Regular cleaning and replacement of CPAP parts are important in maintaining healthy sleep apnea treatment. A CPAP device takes in air from the bedroom before pressurizing it to a setting that keeps your airways free from obstruction.
However, the air in your bedroom can contain dirt, dust, and allergens like pet dander. Removing such particles before they are inhaled into the lungs is important for positive respiratory health. This is why CPAP filters are a key accessory to your obstructive sleep apnea treatment.
The Important Role of CPAP Filters
The role of a CPAP filter is to trap harmful particles and prevent them from reaching the lungs. Filters tend to be situated toward the back of a CPAP device, where the air is drawn in before being pressurized and delivered to the airways through tubing and a mask worn while sleeping.
As a result, the air you inhale is cleaner and helps protect the health of your respiratory system. Removing potential irritants to the lungs can also improve the effectiveness of your sleep apnea treatment by improving the quality of your sleep. Reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea reduces the risk of health issues linked to the disorder including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes.
Micro-contaminants and allergens CPAP filters trap include:
- dust
- dirt
- mold
- pet dander
- pollen
- dust mites
- smoke
- bacteria
Further Benefits of CPAP Filters
CPAP filters provide further benefits aside from supporting respiratory health by delivering cleaner air to the lungs. This includes extending the lifespan of your CPAP equipment.
When you remove micro-contaminants from the air, you are protecting your CPAP device as well as your lungs. By preventing your CPAP device from becoming clogged up with unwanted particles, you can add years to its lifespan.
A CPAP device is a significant investment. Therefore, preventative measures such as filters maintain the efficiency of the device for longer to extend its lifespan and protect your investment too.
This also extends to parts such as the CPAP tubing. The manufacturer will recommend how often parts need replacing to maintain effective, healthy sleep apnea treatment. However, without filtering harmful particles from the air, you would need to replace these parts sooner.
The Different Types of CPAP Filters
There are two main types of CPAP filters: reusable and disposable.
- Reusable filters – made from foam and designed to catch larger particles such as dust and pollen.
- Disposable filters – thinner paper-like filters designed to trap smaller particles.
While most CPAP devices will use one type of filter, some devices may use both. In this case, the disposable filter is positioned within the reusable filter to trap any thinner particles that were missed.
Some CPAP devices can use one further type of filter. This is an in-line bacteria filter that is designed to catch very fine particles and may be a suitable option for people who are prone to sinus infections as well as allergy sufferers. However, in-line bacteria filters can reduce the air pressure below the prescribed setting, and therefore you should consult your healthcare provider if considering this type of filter.
How Often Do You Need to Clean and Replace CPAP Filters?
CPAP filters need to be regularly cleaned and replaced to ensure you continue to inhale clean air free from harmful particles. A filter acts as a barrier to dust, dirt, mold, germs, and allergens and therefore becomes clogged up with potentially harmful particles over time.
1. Reusable Filters
Reusable filters should be cleaned every week to maintain healthy sleep apnea treatment. The filter can usually be cleaned using mild soap and warm water before removing the excess moisture with a clean towel and leaving it to air dry. However, you should always check the manufacturer’s guidelines on cleaning the filters you use for your CPAP device.
Reusable filters will still need replacing. The timescale for this can vary from 90 days to every six months depending on the filter. Again, it is important to read the manufacturer’s recommendation on how often a reusable CPAP filter should be replaced. If the foam has started to show wear and tear or becomes difficult to clean before it is due for replacement, you should look to replace it sooner.
2. Disposable Filters
A disposable CPAP filter does not need cleaning but will need replacing every month. However, if the filter becomes discolored and has a layer of trapped debris, you should look to replace it sooner.
This is beneficial to your own health, as well as the lifespan of the CPAP device and its components. Filters that are clogged can also affect airflow and impact the effectiveness of your sleep apnea treatment.
Some households would be advised to check their CPAP filter every fortnight as they could be at risk of above-average levels of particles being drawn into the CPAP device. This could include households containing a smoker or pets, or living in an area exposed to high levels of dust.
Disposable filters may benefit allergy sufferers who rely on the filter to trap any allergens as this type of filter is easier to maintain.
How Easy Is It to Replace a CPAP Filter?
The good news is that changing a CPAP filter is simple, whether it is reusable or disposable. Always ensure the CPAP device is disconnected first before changing the filter. The filter is often located toward the back of the device and is easily accessible. The old filter is removed before the new one is installed. Thankfully this straightforward nature of replacing filters encourages compliance with the important filter replacement schedule.
CPAP filters are an essential accessory that promotes healthier sleep apnea treatment by trapping micro-contaminants and allergens that could negatively impact your respiratory health. The two main types of filters, reusable and disposable, need regular replacement, but swapping out an old CPAP filter for a new one is a quick and easy task, and will help you breathe easily and healthily during your nightly sleep apnea treatment.
