Can I Continue to Use a CPAP Machine if I Have the Coronavirus?

If you have been diagnosed with Coronavirus and are currently managing sleep apnea, speak to your doctor about continuing your CPAP therapy. However, being diagnosed with Coronavirus does not change your sleep apnea diagnosis or your need to treat the condition. And having a good night’s sleep contributes to your overall health and helps boost your immune system to fight the virus. Here are some best practice recommendations for using your CPAP machine if you have Coronavirus.

General Guidelines for Coronavirus Infection

• Remain at home during your illness unless you need to seek medical care.
• Quarantine yourself in a room, such as a bedroom with an attached bathroom, that is solely for you to prevent infecting others at home.
• Avoid sharing dishes, towels, TV remotes, or other commonly touched items in the household.
• Wash your hands often.
• Limit interaction with others and wear a face mask when you must interact.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces in your quarantine room.

Can Using a CPAP Prevent Coronavirus?

CPAP devices are effective in treating sleep apnea. However, they cannot help you prevent contracting Coronavirus.

Daily Cleaning and Sanitizing of Your CPAP Equipment

While infected, following a strict cleaning routine for your CPAP machine, hoses, and masks helps prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

If you use a CPAP machine with a humidifier, make sure to empty out any remaining water in the chamber daily. For optimal performance, use clean, distilled water in your humidifier at night. However, ResMed has said that if there is a shortage of distilled water, tap or bottled water may be used. It will not harm the device or add risk to the patient. However, it will require a more rigorous humidifier cleaning to prevent mineral buildup in the tub.

Wipe down your mask and other CPAP supplies every time they come into direct contact with your skin. CPAP mask cleaning wipes are specifically designed for daily cleaning. Because of your infection, a thorough cleaning of CPAP hoses, mask and headgear should be performed daily. Wash with a mild detergent and a few drops of ammonia. You can also refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific cleaning of your CPAP products.

For an easier and more thorough cleaning, a CPAP cleaner and sanitizing machine is recommended. The SoClean2 Cleaner and Sanitizing Machine kills 99.9% of germs and viruses naturally, using activated oxygen, and no water or chemicals. The SoClean2 can be used to sanitize masks, headgear, tubing and humidifier water chambers.

Using You CPAP Machine While Infected

After consulting with your physician, follow these tips to prevent spreading the virus while actively using your machine.

• Keep your filters clean and dry and the humidifier dry when not in use. Leave machine on for 10-25 minutes.
• Set your machine auto-ON and auto-OFF to reduce the time that the mask and the machine are blowing into the room rather than on your nose and face.
• If you cough or sneeze into your CPAP mask, clean it immediately.
  Remember, your CPAP is a personal device and is not to be shared with others.