CPAP Equipment: Care & Replacement, Part 2

Choose a mild pure soap for use in cleaning your mask and tubing.  Never use harsh soaps, chlorine bleach, antibacterial, or alcohol-based solutions.  Aromatic solutions and scented oils should not be used.  To cut soap residue or to disinfect, use 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water solution after cleaning.

CPAP Mask Care

The mask is comprised of different components, including the outer frame, inside soft cushion, and the headgear.  The soft mask cushion that lies against our face is fragile and most vulnerable.  To help add longevity to your mask, remove make-up at night and place the mask on clean skin free of oils and moisturizers.  Daily, clean the soft cushion with a mild pure soap mix and air dry.  Handle the delicate cushion gently to avoid tearing.  Weekly, the mask frame and headgear should be hand washed in the same gentle manner.  Always air dry.

CPAP Tubing Care

Tubing should be replaced annually or more often if needed.  Tiny holes can develop that are hard to see with the naked eye.  These holes can compromise the proper delivery of prescribed and adequate pressure.  Pets seem to love CPAP tubing, especially cat claws and tiny teeth.  A tubing cover will protect the hose.

Clean tubing weekly.  Fill your sink with a mix of warm water and mild liquid soap.  Lay tubing in the mix to allow water to clean the entire inside surface area.  A small baby bottle brush may be gently used to clean inside tubing if necessary.  However be careful not to cut through the fragile tubing material between the coils.  Rinse well and allow tubing to hang and air dry.

Replacement

The Medicare replacement schedule is provided below.  Private insurance typically allows mask and tubing replacement every 6 months, filters every 90 days and machines every 5 years. Replacement schedules from private insurers will vary, however.  Check to see what your durable medical equipment coverage allows.

 

CMS (Medicare) Recommendations for CPAP Supply Replacement

Item

HCPCS Code

Replacement Schedule

Full Face Mask             A7030                        90 days

Full Face Cushion        A7031                        30 days

Nasal Cushion              A7032                       30 days

Replacement Pillow      A7033                       30 days

CPAP Mask                  A7034                       90 days

CPAP Headgear           A7035                       180 days

CPAP Chinstrap           A7036                       180 days

CPAP Tubing               A7037                        30 days

Disposable Filter         A7038                        30 days

Non-disposable Filters    A7039                    180 days

Oral Interface             A7044                         90 days

Heated Humidifier      E0562                         5 Years

CPAP Machine           E0601                        5 Years

Humidifier Chamber   A7046                        180 days

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