Cpap and sinus infections

I have been reading the many posts concerning the Cpap machine and sinus infections. This was my main problem with the machine. I had only been using the machine a few months and developed a very bad sinus infection. Soon after the first infection, I developed another. I am also prone to Bronchitis as well. After reading that others share my concerns and problems, I thought I would share what I consider a easy solution. I was told to wash my mask, tubing, and water compartment one a week. I decided to do it as a daily routine....hot and soapy water. I swish the plastic part of the face mask in the water which makes for more bubbles. I put the tubing in the sink as well as the actual gel mask. I dump all the water in the water compartment each day...before I fill the sink. I used to just add more water each day if there was still water left (distilled) but I read that leaving the water adds to bacteria. I put this whole empty compartment in the hot soapy water as well. I take the gel mask and swish it around and rinse and take it out of the water first. I bought some baby wipes at the dollar store and use these to wipe the whole mask. I also use it to wipe the plastic attachment , esp the gel top that forms to my head. I use both ends of the tubing to put the soapy water through the tube. Drain the water and rinse the water compartment. I use the same baby wipe and lay it down and put this compartment on top to let it dry and keep clean. Last, I run hot water through the tubing to get all the sops out and hang it to dry. This all might take five minutes of your day but since I have done this daily routine I have not had another sinus infection. Honest. It has now just about been a year. So, don't give up. I also did get nasal drops but I rarely have to use them. Same with eye drops since I had very dry eyes after using the machine. So, it does get better...don't give up. I feel better and sleep better.

If you're using a humidifier attachment and have it on a higher setting, try turning it down or even off - it's only meant as a convenience/comfort thing and not 'therapy' in itself. I (and others) get congested if I use it except for a few wks in winter when central htg dries everything out, but disconnect it entirely the rest of the year.

Welcome to the board Hunna.

I'm not convinced that CPAP increases sinus infection risk that much, but keeping your equipment clean is a good idea.

There is a product called Control III Disinfectant that is intended for CPAP masks and hoses. cpap.com, who hosts this site sells it. I haven't used it myself.

I wash the plastic parts of my mask and the water tank every week in the dishwasher. I also have two sets of all the parts and after I wash one set, I set them aside for a week to dry out and help keep germ growth down.

Note that ResMed does say not wash masks in the dishwasher.

If you're using unheated hoses, they're relatively cheap and you can get several and change them out fairly often.

While clean is usually a good thing, cpap lessens infections with use. A body that gets O2 is more able to fight the fight. While you are cleaning your equiptment I am doing other things. I also no longer use a HH with water in it.

Congratulations on overcoming a problem. Many would have quit. Now you get your reward. sleep

My DME contact that his grandfather had serious lung infections, (sinus also) after nearly dying, multiple trips to the hospital, he was with his grandfather, when his grandfather asked him to fill his humidifier tank. It had black looking stuff floating in it.

His grandfathers lungs were seriously impaired, all because no one told the old fellow to clean his stuff. True in some environments it is nearly impossible to grow mildew and mold, but it happens.

Personally I keep my distilled water gallon jug with the cap on it in the fridge just to reduce the possibility. Reminds, maybe I should wash my humidifier tank and hose tonight.