Am I at Higher Risk for Coronavirus if I Have Sleep Apnea?
While there is no evidence that individuals with sleep apnea are at an increased risk of getting Coronavirus, all CPAP/BiPAP users should take extra precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. It is also important to note that using a CPAP or BiPAP machine does not help prevent Coronavirus.
The CDC currently lists certain people who are at higher risk of infection.
- Older adults, especially those living in convalescent centers
- Individuals with chronic medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, lung disorders or kidney disease
- People with a compromised immune system or anyone who is taking medications that weaken immunity
- Individuals in contact someone who has been infected with the coronavirus
How Can I Protect Myself While Using CPAP?
The best way to reduce the risk of infection while staying compliant to CPAP therapy is to keep your CPAP equipment clean. The CDC. recommends that you clean and disinfect your medical equipment per manufacturer instructions. It also recommends that you clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. This includes the exterior of the machines, door knobs, light switches, and handles.
Remember, that it is never a good idea to share your CPAP equipment with others that is especially true during this pandemic. Keep your CPAP machine and CPAP mask away from the physical contact of others. The coronavirus can remain on surfaces like metal and plastic for up to two to three days.1
Disinfect the exterior of your CPAP machine and all surrounding surfaces.
If you use a CPAP machine with a humidifier, make sure to empty out any remaining water in the chamber daily. Only use clean, distilled water just before using your humidifier at night.
Reducing the Risk of Coronavirus Infection with CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizing Machines
Not only do CPAP cleaner and sanitizing machines clean more thoroughly, they are also easier to use. If you want something more convenient than daily handwashing of your masks, hoses and headgear, CPAP sanitizing machines are your best choice. Here are some options.
The SoClean 2 CPAP Clean and Sanitizing Machine destroys 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including Coronavirus. No water or cleaning chemicals needed. Place your mask, tubing, water chamber, and headgear into the machine for thorough automated disinfection.
The Sleep8 CPAP Cleaner & Sanitizer Device uses “activated oxygen” which is another name for ozone to naturally clean, sanitize, and sterilize your CPAP equipment without added chemicals. Food and healthcare industries have used the cleaning power of ozone for decades, and Sleep8 now uses ozone technology to keep sleep therapy equipment clean.
If you have questions about sanitizing your CPAP equipment or need help selecting a sanitizer that’s best for you, give our expert consultants at The CPAP Shop a call or send an email.
Reference:
1. University of California-Los Angeles. Study reveals how long Coronavirus remains infectious on cardboard, metal and plastic. ScienceDaily. 2020 Mar 20.
Author
Chris Vasta
Over a 10+ year career at PHH Mortgage managing a $100 million portfolio, Chris Vasta learned the ins and outs of the business world. He learned how to establish business relationships, lead a multi-prong team, and implement strategies for long-term growth. In 2007, Vasta used that experience to transition his role into president of The CPAP Shop. Over his tenure, Vasta has been involved in everything from website design to warehouse layout. His hands-on approach with customers has evolved into an in-depth understanding of the challenges of beginning and adhering to sleep therapy. He often provides his insights on product…
Where do I buy the machineFor cleaning the whole thing
Please clarify.
My insurance contracts with Adapt health to supply c-pap equipment. Their tech recommended the Sleep 8. However I have read negative reviews of every machine, especially relating to lingering odors, post-cleaning. Do you recommend, strictly on quality, not cost, a particular cleaning machine?
If you are looking for a stationary sanitizer that uses ozone I would suggest the Soclean2.
Can my sleep 8 sanitize N95 and cloth face masks?
No, the Sleep8 sanitizing machine is not intended to be used with the N95 masks.
Why do I have to take the water chamber apart to utilize the attached hose on the top of the Easy Clean 2 to the Easy clean 2 machine ? Can we put masks we use for Covid 19 in the chamber?
Depending on what machine you have the top of the water chamber has to be replaced with an adapter to make it compatible with the Soclean2 Sanitizing machine. Please reach out to the manufacturer of the Soclean regarding its effectiveness in relation to COVID19. They can be reached at 1-(866)-501-3705.
Can you clean two masks at the same time, and is it compatible with ResMed machines?
Yes, you can sanitize multiple masks simultaneously with the sanitizing machines. Please note that you should still maintain a cleaning schedule in order to remove physical particles like dust and oil.