Your CPAP’s Dirty Little Secret

July 16, 2025

CPAP tubing serves as a direct pathway for the air you breathe throughout the night. But because it remains moist and warm—ideal conditions for microbial growth—your tubing can quickly become a breeding ground for unwanted invaders.

Your CPAP therapy is meant to improve your health, not put it at risk. Whether you choose to clean your tubing regularly or replace it for peace of mind, taking action today can prevent potential health issues down the road.

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Your CPAP’s Dirty Little Secret

CPAP tubing serves as a direct pathway for the air you breathe throughout the night. But because it remains moist and warm—ideal conditions for microbial growth—your tubing can quickly become a breeding ground for unwanted invaders.

Your CPAP therapy is meant to improve your health, not put it at risk. Whether you choose to clean your tubing regularly or replace it for peace of mind, taking action today can prevent potential health issues down the road.

What’s Hiding in Your Tubing?

Here’s what could be hiding inside:

Bacteria: Over time, bacteria from your breath, condensation, and environmental exposure can build up in the tubing.
Mold and Mildew: The constant exposure to humidity creates the perfect environment for mold to thrive.
Dust and Allergens: Even with regular use, airborne particles can enter the tubing, potentially aggravating allergies and respiratory issues.

How Dirty Tubing Affects Your Health

Neglecting your CPAP tubing can lead to various health problems, including:

Respiratory Infections: Breathing in contaminated air increases the risk of sinus infections, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues.
Worsened Allergies and Asthma: Mold spores and dust can trigger allergy symptoms and exacerbate asthma.
Reduced Therapy Effectiveness: Blocked or dirty tubing can impact airflow, making your CPAP therapy less effective.

Don’t Take Chances—Keep Your CPAP Tubing Clean and Safe

Tip #1

Replace it every 3 months.

Wear and tear from using your CPAP daily is completely normal. However, you’ll want to make sure to replace your supplies on a regular basis to avoid using deteriorating equipment. Over time, your CPAP tubing can develop tiny cracks or wear that may be difficult to clean properly.

It is recommended to replace your CPAP tubing every 3 months. Most insurance providers adhere to this schedule, so you can get four CPAP tubes covered per year.

Need new CPAP tubing ASAP? CPAP tubes are as low as $16, do not require a prescription, and can be shipped out right away. Find the right tubing for your machine in our CPAP Tubing collection.

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Tip #2

Clean with the proper solutions.

Cleaning your supplies by hand can be time-consuming, but is well worth the effort. Wash your CPAP tubing with mild soap and warm water at least once a week. For a deeper clean, consider using a mixture of vinegar and water to help kill any potential mold or bacteria. Always rinse your CPAP tubing thoroughly after using any cleaning solutions. Mold thrives in moisture, so make sure your CPAP tubing is dry before you use it again.

If you are looking for more recommendations or tips on how to keep your CPAP tubing clean, give us a call at 866-564-2252 and one of our CPAP experts will be happy to assist you.