Why a CPAP Alternative Might Be Better For Your Health

For millions of people with sleep apnea, their CPAP machine enables them to get the quality sleep they need and live their life without the burden of constant exhaustion. While this device is solely meant to improve someone’s health, it can sometimes increase a patient’s chances of developing an infection such as bronchitis and even pneumonia.  Why is this the case, and should this risk cause you to switch to a CPAP alternative in Melbourne? Read on below so you can learn more and rest easy.

Can a CPAP Make You Sick?

Thankfully, there are currently zero reported cases in scientific literature of CPAP machine use alone causing someone to become sick. However, certain things that make the CPAP more comfortable use, such as a heated humidifier and tubing, can lead to the development of mold, yeast, and fungus that can cause upper respiratory problems.

Basically, if warm water is allowed to sit in the machine for a long stretch of time, it’s very easy for these tiny organisms to develop, meaning someone can end up breathing them in! This is what researchers believe is causing the cases of illness associated with CPAP use, not the machine itself.

How to Protect Yourself

The best way to prevent any exposure to fungi or molds is to simply practice consistent CPAP hygiene, which consists of:

• Clean your CPAP with warm water and dish soap at least once a week, daily if you can.
• If you are already sick, clean your CPAP more often.
• If you plan on not using your CPAP for a few days, DON’T leave water and moisture sitting in it. Clean and dry it out completely.
• Only use distilled water.
• Replace the components of your CPAP as often as you can. Typically, masks should be replaced about every 3 months, while filters and mask cushions should be changed out every 2-3 weeks.
• Do not share your equipment with others.

If You’re Sick of Your CPAP

If you already feel uncomfortable using a CPAP, the thought of potentially getting sick from it is probably enough to make you seek out another treatment altogether. Thankfully, you have a viable option in oral appliance therapy. For this, a dentist will work with your sleep doctor to create a custom mouthpiece you’ll wear to bed. It will slightly adjust your jaw forward to prevent your airway from closing while you sleep. Many patients prefer OAT because of its simplicity and increased comfort, plus keeping the appliance clean only takes a few seconds with a quick rinse!

How to Get a Sleep Appliance

If you’re interested in getting a sleep appliance, be sure to talk to your sleep doctor first. After voicing your concerns, and they’ll be more than happy to offer you a solution, whether this involves CPAP therapy or OAT. If an oral appliance is the answer, they’ll connect you with a local dentist so you can get one made right away.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine who has been serving Florida for more than 30 years. If you’re thinking about getting an oral appliance for sleep apnea in Melbourne, he’s the local expert sleep doctors trust, and he can be reached for questions through his website.