You’ve been using your CPAP machine religiously for months, maybe even years. It has become a part of your nightly routine, and you couldn’t imagine not having it. But one day, you start to notice some unusual symptoms. Could you have an infection? If you or someone you know uses a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks of getting an infection from a dirty CPAP. A CPAP machine does not cause a bacterial infection, but a dirty CPAP does. Here we will refer to the infections caused by a dirty CPAP as CPAP bacterial infection.
While most people don’t experience any problems with their CPAP, there is a risk of developing a CPAP bacterial infection if your machine isn’t cleaned often enough or isn’t cleaned sufficiently. Left untreated, a CPAP bacterial infection can become quite serious. So don’t ignore your symptoms – get checked out by a doctor if you think you might have an infection! Here we will learn more about the signs of a CPAP bacterial infection and what you can do about it.
A CPAP bacterial infection can lead to serious complications. Clean your CPAP easily and effectively with an automatic CPAP cleaner and reduce the risk of getting an infection.
What is a bacterial infection?
Bacteria are complex, single-celled organisms that can live on their own, inside or outside of the body. Bacteria aren’t necessarily harmful. In fact, many bacteria live on and inside our bodies, especially in the gut, which helps us digest food. However, some bacteria can cause infections that can affect the throat, lungs, skin, bowels, and many other body parts. While many bacterial infections are mild, some can be severe- even life-threatening.
Bacterial infections can also have a significant impact on public health. Diseases occur as the body’s response to the presence of antigens. Bacterial transmission takes place through various routes, including air, water, food, or living vectors. The principal modes through which bacteria transmit are direct contact, airborne, droplet, vectors, and vehicular. When it comes to infections related to your CPAP, the source and mode are clear.
CPAP bacterial infection symptoms to watch for
The symptoms of a CPAP bacterial infection will depend on the location of the infection and the type of bacteria. However, there are some general signs of a CPAP bacterial infection to look out for:
Fever
Fever is a common response to bacterial as well as viral infections. There are various bacteria that cause high fever, including Shigella, Salmonella, Shiga, toxin-producing E. coli, etc. It is better to clean your CPAP regularly to avoid any build-up of these disease-causing bacteria.
Sinus headache
Sinusitis, or an infection of the sinuses, is an inflammation of the lining of your sinuses. A sinus is a hollow area behind the eyes, cheeks, and forehead that connects to the nasal passages. Sinuses produce thin mucus that drains from the nose. The mucus can cause infection if the sinuses become clogged with fluid. A cold or allergies could also cause excessive mucus. Having a bacterial sinus infection can give you a fever and a headache that puts pressure on your eyes and forehead. Other symptoms include facial tenderness or swelling, ear pain, tooth pain, and thick nasal discharge.
Cough
Common causes of cough include a virus, bacteria, allergies, irritants, bronchitis, etc. A dirty CPAP can harbor microbes and could also contain accumulated dust. Dust is a common irritant and allergen. Therefore, to avoid getting a cough, you should use a clean and sanitized CPAP device.
How to avoid getting a CPAP bacterial infection
Infections occur due to exposure to bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mold, and when these are in your CPAP machine, they can be circulated throughout your body. Taking a few steps can help reduce your exposure to these pathogens, thus reducing your risk of infection. According to most CPAP manufacturers, you need to clean your device every day to kill any bacteria it may have been exposed to throughout the night. Unfortunately, deep cleaning your device every day isn’t feasible. In order to reduce the risk of an infection, you can give a quick wipe to your CPAP machine daily and thoroughly clean your equipment on at least a weekly basis. We recommend using CPAP mask wipes or disinfectant sprays in between thorough cleanings for better hygiene.
Ready to take preventive measures to avoid a CPAP bacterial infection?
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, first pay a visit to your doctor. Then, it might be time to invest in an easy-to-use automatic CPAP cleaner. Some machines have a much better ability to eliminate bacteria than others. So, how do you know which one is right for you? We’ve compiled the best CPAP cleaners on the market today. We’ve done all the research for you and selected only top-of-the-line products that will help keep your machine clean and your lungs healthy. Shop now!