The patient should refer to the home ventilator machine instruction manual for full cleaning advice. The home ventilator machine is a medical device that should be treated with care and damp dusted weekly. A patient needs to ensure that the  machine is unplugged from the main supply before cleaning is commenced. The machine should not be stored on the floor because this is the dustiest part of a house.

The entire mask should be cleaned before it is first used and then the mask and cushion should be cleaned daily with a damp facecloth to prevent a buildup of grease from facial pores. The patient should be advised to always wash their face before using their mask. Every week remove the cushion or mask shell where possible and clean in warm soapy water, rinse in clear water and allow to air dry or dry. Never use bleach, chlorine or alcohol cleaners, baby wipes or cleaning lotions with moisturisers as the mask material can degrade. Detach the headgear when washing.

Please advise the patient to keep the mask away from direct sunlight and replace it every year.

Headgear should be replaced when there are signs of loss of tension. Headgear should be hand washed every week or as required. Alternatively, the headgear can be placed inside a pillowcase and washed on a gentle cycle and allowed to air dry. Do not tumble dry headgear as this will destroy the Velcro fastenings.

The connection tubing should be washed weekly in warm soapy water and rinsed thoroughly in clear water. Then hang the tubing over a towel rack/shower to drain and air dry completely. Tubing should be replaced every year or more frequently if it becomes damaged. If a humidifier is used it may be necessary to clean the tubing more frequently.

There are usually two filters that will need to be changed. The white ultra filter needs to be changed every month or when it is dirty. The grey pollen filter should be washed in warm soapy water once a week and  air dried. Always allow the filter to dry properly before re-installing into the ventilator machine.