Mold in a CPAP Machine, A Breath Disrupter

Here’s everything you need to know. 

What is a CPAP Machine? 

As mentioned above, some individuals struggle to get proper rest because their bodies' normal inhalation processes malfunction, causing breathing to pause for seconds or minutes while sleeping.³ For some, this occurs hundreds of times throughout the night, resulting not only in inadequate sleep but also a lack of oxygen to the brain. 

To help regulate the breathing of those suffering from sleep apnea, researchers developed tools such as the CPAP machine.⁴’⁵ Short for continuous positive airway pressure, a CPAP machine delivers continuous pressurized air into a mask that is worn while sleeping. By keeping the airways open, those suffering from sleep apnea won’t stop breathing, allowing their bodies to receive the oxygen they need. 

Like any technological innovation, these tools can be incredibly beneficial, or they can be harmful if improperly maintained. Those in need of a little help while sleeping must stay on top of proper care to ensure that mold in a CPAP machine doesn’t throw a wrench in their breathing assistance. 

Why Does Mold in a CPAP Machine Happen? 

Knowing how to keep these machines in tip-top shape included understanding why mold loves them oh so much. This involves knowing the 411 about this fungus among us. 

What’s Mold’s Deal?

These four components are:

• Oxygen: This barely counts, which is why mold can grow inside walls. 
• Temperature: Most prefer 40-90℉, but some species can live in extremes. 
• Food: They eat most things, like dust and organic matter. 
• Moisture: The often missing element.

If a spore lands on a surface with these four elements for 24-48 hours, it will start to grow, put down roots called hyphae, and begin releasing spores into the surrounding environment. 

Understanding this process is important because it helps clear up the confusion and misinformation surrounding this fungus. Oftentimes, the comment, “Well, mold is everywhere so it’s no big deal if it’s in a home. It’s just unavoidable,” comes up when discussing indoor mold growth. Yes, mold particles can be found in most environments, and thanks to their small size, they can fly right through the front door into a home. That doesn’t mean that mold growth in a home isn’t a problem, though.

Sure, we encounter a few mold particles throughout the day while walking into work or driving in the car, but that’s nowhere near the same situation as encountering a home with an active colony such as mold in a CPAP machine. Instead of just a couple of particles here and there throughout the day, the body is now facing a whole army of them every time the individual is in the home and using the machine. Considering that the average individual is recommended to sleep 7-9 hours a night, that’s a lot of face and lung time with this indoor contaminant.⁹ 

Some species of mold can also produce a toxic byproduct called mycotoxins, creating even more particles for the body to deal with.¹⁰ This level of exposure is much greater and can cause a long list of adverse health reactions. 

How Does Mold In A CPAP Machine Occur? 

As mentioned above, spores really only need moisture and food to transition into a living colony which makes mold in a CPAP machine fairly easy to accomplish if preventative measures are not taken. 

The truth is, though, that no two individuals respond to mold exposure the same way.¹³’¹⁴’¹⁵’¹⁶’¹⁷ Researchers are still attempting to determine exactly how this indoor contaminant impacts health, but it’s a tricky subject to nail down. Factors such as genetics, species of mold, the presence of mycotoxins, immune systems status, and length of exposure all play a role. 

What they do know is that individuals with compromised or developing immune systems are at greater risk of experiencing symptoms faster and to a greater extent. 

Regardless, the potential for any type of adverse health reaction is reason enough to take steps to actively prevent mold in CPAP machines from occurring and have an action plan in place should it pop up. 

How to Tell If There’s Mold in a CPAP Machine 

Determining if a problem exists involves relying on sight, smell, and feel. 

The Visual Factor 

With so many species existing in the world, mold colonies can come in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures. Some of the most common colors include green, white, grey, blue, red, black, brown, or a combination of them. As for textures, they could be fuzzy, powdery, velvety, or slimy. 

If any type of unidentifiable growth pops up on the machine, it's a safe bet to go ahead and assume there’s a mold problem. 

The Smell Factor 

Mold growth isn’t always visible. It could be in a hidden area in the machine or the colony is too small to be visible to the naked eye yet. In this instance, look to your nose to help determine if there’s a problem. 

Growing mold often creates an earthy, musty, damp smell due to releasing gases called microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC).¹⁸ If this odor is coming from the machine, it points to a problem existing inside.

The Health Factor 

To make matters even more difficult, not all mold growth is visible, and not all mold growth emits an odor. In cases such as this, it’s important to pay attention to how you feel when around the machine or after using it. If chronic symptoms seem to spark up or become worse over time every time, particularly after being around the device, and no doctor can pinpoint a problem, exposure to mold in the CPAP machine might be the root cause. 

Our bodies are incredible warning systems that will alert us if something’s wrong, including if there’s a contaminant in our indoor environments. It’s up to us to listen to these signals and figure out what the root cause is so that it can be eliminated. 

If any of these occur, it’s time to get started on getting rid of mold in a CPAP machine.

How to Get Rid of Mold in a CPAP Machine

Those dealing with mold in a CPAP machine can attempt to remediate it, but it’s best just to toss it in a trash can outside and start fresh. If you do decide to attempt to remediate your CPAP machine, follow the steps below to thoroughly clean it out. Make sure to complete the process at least three times to eliminate hard-to-remove particles like mycotoxins. 

Tools Required 

• Protective gear: Gloves, a mask, and goggles will help protect you from particles directly on the machine and any kicked up into the air while cleaning 
• HEPA vacuum: To qualify as HEPA, the machine must remove at least 99.7% of particles up to 0.3 microns in size.²⁰
• Microfiber towels: Microfiber towels are 100 times better than regular rags at wiping away small particles.
• White vinegar: Vinegar is a descaler, meaning that pulls particles from a surface, and it’s antibacterial and antifungal, which helps prevent mold and bacterial growth. Simply killing the mold is never the complete answer because some particles remain on the surfaces and will continue to cycle through the machine when it’s in use. You need something to discourage mold growth, eliminate particles from the surface, and actively remove mineral buildup. Spores can use mineral buildup as a food source, so it all has to go.

Before getting started, check out the manufacturer’s instructions for their recommended cleaning steps, what can be removed to clean, and which products they suggest. Every machine is different, so it’s important to follow the brand’s guidelines. After taking a look, you can jump in and get started. 

Deep Cleaning Steps Include:

• Put on the protective gear. 
• Turn the machine off and unplug it.
• Disconnect the tubing, mask, headgear, and humidifier tank (if applicable) and soak in white vinegar for half an hour. Double-check the manufacturer's instructions for the headgear, though, as some do not suggest using vinegar and can only be washed with a mild soap. 
• After soaking, thoroughly wipe down each piece with a microfiber towel. For hard-to-reach areas like the tube, use a small brush.
• Wash each piece with a mild soap, rinse with water, wipe again with a fresh microfiber towel, and then leave out to dry completely. 
• Use the HEPA vacuum on the machine itself to thoroughly remove as many particles as possible and then wipe with a microfiber cloth. Typically, manufacturers suggest steering clear of any product on the machine itself but check the instructions just to make sure. 
• Remove and replace the filter with a new one. For reusable filters, check the manufacturer’s instructions on proper cleaning protocols. Typically, you can HEPA vacuum it and then soak it in white vinegar for half an hour, gently wipe it with a microfiber towel, wash it again with a mild soap, rinse, and dry completely. 
• Allow everything to dry completely before putting it all back together. 

If this process is being attempted in an effort to get rid of mold in a CPAP machine, keep a close eye on it afterward. If the mold comes right back or symptoms persist or develop, immediately stop using it and get a new one. 

How to Prevent Mold in a CPAP Machine 

As this machine touches your face every night, it’s best to keep it as clean and free from contamination as possible. Not only will it help prevent mold growth, but also bacteria as well. 

• Use distilled water: This type of water will help prevent mineral buildup in the machine that mold can use as a food source. 
• Replace each part on time: Set a reminder to replace all removable parts per the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, mask and tubing replacement are at three months, headgear and water chamber are at six months, and the mask cushion is every month. 
• Maintain low indoor humidity: Ensure that the humidity inside stays within 30-50% to discourage mold growth.²¹

Adding the steps above can help ensure that your CPAP machine stays clean and safe to use. Keep in mind that these tools also have a recommended life expectancy of five years before needing to be replaced. The older they get, the more wear and tear they have which can lead to mold in a CPAP machine. 

Breathing Clean Air