Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsInfection DangersFungal and Mold RisksHow to Avoid InfectionCPAP Sanitizers
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Infection Dangers
Fungal and Mold Risks
How to Avoid Infection
CPAP Sanitizers
When you use acontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machineto treatsleep apnea, there’s a potential risk of infection, includingsinus infectionsandpneumonia. Thankfully this risk is extremely low. And there are many proven benefits of using CPAP to treat sleep apnea, which include improved blood pressure, reduced daytime sleepiness, and better mood, cognitive function, and quality of life.
With proper cleaning steps on a regular basis and the use of filters, distilled water in a heated humidifier, and heated tubing, you can reduce your chances of getting sick.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
The Dangers of Infection
The CPAP machine is initially a sterile device. The plastic and metal parts will not cause illness on their own, and germs will not be present there when the machine is new.
Though there may be a reasonable concern for potential infection from the use of CPAP equipment, there is little research supporting such an association. In fact, there are small but reassuring studies showing that CPAP use has no significant risk of causing infection.
Once you start using it your germs can enter the device. Therefore, you are at low risk of acquiring a new infection from a CPAP if you are the only one using your device.The germs—whether they are bacteria or viruses—are ones that you put there via breathing, and your body has already maintained a balance or become relatively immune to them.
Moreover, some research actually suggests that regular CPAP use reduces inflammation and the risk of infection in the nasal passage.Cells associated with these phenomena are seen less often in the noses of compliant users of the therapy.
However, some germs can be introduced via contaminated water, such asLegionella, a type of bacterial infection. And there have been several case reports in the scientific literature reportingLegionella pneumoniaandStreptococcusinfection associated with home CPAP machine use.
There have been a few reports of eye irritation and ulceration occurring with CPAP use, possibly related to masks leaking air into the eyes, but the cause-and-effect relationship is not clear.
The CPAP has some features to make it more comfortable to use. In particular, the heated humidifier andheated tubingmay make the air warmer and moister. This decreases mouth and nose dryness.
Decreased dryness may actually reduce the risk of potential infection, and it improves tolerance to the therapy.
However, there are organisms that also love a warm, humid environment—in particular, fungus, yeast, and mold. Dangerous molds can potentially establish themselves in the equipment.
Some of these organisms could be harmful to you, and the air pressure may blow these organisms directly into your lungs. That may lead to irritation of the airways and lungs, causing a cough, or an infection like bronchitis, pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs called pneumonitis.
If your CPAP is not kept clean and excess moisture is allowed to sit in the tubing or humidifier, you might be at risk of developing a fungal or yeast colonization.
However, the risk of this type of complication is likely extremely low.The use of a humidifier and adequate hygiene seems to reduce these risks.
If water is left in the device for an extended period of time without use, mold is more likely to form. Therefore, the device should not be stored with water left in it, especially in an environment that might promote such growth (like leaving the CPAP in a shed or garage for months or years and then resuming its use).
Why You Should Use Distilled Water In Your CPAP
In order to reduce the theoretical risk of infection or exposure to unwanted fungi or molds, there are certain steps that you can take.
By taking these steps, you can reduce the risk of infection as you continue to get the healthful benefits you expect from your treatment.
Do You Need a CPAP Sanitizer?
It is not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on a specialized CPAP sanitizer, such as the SoClean unit that retails for $299. There is no evidence that these cleaners reduce the risk of infection.
Though it might make it easier to keep things clean on a daily basis, the cost likely outweighs any potential benefit. Save your money and avoid this expenditure. Instead, commit yourself to cleaning your equipment with soap and hot water at least weekly.
A Word From Verywell
It is important to keep your CPAP equipment clean. This will avoid any potential risks associated with its use. Beyond cleaning the equipment regularly, make certain to replace your supplies as often as insurance will allow. If you need further guidance, talk to your healthcare provider, who can provide additional instruction and resources.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mercieca L, Pullicino R, Camilleri K, et al.Continuous positive airway pressure: Is it a route for infection in those with obstructive sleep apnoea?.Sleep Sci. 2017;10(1):28-34. doi:10.5935/1984-0063.20170005
Chin CJ, George C, Lannigan R, Rotenberg BW.Association of CPAP bacterial colonization with chronic rhinosinusitis.J Clin Sleep Med. 2013;9(8):747-50. doi:10.5664/jcsm.2910
American Sleep Apnea Association.How to clean a CPAP machine. 2011.
American Sleep Apnea Association.CPAP humidification.
Aly Het al.Nasal colonization among premature infants treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure.Am J Perinatol. 2011 Apr; 28(4):315.320.
Harrison Wet al.Anterior segment complications secondary to continuous positive airway pressure machine treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.Optometry. 2007 Jul;78(7):352-5.
Ortolano, GAet al.Filters reduce the risk of bacterial transmission from contaminated heated humidifiers used with CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea.J Clin Sleep Med. 2007 Dec 15;3(7)700-5.
Sanner BMet al.Effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on infectious complications in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.Respiration. 2001;68(5):483-7.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
