People with sleep apnea may be at an increased risk of developing an upper respiratory infection (URI) due to their sleep-deprived state. A study published in the journal Sleep found that more than one-third of people with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) developed an upper respiratory infection six months following their diagnosis.
The study also showed that men were more likely to develop an upper respiratory infection than women and that people with a history of URI were more likely to develop OSA than those without it.
Clean the humidifier often
People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) need to use a CPAP machine to keep their airways open during Sleep. However, potential risk of infection, including sinus infections and pneumonia, from using a CPAP. The humidifier often included with a CPAP can add moisture to the air and help prevent these infections, but it is important to keep the humidifier clean.
While it is possible to use tap water in your humidifier, it’s not recommended. Tap water can contain minerals and other impurities that can build up inside the humidifier and cause problems. It can also cause the unit to work harder, increasing electricity usage. Distilled water is a better choice for humidifiers as it doesn’t contain any impurities. You should also regularly clean your humidifier according to the manufacturer’s instructions and replace the filter when needed.
CPAP lawsuits are becoming more common
Since the 1990s, personal injury lawsuits over defective products have increased. This is especially true in cases involving medical devices and equipment. In recent years, one of the most common devices targeted in these lawsuits has been continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines used to treat sleep apnea.
In many cases, patients who have used a CPAP machine for an extended period have begun experiencing problems with the device. These can include leaks, noise, and discomfort. When these issues are not resolved by adjusting the settings on the machine or by working with a doctor or respiratory therapist, patients often turn to lawyers to file a Cpap machine lawsuit against the manufacturer of the machine.
Reasons Why CPAP is Common
There are several reasons why CPAP lawsuits are becoming more common:
- First, more people know the benefits of using a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea.
- Second, the cost of a CPAP machine has decreased in recent years, making them more affordable for patients.
- Third, insurance companies are increasingly covering a CPAP machine’s cost, making them more accessible to patients.
- Finally, many patients are frustrated with the high cost of replacement masks and filters and seek compensation from the manufacturers.
Risks Associated with Infection
The CPAP machine itself is initially sterile. When the machine is new, there won’t be any germs on the plastic or metal components, and neither will they be a source of illness on their own.
Once you start using it, any bacteria found inside the mask, tubing, or apparatus becomes part of you. As a result, if you use a CPAP alone, your risk of contracting a new infection from it is low. By breathing into the environment, you introduce bacteria and viruses that your body has already come to terms with.
Although the risk of infection from using CPAP equipment may be legitimately worried about, there is little evidence of this association in adults.
Know Your Legal Rights
Most people who use a CPAP machine to sleep at night assume that the mask and machine are safe. However, there is some concern that the mask itself might be causing health problems. Can your CPAP mask make you sick? There is growing evidence to suggest that it might.
One study published in Sleep found that among people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), those who used masks regularly were more likely to develop upper respiratory infections (URIs) than those who did not.
If the situation becomes serious, it is important to know your rights and what steps to take next. Consult with a personal injury lawyer about your lawsuit options. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process. They can also help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Conclusion
Many people are unaware that using a CPAP mask can cause you to become very sick. The mask is made from plastic and silicone, which can trap some of the body’s bacteria and viruses. Over time, these bugs can cause serious respiratory infections, including pneumonia. When you first start using your CPAP machine, it is important to clean the mask regularly and change the filter every two weeks.