During seasons of fluctuating temperatures, the flu strikes again. Symptoms like fever, cough, and nasal congestion bring overwhelming discomfort and helplessness. For snoring patients, catching the flu further worsens already poor sleep quality. Many CPAP users have questions during this time.
Q: Can I continue using my CPAP machine if I have the flu?
If flu symptoms are mild, you can continue using the CPAP machine. Wearing a full-face mask with a bilevel (BiPAP) machine may help better open the upper airway.
If flu symptoms are severe, such as upper respiratory infections, otitis media, or sinusitis, you may feel breathless or suffocated while using the machine. In such cases, it is generally recommended to temporarily stop using the CPAP machine, seek hospital treatment to resolve the inflammation, and resume use afterward. Before restarting, consult a doctor for evaluation. Ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection of the mask and tubing to avoid worsening infections.
Q: How should I clean and disinfect my CPAP machine during the flu?
During flu outbreaks, clean the mask, headgear, tubing, water chamber, and filter daily. If necessary, perform ozone disinfection for internal sterilization or soak the tubing and mask in food-grade disinfectant (e.g., hypochlorous acid) for 3–5 minutes. After soaking, rinse thoroughly with running water and air-dry in a shaded area (avoid sun exposure).
Regular cleaning and disinfection are not only necessary during the flu but also crucial for maintaining the CPAP machine’s performance, treatment effectiveness, and lifespan.
Q: How to clean and maintain a home CPAP machine routinely?
Components and Maintenance Guidelines:
Main Unit: Clean every 15–30 days. Wipe with a damp cloth.
Humidifier: Replace water daily. Use purified or distilled water to reduce scaling. For scale removal, soak in a 1:3 white vinegar-water solution; dry thoroughly before reuse.
Mask/Nasal Cushion: Wipe daily; disinfect every 15–30 days; replace every 6 months. Clean oils/sweat with a damp cloth. Disinfect with food-grade disinfectant or neutral detergent. Wash with cool water and air-dry (avoid sun exposure).
Tubing: Clean every 15–30 days; replace every 6–12 months. Use food-grade disinfectant or neutral detergent. Wash with cool water, hang vertically to dry (avoid sun exposure).
Filter: Replace every 1–3 months. Wipe with a damp cloth.
Renshu Medical offers a "three-on-one" snoring chronic disease management team to address CPAP usage questions and provides regular tubing cleaning/disinfection services to prevent respiratory infections.
If you contract the flu or other respiratory infections, schedule an in-hospital CPAP disinfection service promptly.
Stay vigilant during unpredictable weather: Dress appropriately, prioritize health, strengthen prevention, and keep the flu at bay for smooth, comfortable breathing!
