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Table of Contents
- How to Manage Sleep Apnea During the Covid 19 Pandemic
- Does having sleep apnea make me more likely to get the coronavirus?
- Should I halt using my CPAP if I have a mild cough?
- Is there a risk using my CPAP will infect others around me if I have the coronavirus?
- What if I have run out of or cannot get distilled water for my CPAP?
- Should I clean my CPAP machine, mask and accessories separately if infected by the virus?
- What if I have more questions about how to manage obstructive sleep apnea?
- Resources and References:
How to Manage Sleep Apnea During the Covid 19 Pandemic
The novel COVID-19 has the world on high alert about avoiding contracting the virus. If you are someone living with a health condition, such as obstructive sleep apnea, it almost certain and natural to worry about to worry about being more vulnerable as well as how to manage sleep apnea during this challenging period.
If you are treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy, it is imperative to understand how significant it is to manage your condition and help you sleep. However, anxiety about the virus is causing new sleep challenges for some people. You should worry that using a CPAP comes with higher risks for an infectious respiratory virus like COVID-19.
Does having sleep apnea make me more likely to get the coronavirus?
It is worth for those wondering how to manage covid with sleep apnea to note that there is no evidence that sleep apnea on its own puts you at higher risk for contracting COVID-19. Nevertheless, risk factors for serious illness may include age (65 years and over) and underlying medical conditions, especially if they are not well controlled. They include chronic lung disease or moderate-to-severe asthma, serious heart conditions, compromised immune system, Diabetes, Severe obesity among others.
Should I halt using my CPAP if I have a mild cough?
You should continue using your CPAP as directed by your doctor. The CPAP assists you have the sleep you need to enhance your immune system.
Is there a risk using my CPAP will infect others around me if I have the coronavirus?
The corona virus spreads from person-to-person through respiratory droplets produced when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. If you are wondering how to manage sleep apnea without cpap in this period, you should understand that you will be missing out on the benefits of using CPAP. However, a CPAP can spread the virus through droplets from leaks around the mask. If you are covid infected, it would be best to isolate yourself from others in your home if possible.
What if I have run out of or cannot get distilled water for my CPAP?
It is worth noting that you can also use tap or bottled water for your CPAP. However, it should be boiled. Distilled water is ideal since most of the minerals that can build up in the machine’s humidifier have been removed. You can ask your doctor for more cleaning and sanitizing tips if you are wondering how to manage obstructive sleep apnea using a clean CPAP.
Should I clean my CPAP machine, mask and accessories separately if infected by the virus?
It is prudent to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your device. The Centers for Disease Control suggests the use of soap and water in cleaning and disinfecting your equipment. It is good to avoid use chemicals such as bleach. If you are unsure how to manage sleep apnea when camping, there is a wide variety of CPAP portable machines to choose from in the market.
What if I have more questions about how to manage obstructive sleep apnea?
Staying in touch with your doctor is always crucial in managing your sleep apnea condition. Reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns on how to ideally handle your condition.
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