For those diagnosed with sleep apnea, having to wear a CPAP mask while sleeping is a substantial lifestyle adjustment. Not only do you have to change the way you prepare for bedtime, you also need to alter your sleep position. All of this is in addition to the initial and ongoing cost of wearing and owning a CPAP machine. However, there are steps that you can take to prolong the useful lifespan of the equipment and reduce your overall costs.
Most often, the one part of the CPAP machine that undergoes the most wear is the mask itself. Being on the face and exposed to germs and contaminants for 7 or more hours a night surely puts some stress on the materials and construction of the mask. However, there are steps that you can take to make the CPAP mask last longer, perform better, and provide more comfort.
Keep Your CPAP Mask Clean
Given that you wear your CPAP mask for up to ⅓ of a 24 hour day, proper cleaning is key, not only for health reasons, but also for the longevity of the mask. Here’s a few steps to take daily for proper mask cleanliness:
- Wash the mask in warm water with a gentle fragrance free detergent. Pay special attention to connection points and areas that make direct contact with the skin
- Lay the mask out to dry on a clean or paper towel in a cool dry area out of direct contact with sunlight.
- Before you don the mask for the night, wash your face and dry. Never wear the mask with lotions or moisturizers on the skin.
Inspect Your CPAP Mask Regularly
Most CPAP masks are made of a soft silicone. While the material provides a great deal of comfort, it can break down quickly if not properly maintained. Additionally, special attention should be given to attachment points and straps. When inspecting your mask, be sure to pay attention to the following areas:
- Areas of the mask that make contact with the skin. Check seals carefully for rips or degradation.
- Hose connections. Are they intact? Do they look worn or degraded?
- Straps and attachment points. Check for wear and cleanliness. If the straps need cleaning, remove them and wash them by hand in warm water with a gentle, non-fragrant detergent.
Use CPAP Comfort Mask Sealant
Our CPAP Comfort mask sealant will not only provide a solid seal between your skin and the mask surface, it has additional benefits. First, it lubricates the mask material providing for a longer lasting mask and increased lifespan. Secondly, it eliminates any discomfort from pulling or slipping against the skin.
CPAP Comfort mask sealant is non toxic, odor free and food grade. What does that mean? That means it won’t irritate your skin or break down the silicone material of the mask itself, it’ll make it last longer!
