CPAP When Sick: How to Continue Your Therapy and Stay Healthy

If you have sleep apnea, you probably know how important it is to use your CPAP machine every night. CPAP therapy helps you breathe better, sleep better, and reduce the risk of serious health problems. But should you use CPAP when sick? How can you prevent your CPAP from spreading germs or making your symptoms worse? In this article, we will explain how to continue your CPAP therapy when you are sick and how to keep your CPAP clean and germ-free when you’re under the weather.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes your breathing to stop or become shallow during sleep. This can happen hundreds of times a night, disrupting your sleep quality and oxygen levels. Sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is the most common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask that delivers pressurized air into your airway, keeping it open and preventing apnea events. Using a CPAP when sick can continue to improve your sleep quality, daytime alertness, mood, and overall health.

However, using a CPAP when sick can also pose some challenges, especially when you are ill. Many people wonder, is it safe to use a CPAP while sick. Especially when they have a cold, flu, sinus infection, or other respiratory illness. The answer is yes, you should still use your CPAP when you are sick unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Using your CPAP when sick can help you recover faster and prevent complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis. However, you may need to make some adjustments to your CPAP settings, mask, humidifier, and cleaning routine to ensure that your therapy is comfortable and hygienic. In the following sections, we will discuss how to do that.

How to Adjust Your CPAP Machine When You Are Sick

Never adjust your CPAP machine settings without consulting your healthcare provider.

Depending on the type of illness you have and the severity of your symptoms, you may need to change the pressure level, the ramp time, the humidification level, or the mask type of your CPAP machine. Here are some general guidelines:

Pressure level: If you have nasal congestion or a runny nose, you may find it harder to breathe through your nose with your usual CPAP pressure level. You may feel like the pressure is too high or too low for your comfort. In this case, you may need to lower or raise the pressure level slightly until you find a setting that works for you.

You should only ever adjust the pressure level after discussing it with your doctor or sleep specialist. Do not make drastic changes to your pressure level without consulting a professional first.

Ramp time: The ramp time is the feature that allows your CPAP machine to gradually increase the pressure from a lower level to your prescribed level over some time. This can help you fall asleep more easily and comfortably with your CPAP mask on. However, when you are sick, you may find that the ramp time is too long or too short for your needs. If the ramp time is too long, you may feel like you are not getting enough air at the beginning of the night. If the ramp time is too short, you may feel like the pressure is too high too soon. In this case, you may need to adjust the ramp time according to your preference.

Again, this should only ever be done in consultation with your healthcare practitioner.

Humidification level: The humidification level is the amount of moisture that is added to the air that flows through your CPAP mask. This can help prevent dryness and irritation in your nose and throat caused by the pressurized air. However, when you are sick, you may need to change the humidification level depending on your symptoms. If you have nasal congestion or a runny nose, you may benefit from increasing the humidification level to help loosen up the mucus and clear your airway. If you have a sore throat or a cough, you may benefit from decreasing the humidification level to avoid adding more moisture to your already inflamed tissues.

Never adjust the humidification level without contacting your doctor or sleep specialist for advice first.

Mask type: The mask type is the style of mask that fits over your nose or mouth or both while using your CPAP machine. There are different types of masks, such as nasal masks, nasal pillows, full-face and hybrid masks. The mask type that works best for you may depend on your facial shape, your breathing preference, and your comfort level. However, when you are using your CPAP when sick, you may need to switch to a different mask type depending on your symptoms. If you have nasal congestion or a runny nose, you may find it easier to breathe through your mouth rather than your nose. In this case, you may need to switch to a full-face mask or a hybrid mask that covers both your nose and mouth. If you have a sore throat or a cough, you may find it more comfortable to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth. In this case, you may need to switch to a nasal mask or nasal pillows that only cover your nose. You can try different mask types by visiting your CPAP supplier or by contacting your doctor or sleep specialist for recommendations.

How to Keep Your CPAP Clean and Germ-Free When You Are Sick

Another important thing you need to do when you are using your CPAP when sick is to keep your machine and accessories clean and germ-free. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or mold that can cause infections or worsen your symptoms. It can also help extend the life of your CPAP equipment and improve its performance. Here are some general tips on how to clean and sanitize your CPAP machine and accessories when you are sick.

Clean your CPAP mask every day: You should clean your CPAP mask every day with warm water and mild soap or with a special CPAP cleaner that is designed for this purpose. You should rinse the mask thoroughly and let it air dry on a clean towel or paper towel. You should avoid using alcohol, bleach, vinegar, or other harsh chemicals that can damage the mask or irritate your skin. You should also avoid using scented soaps or cleaners that can leave residues or odors on the mask that can interfere with your therapy. It is always best to consult the instructions provided by your manufacturer when cleaning any part of your CPAP machine and its components.

Clean your CPAP tubing every week: You should clean your CPAP tubing every week with warm water and mild soap or with a special CPAP cleaner that is designed for this purpose. You should rinse the tubing thoroughly and hang it in a clean and dry place until it is completely dry. You should avoid using alcohol, bleach, vinegar, or other harsh chemicals that can damage the tubing or irritate your airway. You should also avoid using scented soaps or cleaners that can leave residues or odors on the tubing that can interfere with your therapy.

Clean your CPAP humidifier chamber every week: You should clean your CPAP humidifier chamber every week with warm water and mild soap or with a special CPAP cleaner that is designed for this purpose. You should rinse the chamber thoroughly and let it air dry on a clean towel or paper towel. You should avoid using alcohol, bleach, vinegar, or other harsh chemicals that can damage the chamber or contaminate the water. You should also avoid using scented soaps or cleaners that can leave residues or odors on the chamber that can interfere with your therapy.

Replace your CPAP filter every month: You should replace your CPAP filter every month or more often if it is dirty or clogged. The filter is the part of the CPAP machine that filters out dust, pollen, smoke, and other particles from the air that flows through the machine. A dirty or clogged filter can reduce the airflow and pressure of the machine and affect the quality of your therapy. It can also harbor germs that can cause infections or worsen your symptoms. You should use a new filter that is compatible with your CPAP machine model and follow the instructions on how to install it properly.

Using your CPAP machine when sick

Using a CPAP machine when sick is not only safe but can also enhance your recovery. With a few simple adjustments (never make any adjustments without consulting your doctor first) and some extra care, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of uninterrupted sleep even during illness. If you find the maintenance of your CPAP machine too burdensome when you’re ill, consider buying replacement supplies, as parts should be replaced every 3-6 months regardless. Remember to maintain your CPAP machine, seek professional advice if needed, and prioritize your comfort. Your health and well-being should always come first, and your CPAP machine can be a valuable ally in that journey.

FAQs

Can I use my CPAP machine if I have a cold?
Yes, using your CPAP machine when you have a cold can help you breathe easier and recover faster. Just follow the guidelines in this article for a more comfortable experience.

What if I can't breathe through my nose due to congestion?
If nasal congestion is a problem, consider using a full-face mask that covers both your nose and mouth. This allows you to breathe through your mouth if necessary.

Can I take cough syrup or cold medicine while using my CPAP machine?
It's generally safe to take over-the-counter cough syrup or cold medicine while using your CPAP machine. However, consult your healthcare provider for specific advice.

Is it okay to use a CPAP machine if I have the flu?
Yes, using a CPAP machine when you have the flu can help you breathe better and improve your sleep quality.

Should I clean my CPAP machine more often when I'm sick?
Yes, it's a good practice to clean your CPAP machine and components more frequently when you're sick to prevent the buildup of germs and bacteria.

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