Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment for sleep apnea, and regular cleaning of a CPAP machine and its accessories is important to ensure the equipment stays clean.
One vital aspect of maintenance is regularly washing the CPAP tube, which connects the machine to the patient’s mask. If CPAP tubes are not kept clean, mold and bacteria can grow, potentially making you ill. The accumulation of dirt and dust can also damage the device.
A CPAP hose cleaning brush is a simple yet effective tool for keeping tubing clean. We’ll discuss our selections for the best CPAP tube cleaning brushes and what to look for when making a selection.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
CareTouch CPAP Tube Cleaning Brush
Ideal For
- People with standard 22-millimeter CPAP tubing
- Those interested in a long brush that can be easily folded to a small size
- Shoppers wanting an additional small brush to clean other CPAP components
Who Should Keep Looking
- People needing to clean slim 15-millimeter CPAP tubing
- Shoppers who want one long brush without extra accessories
- Those seeking the lowest possible price
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Price
$15
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Diameter
22 mm CPAP tubes
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Dimensions
7-foot length
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Warranty
1-year warranty
The CareTouch CPAP Tube Cleaning Brush stands out with its convenient design and the added bonus of a second cleaning brush.
The CareTouch brush is compatible with standard 22-millimeter tubing. The cleaning brush is primarily made of stainless steel wire and has soft bristles at one end. Altogether, this 7-foot brush allows you to thoroughly clean the entire hose.
The brush is washable, reusable, and can be folded for easy storage into the included plastic bag. It also comes with a smaller 7-inch brush that’s suitable for cleaning a CPAP mask and smaller components.
The CareTouch CPAP Tube Cleaning Brush comes with a one-year warranty.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on CareTouch products
Shop NowBest for Slim Tubes
Purdoux CPAP Hose Brush
Ideal For
- People cleaning a CPAP device with slim 15-millimeter tubing
- Those who prefer a brush with a comfortable handle
- Shoppers looking for a low-cost option
Who should keep looking
- People cleaning a CPAP hose longer than 6 feet
- Those who want additional cleaning brushes and accessories
- Shoppers who want a warranty for their CPAP hose brush
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Price
$10
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Diameter
22 mm CPAP tubes, 15 mm CPAP tubes
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Dimensions
6-foot length
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Warranty
No warranty
The Purdoux CPAP Hose Brush can clean both standard 22-millimeter tubing and slim 15-millimeter tubing, making it a versatile option for a variety of shoppers.
The brush is also a highly affordable choice for cleaning your CPAP tubing. The total brush and wire length is 6 feet, allowing you to reach all areas of most CPAP tubing for thorough cleaning.
Soft nylon bristles help prevent scratching of silicone and plastic. Unlike many brushes, the Purdoux model has an easy grip handle so you do not have to hold the metal stem.
There is no manufacturer’s warranty for the Purdoux CPAP Hose Brush, so check the retailer's return policy before purchasing.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on Purdoux products
Shop NowBest Multi-Piece Brush Kit
Jakia CPAP Tube Hose Cleaning Brush Kit
Ideal For
- People looking for the option to clean either 15-millimeter or 22-millimeter tubing
- Shoppers who want covers to keep tubing clean while not in use
- Those who want a CPAP tube brush that comes with many accessories
Who should keep looking
- Shoppers looking for the lowest-priced cleaning brush
- Those who do not want extra CPAP cleaning accessories
- People who want a handle to grip while using the brush
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Price
$20
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Diameter
22 mm CPAP tubes, 15 mm CPAP tubes
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Dimensions
7-foot length
Featuring a dual-brush design, the Jakia CPAP Tube Hose Cleaning Brush is sold in a kit that includes multiple accessories to help keep your CPAP equipment clean and well maintained.
This stainless steel cleaning brush measures 7 feet long, with black brush bristles on each end. The dual brushes make it compatible with both slim 15-millimeter tubing and standard 22-millimeter tubing. The wire brush handle is made of stainless steel to prevent rusting and improve durability.
The Jakia brush kit also comes with two 7-inch brushes to clean other CPAP components, two ties to secure tubing as it dries, and two hose caps to keep out dust when you’re not using your machine.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on Jakia products
Shop NowWhy We Picked These
Our team at SleepApnea.org has extensive experience identifying the best CPAP machines and other accessories to help you make an informed selection. When evaluating the best CPAP tube cleaning brushes, we looked at product features, brand reliability, and customer reviews, and combined that information with our base of knowledge about various types of CPAP hosing.
What You Should Consider When Choosing a CPAP Tube Cleaning Brush
When buying a CPAP tube cleaning brush, it's important to consider the price, the quality of the materials, and the brush length. Keeping these factors in mind helps ensure that the brush is effective, durable, safe, and compatible with your hose, while also suiting your budget.
CPAP Brush Considerations
| CPAP Hose Compatibility | CPAP hoses come in different diameters and lengths. Your CPAP cleaning brush must fit your specific hose so you can effectively clean the inside, decreasing the risk of bacteria buildup. |
| Brush Length & Flexibility | A brush attached to a long metal coil can clean through the length of a CPAP hose. A flexible brush allows you to reach all areas of the hose and helps avoid kinking and bending of the tubing. |
| Price | CPAP cleaning brushes vary in price. It is important to find a brush that is both effective at cleaning your tubing and fits your budget. |
| Accessories | CPAP hose cleaning brushes are sold individually or in kits, which may include brushes with different bristle types, diameters, and lengths. These kits can clean different types of CPAP hoses and other CPAP accessories. |
| Quality Materials | Quality materials help ensure a brush is durable, effective, and safe to use. A brush made of high-quality materials will last longer, clean better, and is less likely to damage the hose. Stainless steel is common for the wire coil portion, since it does not rust. |
How to Clean a CPAP Hose
In addition to regularly cleaning your CPAP mask and other accessories, it’s important to keep your CPAP tubing clean. In order to thoroughly clean your CPAP hose, we recommend following a few simple steps:
- Unplug the CPAP machine from the power source and detach the hose from the machine.
- Rinse the hose thoroughly with warm water to remove dust or debris.
- Fill a clean sink or basin with warm water and add mild liquid soap.
- Thoroughly wash the hose. Consider using a hose brush to gently scrub the inside of the tubing.
- Rinse the hose thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Hang the tubing to dry or lay it on a clean towel, making sure that both ends are open.
How Often Should CPAP Hoses Be Cleaned?
Clean your CPAP hose at least once a week to ensure it stays free of bacteria. Also, refer to the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, as there may be some variations in the cleaning process depending on the specific model
What Supplies Do You Need to Clean a CPAP Hose?
In order to clean your CPAP hose, you will need warm potable water, mild soap, a clean sink or basin, and a space to either hang the hose or a clean towel to place the hose to dry on a flat surface. While not essential, many people find that a CPAP tube cleaning brush helps them clean their hose more efficiently.
Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals when cleaning your CPAP equipment. Air dry your tubing after cleaning, and avoid putting it in direct sunlight.
Where Can You Buy a CPAP Tube Cleaning Brush?
You can purchase a CPAP tube cleaning brush online or in a brick-and-mortar store. In addition to general retailers like Amazon and Walmart, they are sold by companies specializing in CPAP supplies and health care products.
Online shopping provides the convenience of browsing from home and often offers competitive prices and fast shipping. In-store shopping allows for hands-on product examination and immediate purchasing, but may involve a more limited selection.
CPAP Tubes and Cleaning Brushes
You can use your flexible spending account or health savings account to purchase CPAP equipment and supplies, including a CPAP tube cleaning brush.
Most CPAP manufacturers suggest using a mild non-antibacterial soap to clean tubing. Look for an unscented soap that is gentle and free of harsh cleaning agents.
If you don't clean your CPAP tubing, germs can transfer from your body to your CPAP hose as you breathe throughout the night. Dust can also enter your tubing and potentially damage your CPAP machine. Regular cleaning of your CPAP tubing is important to prevent the accumulation of bacteria. Cleaning your CPAP machine regularly helps keep you healthy and your machine in good working order.
While many heated CPAP hoses can be cleaned in the same manner as non-heated tubing, check the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance. In general, it is important that the tube is fully dry before reconnecting it to the CPAP machine. As with all CPAP tubes, do not use a dishwasher or harsh chemicals when cleaning a heated model.
Still have questions?
Sleep apnea products can be confusing. If you need individualized assistance, send us an email at [email protected] with your questions and we'll help find the best fit for you.
Written by
Amber Garnett, Staff WriterAmber is a freelance writer who resides in Seattle. Amber has worked as a clinical social worker in the medical field for over a decade. She loves long nature walks, traveling and reading poetry.
Reviewed by
Dr. Alberto Ramos, Medical ReviewerDr. Ramos is a Professor of Clinical Neurology and the Research Director of the sleep disorders program at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. He mentors and trains physician scientists. As a McKnight Institute for Brain Research collaborator, he focuses on the intersection between sleep disorders, cerebrovascular disease, and neurocognitive aging in population-based studies. As an investigator, he has also been involved with the Northern Manhattan Study and the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) since 2010.
