need replacement. Check for small tears or pinholes, anything that might cause a leak. Household pets have been known to damage cushions by playing with them and so have children, so you may want to keep your mask out of reach. Also, be sure you don't leave your mask somewhere that receives direct sunlight during the day.

How often should I replace my headgear?

You will need to replace your headgear occasionally. Like mask cushions, the life of headgear depends on use, the oils from your skin, and care (cleaning, etc). Taking good care of your mask is the key to maintaining the best performance and mask fit. Wash your headgear at least once per week and dry it out of direct sunlight. If you have oily skin or hair, you may need to wash it more often.

What do I do if my mask is leaking?

A mask leak may indicate one of several things:

Incorrect adjustment
Incorrect assembly
Incorrect size
Mask is worn out and needs replacement

To ensure a proper fit of your mask, please follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. Different mask types and different construction materials may impact the fit. For example, many of the ResMed mask use an air seal. They use the flow from your machine to create a slight suction. As a result, fitting must be conducted with the machine turned on. These mask work best with minimal headgear tension. Over tightening these mask can result in a poor performance. Other construction materials such as a foam or gel can perform well when tightened as they use more of a tension seal. Some manufactures use a combination of an air seal design and a tension seal design

There are fitting videos on our site for many of the mask and several manufacturers have tips and information regarding fitting on their respective websites.