Can CPAP Therapy Make Coronavirus Worse?

June 10, 2020 |

A COVID-19 diagnosis can be scary, especially if you have an underlying health condition, such as sleep apnea. If infected, you may worry that your daily CPAP therapy may make coronavirus symptoms worse or drive the virus deeper into your lungs. The good news is that there is currently no evidence to suggest that CPAP therapy increases the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. In fact, doctors suggest that you should continue using your CPAP machine throughout your coronavirus recovery.¹

Importance of Sleep for COVID-19 Patients

Regardless of a COVID-19 diagnosis, one of the pillars of a healthy lifestyle is sleep. Numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between sleep and improved immune function.² For those with sleep apnea, the recovery effects of sleep are hindered due to an obstructed airway. This leaves individuals not only fatigued, but also compromises their immune system making it more susceptible to infection. CPAP therapy provides sleep apnea patients with a continuous flow of pressurized air, keeping their airway open and allowing them to recover while sleeping.

So while you may be tempted to discontinue CPAP therapy, that may lead to an increased risk of severe coronavirus symptoms.

Precautions for OSA Patients After COVID-19 Positive Test Result

Here are some best practices for continuing your CPAP therapy while recovering from COVID-19.

Self-Quarantine with CPAP Machine

If you have been infected with COVID-19, you should already be self-isolating in a room to prevent the spread of the virus to others. Be sure to keep your CPAP machine in this room with you and limit exposure to other people.

Washing Your Hands

According to CDC guidelines, washing your hands effectively is one of the primary ways to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.³ Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water prior to touching your CPAP equipment.

Cleaning Your Equipment

Keeping your CPAP equipment clean is part of effective therapy. Follow these tips for thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing your CPAP machine, mask and hose to help prevent the spread of viruses. You may also want to increase the frequency of your CPAP cleaning routine beyond equipment manufacturer recommendations, or use a CPAP sanitizer for faster, easier equipment cleaning.

Replacing Accessories

You do not need to replace your CPAP supplies more frequently if you are infected, but if it’s been awhile since you replaced your CPAP mask, hose and/or filters, it’s as good a time as any to get new ones. Dirty filters and old masks and hoses can harbor germs and may complicate your current illness. Follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for accessory replacement.

A good night’s sleep is more important than ever while contending with COVID-19. Stay on top of your CPAP compliance to ensure you get the proper rest and recovery to get well soon.

At The CPAP Shop, our expert customer care team is here to answer all of your questions. Feel free to give us a call at 866-414-9700 or email us at questions@thecpapshop.com.

References:

American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Coronavirus FAQs: CPAP tips for sleep apnea patients. 2020 Apr 3. Accessed June 4, 2020.
Besedovsky L, Lange T, Born J. Sleep and immune function. Pflugers Arch. 2012;463(1):121‐137.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to Protect Yourself & Others. 2020 Apr 24. Accessed June 4, 2020.

Chris Vasta

Chris Vasta is the president of The CPAP Shop and an expert in sleep and respiratory therapy. He often provides insights on product design and functionality on various manufacturers’ prototypes and is frequently tapped to provide reviews on new releases.