Washable foam filters should be cleaned as soon as they become discolored. Manufacturers recommend foam filters be rinsed weekly under clear running water and allowed to air dry before being reinstalled in the machine. If the machine is used in a very dusty environment, the foam filter may require more frequent cleaning. Disposable filters and bacteria filters are not intended to be cleaned but rather changed out, disposing of the used filter. Manufacturers recommend changing the disposable filter once a month, more frequently if used in a very dusty environment.

There are three types of filters used with CPAP machines: Reusable Foam Filters, Disposable Fine Filters, and Bacteria Filters. Reusable Foam Filters.Reusable foam filters are placed at the air intake of the machine and are designed to catch larger particles. These filters can be lightly washed with a mild detergent to remove any particles that have collected. It is suggested to replaced a foam filter every 3 months or when the filter starts to break down. If a foam and disposable filter are used in a machine, the foam filter should be on the outside. Disposable Fine Filters.Disposable fine filters collect much smaller particles. These filters are not meant to be cleaned, but rather discarded when dirty. This filter is placed at the air intake of your machine and is used with a reusable foam filter. It is placed inside the machine first with the foam filter on the outside. This filter should not be washed and is suggested to be replaced every month, or more often with a more dusty environment. Some disposable fine filters also come in a hypoallergenic version. Hypoallergenic filters are made of a combination of two different density filter materials in order to block both the fine and large particulate matter, and are recommended for those suffering from allergies. Bacteria Filters.Bacteria Filters are fine enough to remove some bacteria and are clinically indicated when a CPAP machine is used by more than one person. Many CPAP users find them helpful in reducing the occurrence of sinus infections and other nasal issues. Bacteria filters can be used with a CPAP/APAP/ or BiPAP machine. They may be used with humidifiers, but should be removed and allowed to air dry during the day. This filter is placed at the air outtake of your machine if you are not using a humidifier. If you are using a humidifier, it is placed at the air outake of your humidifier. The bacteria filter is placed in the air outtake and the CPAP hose is placed on the other end. The entire housing is disposable and should be discarded as soon as matter becomes visible. A clogged bacteria filter may affect the amount of air delivered by the CPAP. All of our available filters can be found here: Reusable Foam FiltersDisposable Fine FiltersBacteria Filters If you are unsure which filters to purchase for your machine, you can use our Part Finder Tool.

If using both a foam and paper filter, the white paper filter is inserted into the filter area first. Some paper filters use the same material on both sides and either side can face into the machine. Other paper filters may have a plastic mesh side and a soft, fuzzy side. Insert the mesh side facing into the machine and the fuzzy side facing out of the machine as shown in the image below. If the paper filter has a tab, fold it facing out of the machine for easy removal. The foam filter is inserted into the filter area after the paper filter is installed. The foam filter will catch the larger dirt particles first. If you are using a two colored filter, the colored side faces out as shown in the image below.

Reusable foam filters

should be replaced when they deteriorate and begin to fall apart, much as a sponge does. The foam filter should be washed with a mild detergent monthly and should be replaced every 3 months or more if the foam is torn.

Disposable fine filters

and

bacteria filters

should be discarded as soon as they become discolored or at least every 30 days. If you live in a house with pets or smoke, you may need to replace the filters more often.

Foam filters

are designed to collect larger dirt particles and animal fur. If two filters are used in a machine, the foam filter should be on the outside. An example of a reusable foam filter is shown below.