Last Updated on 2 years
Can CPAP make you sick? It can. But there are ways to prevent it from happening. We will talk about what makes you sick and how to fix it in this article.
The most common cause is the bacteria that get into your airways. It comes from using contaminated CPAP equipment or water in humidifiers. Another reason for getting sick with pneumonia-like symptoms is allergies to dust mites, animal dander, pollution, and mold spores. People with asthma who use CPAP machines are at risk of upper respiratory infections.
Can You Get an Infection From Your CPAP?
The bacteria that can cause you to get sick come from a few different places. The first is if your CPAP equipment isn’t clean. If you don’t properly clean your mask, tubing, and reservoir, then the bacteria will grow and spread. This can cause sinus infections, sore throats, and even pneumonia-like symptoms.
Another reason you might get sick is if your CPAP humidifier isn’t clean. If it has mold, mildew, or some other contaminant then that will grow and spread too. Again this can cause pneumonia-like symptoms making breathing difficult for CPAP users with asthma or allergies to certain things like dust mites.
People who have severe allergies are more likely to get sick when using their CPAP machines. This is because of the dust mites, animal dander, and pollen that they come in contact with every night. It’s best if you change your bedding often so these things don’t collect on it while you sleep. And also be sure to wash your CPAP equipment regularly too.
Symptoms of a Dirty CPAP Machine
Smell
One of the biggest giveaways that your CPAP machine needs to be cleaned is if it smells bad. If you notice a rank or unpleasant smell then it’s definitely time for a good scrubbing. The bacteria and mold can cause this smell, so cleaning it will get rid of the odor.
Skin irritation
If you wake up in the morning with red, itchy eyes and a sore throat then your CPAP equipment might need to be cleaned. This can cause pneumonia-like symptoms because of how easily bacteria spread when left on an unclean surface.
Runny nose
If you’re having to use your CPAP mask throughout the night, then it might be time for a good cleaning. If you notice that you have stuff coming out of your nose while wearing your mask then it’s probably because there are bacteria in the tubing or reservoir. Cleaning these will stop this problem from continuing further and make sure everything is bacteria-free.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, then it’s time for a good cleaning! Be sure to check out our article on how to clean your CPAP machine for the best results. And if you have any questions or concerns, be sure to reach out to us and we’ll help you out.
Appearance
Another sign that your machine needs to be cleaned is if it looks dirty. If the tubing and mask are covered in dust, then you need to clean them right away. This will help keep the bacteria from spreading and make sure that you’re getting the most out of your therapy.
Feelings of Illness
If you’ve been using your CPAP machine for a while and just started feeling ill then it could be because of your equipment. If you notice that the symptoms are getting worse, or if they’re lasting longer than usual, then this might be why.
Can You Get Sick From Using Your CPAP Humidifier?
Yes! It’s possible to get sick from using a CPAP humidifier. This is because of the bacteria that can grow in it, especially if you don’t clean it regularly. If there’s mold or mildew growing inside then this will make your CPAP machine harder to breathe through and might even cause pneumonia-like symptoms.
Another reason for getting sick from using a dirty CPAP humidifier is the allergens that can build up inside. People with asthma are more likely to get sick because of the dust mites, animal dander, and pollen. This is especially true if they’re using a humidifier each night with their CPAP machine.
How to Avoid Infection
Clean your CPAP regularly
The best way to avoid infection is by cleaning your CPAP machine regularly. Be sure to check out our article on how to clean your CPAP for the best results. And if you have any questions or concerns, be sure to reach out to us and we’ll help you out.
Use distilled water
You can avoid getting germs by using distilled water in your humidifier. This is because the chlorine and other chemicals that are found in tap water can be harmful to your health. Distilled water doesn’t have any of these chemicals, so it’s a safer option for you and your machine.
Be sure to also clean out your humidifier water chamber regularly so that the bacteria and mold don’t have a chance to grow. This will keep you healthy and your equipment working properly.
If you’re using a heated humidifier, then be sure to clean it every week. If you’re using a cool-mist humidifier, then be sure to clean it every month.
Do Not Let Water Remain in the Water Tank
To prevent getting sick, make sure that you do not let water remain in your equipment. If there’s water left in the tubing or reservoir, then it will give the bacteria a place to grow and spread. This can cause bad odors, skin irritation, and even pneumonia-like symptoms.
Be sure to empty out your equipment after each use and allow it to air dry. This will help keep the bacteria from spreading and make sure that your machine is working properly.
If you’re using a heated humidifier, then be sure to unplug it after each use. This will help prevent the water from boiling and causing damage to your machine.
Follow the CPAP Replacement Schedule
If you’ve been using the same equipment for a long time, then it’s probably time to replace some of your supplies. This is because they may have started to break down and won’t work properly anymore.
It’s also important that you don’t share any part of your CPAP machine with another person unless instructed otherwise by a doctor or other medical professional. This is because you could get a different bacteria, infection, or illness from them and make your symptoms worse.
Do I Need a CPAP Sanitizer?
There are a few different ways that you can clean your CPAP machine. You can use a CPAP cleaner, which is a device that cleans and sanitizes your equipment. This is a good option if you’re having trouble getting the bacteria out of your machine.
The price of such devices varies from $80 to $500.
Another option is to use CPAP wipes, which are disposable cloths that will help kill bacteria and germs on your machine. These work well if you don’t want to buy an expensive sanitizer or cleaning device for your equipment.
CPAP disinfectant sprays can also be used to clean your equipment. They come in a can and are sprayed on the outside of the machine. It’s important to read the directions carefully, as some disinfectants can be harmful to your health if used incorrectly.
It’s also a good idea to replace your CPAP tubing every three months or so. This is because bacteria can grow inside the tubing and cause you to get sick.
Conclusion
If you’ve been using CPAP for a while and have started to feel sick then it’s possible that the equipment has become dirty or damaged. In order to stay healthy be sure to clean all of your equipment regularly and replace it if necessary.
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