New question regarding colds, viruses, and Respiratory Infec

jdschooler · Post by **jdschooler** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 4:55 pm

Everyone always asks about tolerating the hose/mask while they have a cold but I have a different question.

Most viruses and Upper Respiratory Infections whether they are viruses or bacterial are in fact contagious and spread through micro droplets of exhaled, coughed, or sneezed air. Are we infact re-exposing or re-infecting ourselves every night by using the same hose and/or masks? The cleaning direction I have do not have an anti-bacterial steps. Neither vinegar or dreft (the two cleaning solutions recommended by my DME) possess disinfecting properties. The flu this year is highly contagious (I know cause I'm a Paramedic and was recently infected by a patient I hauled).

What can I do so that I am not re-infecting myself nightly?

Grant I · Post by **Grant I** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 5:02 pm

While you could sanitize every day I believe the positive pressure flowing continuously out the exhaust port would carry the bugs OUT, making few available for rebreathing.

Just a thought...

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 5:03 pm

Wash your mask daily. The hose shouldn't be a problem since its positive pressure. Nothing can get in it just like a SCBA. The mask touches your face and you breathe into it so it must be washed. I wouldn't worry. I have had far fewer colds / flu since I've beem on cpap the past 3 years. Maybe its the filtered air I breathe all night .

Chris