Cleaning and care
How to Clean a CPAP Water Chamber and Remove White Buildup
Empty the water chamber every morning, wipe or wash it and let it air dry. Wash it weekly in warm soapy water, and use a diluted vinegar soak for white mineral deposits if your manual allows it. Replace the tub if it cracks, leaks, turns cloudy or pitted, or its seal tears.
Daily care
Do not top up old water. Pour out what is left, then wipe or wash the tub and leave it open to dry. ResMed tells AirSense 11 users to empty the tub and wipe it thoroughly with a clean disposable cloth daily. Philips says to hand wash the DreamStation 2 tank daily.
Let the tub and heater plate cool before you handle them. The heater plate can stay hot for a while after therapy stops.
Weekly wash
Take the tub apart if it is designed to separate, wash all pieces in warm water with mild dish soap and a soft brush, paying attention to corners, then rinse and air dry.
ResMed allows the HumidAir 11 tub in a dishwasher at 65 C or less. Philips allows the DreamStation 2 tank on the top shelf of a dishwasher weekly.
White buildup
White crust or powder is usually minerals from water. ResMed says to remove white powder deposits using 1 part household vinegar to 9 parts water, then rinse with clean water. Using distilled water reduces buildup in the first place.
Philips' DreamStation 2 home cleaning section specifies warm water and mild dish soap; if you use a Philips or other brand tub, follow that manual rather than assuming vinegar is approved.
When to replace the chamber
ResMed says to replace the tub if it leaks, or has become cracked, cloudy or pitted, or if the seal is cracked or torn. The AirSense 11 guide lists a design life of 6 months for the Standard tub and 2.5 years for the Cleanable tub.
Medicare's usual maximum for a humidifier water chamber (A7046) is 1 every 6 months.
Checklist
- Empty the tub every morning.
- Wipe or wash and air dry daily.
- Weekly soap wash, all pieces apart.
- Vinegar soak only if your manual allows it.
- Inspect for cracks, cloudiness and seal tears.
Supplies that can help
Distilled water is what most CPAP humidifier chambers are meant to be filled with, because it leaves little or no mineral scale behind.
Plain, mild dish soap is the cleaning agent most CPAP makers and the FDA point to for masks, tubing and humidifier chambers.
The removable water tank of a CPAP humidifier; it wears and needs replacing, especially if it cracks, clouds or leaks.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get the white stuff out of my CPAP water chamber?
Soak in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 9 parts water if your manual allows it (ResMed does for its tubs), then rinse well. Switching to distilled water prevents most buildup.
Is it OK to leave water in the CPAP chamber all day?
No. ResMed and Philips both say to empty it daily. Standing water encourages growth of bacteria and mold.
Why is my CPAP water chamber cloudy?
Cloudiness is often mineral deposits or surface wear. ResMed lists a cloudy or pitted tub as a reason to replace it.
Can I clean the heater plate?
Philips says to wipe the DreamStation 2 heater plate with a damp cloth and mild soap solution with the device unplugged and cool. Do not pour water onto it.
Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error