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Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines help people with sleep apnea by delivering pressurized air to keep their breathing passages open and functioning while they sleep. Using a CPAP machine can prevent sleep apnea symptoms, but it may require some bedtime routine adjustments.

One of the most important aspects of owning a CPAP machine is caring for it properly. A well-functioning machine and a mask that fits your preferred sleeping position can increase your overall quality of life.

On the other hand, a CPAP machine that is dirty or clogged can cause irritation and even illness. It’s critical to regularly clean your CPAP machine and replace the filter. If possible, you should clean your CPAP mask and hose daily with soap and water to maintain effective treatment.

CPAP wipes can make cleaning your mask and other CPAP components easier. We’ll take a deep dive into CPAP wipes, discussing their functions, ingredients, and average cost. We’ll help you learn what’s best for your individual needs and teach you what to look for in a product, including which ingredients you should avoid. We’ll also share our top picks for CPAP cleaning wipes.

Product Details

Best Overall

Sleep8 Mask M8tes CPAP Wipes

Brand Logo

Price:

$8

Who it’s best for:

  1. Shoppers with tight budgets
  2. Those who want all-purpose wipes for cleaning various surfaces
  3. CPAP users who would rather not clean their mask every day

Highlights:

  1. Low-cost wipes priced at less than 30 cents apiece
  2. Cleaning solution does not contain alcohol or oil
  3. Effective at reducing mold and fungal growth

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Sleep8 products

The Mask M8tes CPAP Wipes from Sleep8 are affordable, effective at removing dirt and grime, and gentle on the skin. The solution is mostly water-based, and does not contain any oil or alcohol. Each shipment includes 30 wipes. Since you’ll only need to clean your mask every 3 days, this means one box can last you up to 3 months. Even if you clean your mask daily, the low sticker price makes Mask M8tes a great bargain.

You can use the wipes for cleaning countertops, tables, and other surfaces in your household, as well as eyeglasses, phones, and device screens. While the wipes are not antimicrobial by definition, the solution can also reduce mold, fungal growth, and bacteria. Each wipe is sealed in a packet to lock in the moisture.

Customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for affordable flat-rate shipping when they order Mask M8tes from Singular Sleep, and you’ll receive an additional 5% discount if you sign up for a subscription on that site. Unopened boxes may be returned within 30 days of delivery.

Product page photo of the RespLabs CPAP Wipes

Best Value

RespLabs CPAP Wipes

Brand Logo

Who it’s best for:

  1. People who are sensitive to the smell of rubbing alcohol
  2. Those who clean their CPAP mask on a daily basis
  3. Value seekers

Highlights:

  1. Wipes are unscented and alcohol-free
  2. Compatible with all CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP masks
  3. Discounts available for those who order multiple containers

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on RespLabs products

Face mask wipes are generally inexpensive compared to other CPAP accessories, but shoppers with tight budgets can still save a bundle if they opt for the RespLabs CPAP Wipes. Standard packs of 110 wipes are widely available for less than $10, and you can save even more if you purchase multiple containers. This bang for your buck is ideal if you prioritize cleaning your CPAP mask every day.

The wipes are unscented and do not contain any alcohol, so you shouldn’t experience any discomfort if you’re sensitive to harsh smells. Each wipe should be used once and then discarded. With proper application, you should be able to remove all grime and debris from your mask in less than a minute. The wipes are compatible with virtually any CPAP mask on the market today.

If you are an Amazon Prime subscriber and purchase the RespLabs CPAP Wipes from Amazon.com, you’ll qualify for additional savings on delivery fees.

Product page photo of the Snugell CPAP Wipes

Best for Travel

Snugell CPAP Wipes

Brand Logo

Who it’s best for:

  1. Those who use CPAP therapy when they are on business trips or vacation
  2. People with sensitive skin
  3. Shoppers interested in bulk purchases

Highlights:

  1. Alcohol-free wipes remove all grime and debris to keep your mask hygienic
  2. Gentle fabric with aloe vera to soothe your skin
  3. Resealable packaging is ideal for travel

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Snugell products

Keeping your CPAP equipment clean on a regular basis can be a chore, but doing so while traveling presents a new set of challenges. The Snugell CPAP Wipes are exceptionally travel-friendly. Each package contains 12 individual wipes, and the sachet is resealable to lock in moisture and prevent the wipes from drying out. If you order through Amazon.com, you’ll receive 10 sachets for a total of 120 wipes.

The wipes are not scented, and they do not contain alcohol. Each is gently moistened with aloe vera to produce a pleasant scent, and the wipes are soothing if you experience acne and other conditions that cause sensitive skin. These wipes are designed for one-time use. After sanitizing your CPAP mask, simply discard them and reseal the sachet.

Amazon Prime subscribers qualify for free expedited shipping with their purchase.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our team of experts at Sleep Foundation has years of experience testing many different types of sleep products, from mattresses and bedding to CPAP machines and accessories. We examine each product in our dedicated sleep lab and rate them using a series of rigorous performance metrics.

Testing CPAP-related products requires particular care since they're used for medical purposes. Our experts determine how well these accessories perform and take an in-depth look at their value and durability. While our performance testing is comprehensive, your physician is still your best resource when choosing between CPAP devices. You should also consult your doctor on any health-specific questions.

Are CPAP Wipes Useful?

CPAP wipes can be useful when paired with a regular mask cleaning regimen. Whether you use a full-face mask, a nasal mask, or any other design, the right CPAP wipes can make cleaning your mask and accessories easier. While you’ll still need to regularly clean your CPAP machine using soap and water, CPAP wipes can easily remove dirt, oil, and other organic materials without the need to scrub.

Though CPAP wipes often cost more than general-purpose or baby wipes, they are specifically designed for use on your CPAP mask. This is important, because a wipe containing alcohol or other harsh chemicals may leave behind a residue that could irritate your skin or airways. Using CPAP-specific wipes is an excellent way to ensure that your mask stays free of irritants.

Cleaning Frequency for CPAP Wipes

You should expect to go through about one wipe per day if you add CPAP wipes to your mask cleaning routine. If you intend to use wipes on CPAP hoses and other accessories, you may need more. Most canisters come with at least a 30-day supply of wipes.

Conversely, some people opt to use wipes only when traveling or when they can’t easily clean their mask with soap and water. In this instance, you may prefer to purchase individually wrapped wipes that don’t dry out easily.

Types of CPAP Wipes

There are a few different types of CPAP wipes on the market today. Each kind comes with its own pros and cons.

Scented Wipes

Some wipes are scented. These scents can be both artificial and natural. Citrus has long been used as a cleaning agent, so many wipes have a fresh, fruity scent. Since CPAP masks go directly over a user’s face, most of these wipes are formulated to avoid lingering odors or residue, which ensures you can still breathe clearly after using a scented wipe.

Unscented Wipes

People who are sensitive to smell and those with easily irritated skin may prefer unscented wipes. This style of wipes cleans away dirt and oil as effectively as the scented variety but may be less likely to cause issues for those with respiratory problems or fragrance allergies.

Sanitizing Wipes

Sanitizing wipes use chemicals to kill bacteria that accumulate on a surface, such as a CPAP mask. Each brand has a different formula, but wipes specifically designed to sanitize CPAP machines often avoid using ammonia, bleach, chlorine, and other harsh chemicals.

Alcohol-Free Wipes

Though alcohol can be an effective sanitizing solution, it is very drying. Using alcohol-free wipes on your CPAP machine and accessories can help prevent excessive dry skin.

How to Choose a CPAP Cleaning Wipe

Before choosing which CPAP wipe to purchase, there are multiple factors to consider. You should think about what’s important to you in terms of cost, scent, ingredients, and sanitizing capability. Additionally, you’ll want to determine whether a particular product is compatible with your device, which may vary depending on whether you use a nasal mask or full-face mask.

What to Consider When Purchasing CPAP Wipes

Your specific needs are the most important consideration when it comes to purchasing CPAP wipes. Many companies use flashy marketing or misleading terms to sell their products. Think about what you require before searching for a product, then see if a particular set of wipes addresses those needs. Note that CPAP humidifiers and other accessories may require additional cleaning.

Price

You should expect to use at least one wipe per day. CPAP wipes tend to be more expensive than general-purpose wipes, so make sure they are within your budget, given how frequently you will need to use them. Some companies offer canisters that have enough wipes to last up to three months. Choosing this option may help mitigate costs, since these wipes often cost less per wipe than those that are individually wrapped.

Residue

Some wipes may leave residue on your mask that needs to be rinsed off. While this residue may not be hazardous, it can require an additional step in your cleaning routine. Check the ingredients list and make sure that any moisturizers are residue-free.

Scent

Many CPAP wipes have natural or artificial fragrances. Though some users enjoy these scents, they may not be appropriate if you have fragrance allergies or other breathing issues. Consider fragrance-free wipes if you’re concerned about allergies or potential skin irritants.

Disposal

Make sure to dispose of your CPAP wipes correctly, especially if you’re sick. Failing to clean your mask properly can lead to illnesses. Be sure to throw your CPAP wipe away in a sealed trash can to ensure that germs don’t spread.

Environmental Friendliness 

Using a daily wipe is less environmentally friendly than washing your mask with soap and water. In addition to the raw materials needed to make the wipes, they also require resources related to manufacturing and shipping. Those wishing to have the smallest environmental impact may prefer to stick to traditional cleaning methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common ingredients in CPAP wipes?

While exact specifications vary by manufacturer, most CPAP wipes include water and glycerine. Some CPAP wipes add aloe or other moisturizers to ensure a gentle, nondrying feel. Most wipes use alcohol-free formulas to avoid the possibility of the alcohol drying out your skin or mask. Certain companies add scents to their wipes, while others keep their formulas fragrance-free.

Can CPAP wipes be used to sanitize?

Certain CPAP wipes can be used to sanitize, but not all have germ-killing ingredients. While CPAP wipes can be a good stopgap when other cleaning options are not available, it is still important to regularly clean your mask, tubing, and other components with soap and water. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for details on the best way to clean your specific CPAP machine model.

Can you use baby wipes to clean a CPAP mask?

While there may be some baby wipes that are gentle enough for cleaning a CPAP mask, it is generally best to stick to CPAP-specific wipes to ensure the ingredients are safe to inhale.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we'll help you find exactly what you're looking for.

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