CPAP and Chest Infections - Another Convinced User

[jbt1125]

After several weeks of usage now, there is no doubt that when I get a full night on the CPAP, my body feels the difference. I feel rested, don't feel the need for as much coffee, etc. Sorry to sound kind of crude, but it causes me to "rise" with the sunrise, if you know what I mean, also. I am a 40 yr old never any problems in that department, but its clear that all the oxygen I am getting is affecting me in MANY ways, including that

My problem is that I am all but convinced that I am getting chest infections from CPAP. Seems like a damned if you do damned if you don't situation. Everyone says that not using humidification will dry out sinuses, cause all kinds of problem. Yet, all I know is that I haven't had these kinds of symptoms/colds in a decade. Started immediately after I started using CPAP and have come in waves ever since. I have been cleaning the equipment, but I frankly find that process impossible. Everyone knows that microrganisms are just that....how in the world can you get into the nooks and crannies of the CPAP machine, the hose, etc. You cant. I take my well and wash it with baby shampoo and water thoroughly. I use only distilled water. I use anti-bacterial wipes on the inside and outside of machine, in the crevases, etc. But it seems like an impossible task. I mean, hospitals use sanitizing equipment, UV, etc. for this reason. How can I accomplish that level of clean with my baby shampoo and bathroom sink? The slightest bacteria being pushed into my lungs all night with pressurized air.

I have read all the posts here about this topic and I know that there are very split opinions. But I ask you - for those that have an S9 with heated humidifier and heated tube. I mean, after you clean the tube, how do you EVER get it completely dry in there? I feel that there is all kind of bacteria in there giving me recurrent infections.

I don't know for sure, I cant prove it. But sure seems like a huge coincidence.

[Todzo]

After several weeks of usage now, there is no doubt that when I get a full night on the CPAP, my body feels the difference. I feel rested, don't feel the need for as much coffee, etc. Sorry to sound kind of crude, but it causes me to "rise" with the sunrise, if you know what I mean, also. I am a 40 yr old never any problems in that department, but its clear that all the oxygen I am getting is affecting me in MANY ways, including that

Yes good CPAP treatment can reduce all kinds of E.D. - from Executive Dysfunction to E … I love that part too.

My problem is that I am all but convinced that I am getting chest infections from CPAP. Seems like a damned if you do damned if you don't situation.

I do hear about that sort of thing from time to time here. I am suspicious that it relates directly to CPAP's tendency to increase ventilatory instability which I know it does in my case on an intermittent basis. Simply I think that the times of over breathing tend to be hard on the lungs.

Everyone says that not using humidification will dry out sinuses, cause all kinds of problem. Yet, all I know is that I haven't had these kinds of symptoms/colds in a decade. Started immediately after I started using CPAP and have come in waves ever since.

From experience I know that ventilatory stability is greatly affected by the current stress level in the life.

Lately I have become aware that breathing stability may well be directly related to vitamin D3 levels. Those who are working with the D3 hormone (A.K.A. Vitamin D3) (e.g. Dr. Stasha Gominak, Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., M.D., Vitamin D Council) seem to be finding that the very low side of the “normal” range of 30-100 ng/L produces a range of symptoms including OSA, pain, and infection. All believe that a level lower than 50 ng/mL is not good and Dr. Stasha Gominak recommends 60-80 ng/mL for good health.

I have been cleaning the equipment, but I frankly find that process impossible. Everyone knows that microrganisms are just that....how in the world can you get into the nooks and crannies of the CPAP machine, the hose, etc. You cant. I take my well and wash it with baby shampoo and water thoroughly. I use only distilled water. I use anti-bacterial wipes on the inside and outside of machine, in the crevases, etc. But it seems like an impossible task. I mean, hospitals use sanitizing equipment, UV, etc. for this reason. How can I accomplish that level of clean with my baby shampoo and bathroom sink? The slightest bacteria being pushed into my lungs all night with pressurized air.

I think the current approach of “kill them all” where microbial life is concerned is simply silly. We cannot and never will be able to. What we can do is make an environment where “super bugs” can prosper, and we have.

I have read all the posts here about this topic and I know that there are very split opinions. But I ask you - for those that have an S9 with heated humidifier and heated tube. I mean, after you clean the tube, how do you EVER get it completely dry in there? I feel that there is all kind of bacteria in there giving me recurrent infections.

I don't know for sure, I cant prove it. But sure seems like a huge coincidence.

Since I now have my breathing stability issues better dealt with I do not need or use a humidifier. Less to worry about.

I deal with my breathing stability issues by some eucapnic breathing training, time with the machine during the day, reducing stress, EERS when necessary, exercise, controlling AHI and vitamin D3 levels. I think that if you do not stress the lungs through times of excessive breathing they are less prone to infection.

[BlackSpinner]

For me my chest and breathing issues really cleared up and I don't exactly wash that humidifier very often and I only rinsed that hose out once when I got it.
Since starting on cpap I had only one case of pneumonia 4 years and it was the mildest I have ever had.

If you have recurring infections I think you need to talk to a pulmonologist. There has to be something in your body that is harbouring the germs.
One thing that can mess you up too is silent GERD (acid reflux), if it gets near your lungs it can cause all sorts of nastiness.

[Goofproof]

I have less colds with xpap, I don't do much cleaning, my germs are my germs. I can't see killing what I have to breath all day, so I just let the microbes gighg each other, it seems to keep their numbers under control.

[Bill44133]

I have had a terrible time with sinus infections since I started this therapy. I have found these filters https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Respir ... -pack.html. Looking closer at this, it appears this does not work with the S9, but maybe they have something similar. Good luck.

[jaybeem]

I have had a terrible time with sinus infections since I started this therapy. I have found these filters https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Respiro ... -pack.html . Looking closer at this, it appears this does not work with the S9, but maybe they have something similar. Good luck.

For the S9: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... neric.html