A CPAP machine pushes room air into your airway all night, so whatever is in the mask, tube and humidifier ends up in your lungs. Regular cleaning keeps therapy hygienic, and timely replacement keeps the mask sealing and the pressure accurate. The intervals below follow manufacturer guidance from ResMed and are adjusted for two UAE realities: fine dust that clogs filters quickly, and air conditioning that dries out silicone.
Daily
- Wipe the mask cushion or pillows with a clean damp cloth or a CPAP wipe to remove skin oils. Oils are the main reason a cushion stops sealing.
- Empty the humidifier tub and let it air dry. Refill with distilled or purified bottled water only. Tap and desalinated water in the UAE leave mineral deposits.
- Hang the tube so any condensation drains out.
Weekly
- Wash the mask cushion, frame and headgear in warm drinking-quality water with a mild liquid detergent. Rinse well and air dry away from direct sunlight, which degrades silicone quickly in the Gulf.
- Wash the air tubing the same way, rinse the inside thoroughly and hang it to dry.
- Wash the humidifier tub with warm water and mild detergent. Do not use bleach, alcohol, scented soaps or dishwashers unless the user guide for your specific model allows it.
- Wipe the outside of the machine with a dry cloth. Never let water enter the air outlet.
Monthly
- Check the air filter at the back of the machine. ResMed advises visual inspection rather than a fixed date, and notes that in dusty or humid environments a disposable filter will not last as long. In most UAE homes this means replacing it monthly, and as often as twice a month during dust storms or if you keep windows open.
- Inspect the cushion for softening, tears or a milky look. Inspect the tube for splits at the cuffs.
Replacement intervals
| Part | Manufacturer guidance | Typical UAE interval |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable air filter | Inspect regularly, replace as often as twice a month depending on condition | Every 2 to 4 weeks |
| Mask cushion or nasal pillows | As often as twice a month depending on condition | Every 1 to 3 months |
| Mask frame and headgear | When stretched, cracked or no longer holding a seal | Every 6 months |
| Air tubing | Replace regularly for comfort and hygiene | Every 3 to 6 months |
| Humidifier tub | As often as every 3 months if discoloured, cracked, cloudy or pitted | Every 3 to 6 months |
| AirMini HumidX cartridge | Replace after opening according to the user guide | About 30 days of use |
Replacing on schedule is not a sales pitch. A worn cushion leaks, a leak makes the machine work harder and disturbs sleep, and a clogged filter reduces airflow and pressure accuracy. Users who replace consumables on time generally report better AHI results and fewer skin problems.
Where to get the right parts
Filters, tubing and cushions are model-specific. Use the compatibility center to match parts to your machine, or order a bundled resupply pack for the AirSense 10, AirSense 11 or AirCurve 10. Individual items are in the filters and tubing collections. If you already know what you need, the reorder page is the fastest route.
Travelling or storing the machine
Empty and dry the humidifier tub before packing. In summer, never leave a machine in a parked car, since cabin temperatures in the UAE can exceed the storage limits in the user guide. Model-specific cleaning steps for the AirSense 10, AirSense 11 and AirMini are on our support pages.
Always follow the user guide for your specific device. Intervals above are general guidance and may differ from your clinician's or insurer's schedule.
