Anyone use a CPAP @ a dentist to reduce chance of Covid-19 ?

[Physician]

This week I must see my dentist... it's not elective. My dentist has an air sterilizer, face mask, and face shield, but I'm still concerned about C-19.

Has anyone here used a CPAP machine at the dentist? Here's why it might be good:

1. Helps pure nasal breathing (Mirage FX nasal mask)
2. Input air can be extracted from an area away from others
3. Could use triple cotton cloth over CPAP air intake
4. My air purifier output could produce the air going into the CPAP intake.
5. A triple cloth mask could be placed over the Mirage FX mask.

My sleep doc said he wouldn't recommend this, but could not or did not say why.

Please share your thoughts.

[LSAT]

You must be joking

[Pugsy]

In a word.....no. Never crossed my mind.

You still have to open the mouth and breathe through your mouth for one thing and the last place I want to take my cpap stuff is out and about and expose it to anything to get sucked into the machine.

[Dog Slobber]

Using a CPAP machine would increase the risk of those around you.

The vented air can both aerosolize and propel it further than had you been exhaling without CPAP. This could further extended its reach and any pathogens suspended in aerosolized moisture to remain in the air longer, possibly well after the dentist/hygenist have removed their PPE and any patients that follow you.

The combination of nasal mask and an open mouth could also create a lot of the CPAP provided air being blown directly out of the mouth somewhat forcefully, especially for those not capable of completely preventing mouth breathing.

I don't think this idea was well thought out.

Physician seal thyself.

[Physician]

"Physician seal thyself."




'

I am sealed. Ha ha.

Apparently you people don't understand the setup, and the dentist is the only person within 20 feet. You have presumed I have Covid. I do not now. I do not mouth breath and the CPAP reduces the chance of mouth breathing during the visit. The air going into me will be filtered by five techniques.

Waiting to read a valid reason why this setup would not offer additional protection.

[Pugsy]

I am waiting to see valid reasons why you need it.

You asked

Has anyone here used a CPAP machine at the dentist?

You got your answer(s) and didn't like them. So be it.
The fact you think it might think it is a good idea is irrelevant to me. I don't think it is a good idea and I don't think it is needed.
But you are of course free to do whatever you wish.

Have a nice day.

[Physician]

You are waiting for valid reasons why it is needed and I am waiting for valid reasons why it could hurt or why it would not help.

[Julie]

You said you don't have Covid 'now', so do we assume you did have it? And have been tested for antibodies, etc. to be sure you're clear?

Or what?

[khauser]

You don't like the answers you got. Try this:

1) If you use a CPAP, and unknowingly have c-19, you GREATLY raise the risk of everyone around you. They are already at greater risk because you can't have a mask during a dental procedure.
2) Every dentist in this country is now following a strict protocol. Part of that protocol means their office is SHUT DOWN if anyone treated or working there develops covid. This makes them HIGHLY motivated to observe every reasonable precaution.
3) Where do you think you can put the CPAP machine that is safer? Are you bringing a 100' hose? (Not that the pressure could be maintained...)
4) In fact if you DID use a CPAP and failed to prevent exhaling through your mouth the pressure would be allowed out that way and be pretty similar to coughing, causing even more risk to the doctor and staff.

May I suggest you call the dentist and express your reservations, then ask what they think? I would be VERY surprised if they'd be willing to let you use the CPAP anyway. Along with making it that much harder to do what they need, you're exposing them to unnecessary risk. In fact, if your dentist did allow it, I would suggest THAT is cause to find a dentist who understands infection spreading.

[Pugsy]

You already got some valid reasons why it wasn't a good idea. You want more? Even your own doctor said it wasn't a good idea.
Like I said...you didn't like the answers...that's okay. Wait all you want.

[LSAT]

Obviously you are going to try and convince the dentist that this is a good thing. Why do you need our approval? I hope if you are a real physician, you don't treat people.

[chunkyfrog]

I have my cleaning on 10/1,
and it never crossed my mind.
Nor will it, now.
Be at peace.
We are all but a breath away from oblivion.
Fear is the mind-killer. --Frank Herbert,; Dune.

[Dog Slobber]

Apparently you people don't understand the setup, and the dentist is the only person within 20 feet.

And 5 minutes after you leave the chair, there will be another completely unprotected patient sitting in that chair, and the suspended aerosolized moisture from your CPAP venting will still be completely covering the area.

How long after you leave the chair do you expect the dentist to keep their PPE on.

]You have presumed I have Covid. I do not now.

This statement is silly.

The whole premise of COVID related masks and PPE is a presumption that others may have it and/or asymptomatic. But if you want to play the "You have presumed I have Covid" game, then this whole topic is silly because it's based on your presumption that your dentist has Covid.

I do not mouth breath and the CPAP reduces the chance of mouth breathing during the visit.

Oh so when you created this topic and asked for our thoughts, what you really meant was "Only give your thoughts about my particular situation, don't give any thoughts about the CPAP using population in general, many of whom mouth-breath".

The air going into me will be filtered by five techniques.

But what about the air coming out of you.

And as I previously stated, this discussion should be about COVID procedures with the presumption that everybody may have COVID and may be asymptomatic.

You, the dentist, office staff, other patience that are in close proximity both while you are being treated and shortly after you have left.

Waiting to read a valid reason why this setup would not offer additional protection.

You were given some.

[ChicagoGranny]

[Physician]

Just clarified the sleep docs reply. He did not know if it would help, but given the Mirage FX, it could not hurt and might help. She has OSA and uses a full face mask, so that would not work for her.

Reviewed the replies here, and none of them were sufficient to give reason to not use the setup described.

Thanks, for your heated, emotional fervor and excitement.

As for Covid status, no antibodies and nasal swab negative two days ago.